Ready, Set, Love (2024): Thailand and Gender Equality Thoughts

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The patriarchal system is challenging to eliminate, particularly in Indonesia. Despite women being increasingly involved and gaining equality with men in various aspects of life, Indonesia is still struggling to break free from patriarchal influences fully. This situation is echoed in other Asian countries, including Thailand. However, it cannot be denied that various media platforms have been advocating for gender equality, shedding light on the importance of equality as a right for women. One such medium for spreading this message is through cinematography.

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The romantic comedy-drama from Thailand, "Ready, Set, Love," released on February 15, 2024, on Netflix in six episodes, presents an entertaining story with a fresh perspective on societal stereotypes. Directed by Yanyong Kuruangkura, who previously found success with the famous film "Back to the '90s," the drama features a cast including Pongtiwat Tangwancharoen as Son Methapitak, Kemisara Paladesh as 'Day' Darika Chokwithee, Man Trisanu Soranun as Almond, and Nichapalak Thongkham as Chanel, along with other actors and actresses.

The narrative of this drama introduces a reality show organized by the government in response to concerns about the declining male population, with men being considered a valuable national asset. Titled "Ready, Set, Love," this reality show offers contestants the opportunity to marry one of five sought-after "Gentlemen" and secure a decent life with guaranteed facilities at The Farm.

However, the drama reveals that this reality show is more complex than it seems. Day, an ordinary girl, suddenly becomes a contestant on "Ready, Set, Love" after her sister, May, registers Day's name in a lottery. Initially apathetic, Day later becomes ambitious to win the competition for her sister's sake, who idolizes one of the "Gentlemen."

In the end, although Day does not win the competition, a plot twist occurs when she wins Son's heart, whom Chanel did not choose as her partner. This unexpected turn of events surprises the audience and emphasizes that love does not always belong to the winners but to genuine connection and compatibility. With clever humor and sharp depiction of social realities, "Ready, Set, Love" entertains and encourages viewers to reconsider their views on marriage, gender equality, and societal values that can sometimes be burdensome.

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In exploring the breaking of gender stereotypes associated with the patriarchal system in the reality show "Ready, Set, Love," a gender perspective plays a crucial role in analyzing the dynamics at play. Although some aspects still reflect male dominance, the drama creates space for significant gender equality thinking.

In every challenge within the reality show, the presence of a man chosen by female candidates to give scores serves as a representation of the power dynamics embedded in the patriarchal system. In this context, it becomes clear that men hold a dominant position and exercise control over the assessment directed toward female candidates, thereby constructing a hierarchical structure that inherently favors and privileges them in this interaction. This effectively illustrates how the patriarchal system often grants men the authority to dictate the determination of values and evaluations of women, perpetuating uneven distribution of power and influence.

However, it is crucial to underline that even in this specific context, the drama also introduces ideas of gender equality conflicting with prevailing patriarchal norms still standard in Thai society. The central character, a female athlete, emerges as a symbol of resistance against existing gender roles and limitations imposed by gender, actively striving to overcome these barriers. Thus, the drama effectively constructs a narrative that empowers women to challenge and dismantle patriarchal norms, aiming to reshape society's perceptions and conceptions of gender roles.

Furthermore, the emphasis on collaborative efforts to achieve gender equality is further exemplified through concrete examples of female monks in Thailand, particularly the revered Yang Mulia Dhammananda. As a female monk who opposes patriarchal traditions and beliefs, she is a symbolic figure of resistance against entrenched patriarchal structures in Thai society (Voa Indonesia, 2022). These examples demonstrate that societal transformation towards a more egalitarian state requires active engagement and struggle from various stakeholders, including religious figures who play a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes and beliefs.

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In the context of Thai culture, which is still influenced by the patriarchal system, the institution of marriage is often seen as a moment when women patiently anticipate the arrival of a man deemed suitable by their family or society. However, the film "Ready, Set, Love" effectively challenges these traditional norms by presenting a narrative where women actively capture a man's affection through a series of challenges. This portrayal offers a more dynamic depiction of gender roles in the marriage process. In the film, women are depicted as passive recipients waiting for men's arrival and proactive agents actively pursuing their dreams and seeking happiness. They participate in demanding competitions.