saigon, mon nouveau home
i just realized that this title sounds so vietnamese cheesy. what is interesting is that the little bit of french i do speak is more widely understood then my english. even though the majority may disagree, saying that only the older people from the war days know french, it is simply not true. but it isnt something that wants to be remembered.
it's just like when i asked a local friend about his family during the war, he looked at me like i stabbed him with a jagged knife and forced memories out of his heart. the thing about this, it's the same way in the states.
did you know that i went to some book order websites last week, and the small amount of books on the vietnamese war i actually found we're very expensive. this just says to me that it's a memory noone wants to think about ever again.
i am so ignorant about vietnam, that i felt disoriented the first few weeks i was there. the same thing happened with vets: from first hand accounts, our soldiers were thrown in to a culture that was alien to them, and misunderstood a beautiful way of life in saigon.
it's not too late for anyone though, especially expats. we have the opportunity to help the development of this country, not only by teaching english, but attempting to learn the native lanuage ourselves. we also have the opportunity to drive the economy, and also make good ethical choices about our business practices there. by this i mean not using sweatshop labor, not contributing to depravity like trade which may hurt human and animal rights; and of course not contributing to prostitution.
that's something i wasn't aware of until some western women opened my eyes to the issue. for example, old white men with teenagged local girls. once it was pointed out to me, especially from a woman's point of view, it opened my eyes to see.
how can things continue to get better:
embracing the culture, not bitching about the differences and the illogic and the lack of reason.
understanding the dichotmoy of urbania life in the tropics.
realizing that the country is positively contributing to a healthier atmosphere through low co2 emissions.
feeling great about fresh foods served without hormones and synthetic preservatives.
when i think about it, the super power of the states and our depleting economic structure is all inofitself a myth.
so why, in a place that's blooming into a beautiful sundrenched flower full of life and color, would someone want it to be like a place that is crashing in it's democratic, capitilistic, and industrious life.