Response to: Creating Identity, Defining Culture, and Making
History from an Art Exhibit…
Shannon Trinh
ASA 2 - Section 01
Blog #7
As a Vietnamese American, I do see the fear that Professor
Valverde discusses in the article within the Vietnamese community. I see that it is
unfortunate and difficult to maintain close homeland relations and connections,
and to keep this part of one’s life hushed from the public.
I remember watching an episode of a Vietnamese variety show on television, and that very episode was
dedicated to remembering and mourning the fall of Saigon. One specific singer,
Tommy Ngo wore a belt that spelled out "LOVE" that night. In order to fill in the "O" of the word, Tommy Ngo wore a star that resembled the one on the flag. After the program, the audience was outraged, labeling Tommy Ngo
a communist and a traitor. They accused Ngo of subliminally showing support for
the Vietnamese government. It is interesting to see that something so small can
trigger such anger and opposition, even if the individual never intended to do
so. To lose yourself in such fear is to ultimately lose the memories of where you come from. It is so hard to be proud of your identity when your own
country has had gone through such devastating and corrupt history.
Question: Has this fear and intensity of being labeled a
communist died down?
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