How to Make a Man in Cambodia
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The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Cambodia has been one of the highest in the Mekong region for years. Brothel-based outreach and social marketing of condoms cut new infections by more than half, yet the threat has spread to the general population. Men who engage in risky sexual behavior bring home the virus to their wives and girlfriends.
The USAID funded “You’re The Man!” National Challenge, aired weekly on Cambodian television, aims to change this behavior by instilling responsibility for self and others, respecting women, as well as teaching Khmer men to become a role model for others.
Left: Two men and a baby. In one challenge, team members struggle with changing diapers.
Photo by Mark Gabriel Perida
Text by Daniel Obispo Desembrana
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Upside-down world
Sharing domestic responsibilities is not so easy for traditional Khmer guys.
Photo by Mark Gabriel Perida
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What’s for dinner?
Pou Khlaing and Sok Yarin, hosts of the show are surprised to find that Khmer men are good chefs. The cooking challenge is a favourite among Cambodian viewers.
Photo by Mark Gabriel Perida
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Giving birth to a new generation of men
Pou Khlaing and Sok Yarin, hosts of the show, are getting down to the business of making better men. They've worked 12-hour days for the duration of the show's production.
Photo by Mark Gabriel Perida
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Setting up the stage for "edu-tainment"
“You’re The Man!” National Challenge, a sequel to the “You’re The Man! Reality TV Show” of 2009 is produced by The O People, a full-service branding agency in Phnom Penh.
Photo by Mark Gabriel Perida
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A drive-in show
The highly mobile Khmers with their motos enjoy watching the live show with their families. Antics of their favourite showman, Pou Khlaing often please the avid crowd.
Viewers cheer on as the show's contestants go through physical, mental and personality challenges.
Photo by Mark Gabriel Perida
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Bridging the generation gap
“You’re The Man!” content is carefully created for males of all ages. The general patronage nature of the show makes for easy viewing by the whole community.
Photo by Mark Gabriel Perida
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Backdrop of a changing social landscape
Gender disparity is one the main causes of poverty in Cambodia. In a hierarchical and patriarchal culture, Khmer men also face the challenge of reducing inequality and providing better opportunities for their women.
Photo by Mark Gabriel Perida
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Looking positive
A “You’re The Man!” contestant finds encouragement from loved ones cheering from among the crowd. Twelve men from different provinces across the country are competing in the grand finals in Phnom Penh city.
From more than a thousand registrants, only 200 were called for the grueling 3-day auditions, and only 10 were selected for the final challenge.
Photo by Mark Gabriel Perida
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The war on HIV never ends
Government officials of Cambodia, non-governmental organisations and international donors work hand-in-hand in the tough battle against HIV/AIDS. There’s no resting on successes, only more work ahead.
Photo by Mark Gabriel Perida
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Man enough to do a woman’s work
“You’re The Man!” challenges are more than a show of physical power. The games test the limits of manhood as well.
Photo by Mark Gabriel Perida
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The last frontier
“You’re The Man!” fosters the idea of male cooperation to create a safe and better future for their families and community. The show and its organisers hope that Khmer men -- by not giving in to peer pressure, shaping attitudes and values through communication, and guiding one another in decision-making -- will be socially responsible for all their actions.
Photo by Vanna Sann
