the path of least resistance
I’m a bit grimy right now–haven’t had a proper shower in about three days or so. This weekend was our class trip to Hồ Ba Bể, an expansive lake in the Bắc Kạn province. The trip was amazing complete with morning trips to the ethnic markets, daytime treks through rural areas and rice fields, home-stays with local families, and jumping off thirty foot rocky ledges into the water among other things.
I finished reading a great book earlier today on the ride back; perhaps you have heard of Andrew Xuan Pham’s Catfish and Mandala. I would recommend this book to Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese alike. During the course of the many hours I spent finishing the work, I realized that there were quite a few parallels between the author’s story and my own which I am currently in the process of forging. I will not describe them here as I deem it unnecessary to do so. However, this book got me thinking about the future–my future to be exact.
It does not matter what the ethnicity of my future wife will be. However, I have the feeling that this so-called culture that I at times try to grasp is ever-changing with the different forms of existence that I encounter daily. Thus, I begin to wonder what kind of cultural environment my children will grow up in. I have not firmly decided where I will make my home in the years to come, but I hope that I will be able to share this country with future generations. For the most part, I have come to understand that the majority of local Vietnamese residents feel that this country is poor. In fact, nine out of ten of my usual conversations with the locals eventually reaches a point where Việt Nam’s poverty is mentioned. Habitually, I would reply to the speaker that wealth does not matter and that I enjoy the country nevertheless. But who am I to speak of these matters when I have never experienced such hardships myself? In the eyes of the local populations, I have the means of obtaining a better life than they. Their struggles are vastly different than mine. In a sense, I would like to be able to help these people who share a common land with my ancestors. Yet at the same time, I feel that I have a duty to educate and change the landscape of the United States towards that ideal goal called equality. I believe this is why I cannot yet decide on what future line of work I would really like to do. Perhaps something that spans domestic and international at the same time?
Just need more time to dwell on these thoughts, that’s all.
Hao,
After spending decades in Vietnam, Europe and the United States. I view the World as One. I expect division of nationalities, religions or races to weaken and disappear. And nothing happens by random chance. We are who we are and where we are for a reason. The issue is for us to know Who We Really Are, and what should be Our True Role in this One World. I wish this trip to Vietnam and your future activities will help you discover for yourself answer to those two key questions.
Dad
Dad
September 10, 2006 at 5:46 pm
a very interesting and serious line of thoughts you’re having now. they will surely help shape you up into what you want to do and become.
as for the local folks over there on the question of wealth, i think they forget one key criteria that wealth is only relative and by looking at you who came back to the country from overseas, they are comparing two completely different sets of standards. if eating a roast duck in vn cost you only a buck or two while over here we have to shell out 12 dollars to get the same thing then we must work 10 times harder, suffer ten times more to make ten times more money to be able to get just the same item. try to explain that to them and i’m sure they’ll get the awakening to the truth.
bác khôi
September 10, 2006 at 5:55 pm
hao – i can’t wait for you to share your soul searchig and experiences with ani & elliot. they look up to their cousins – you and hac are on an adventure that will help mold your views for the rest of your life. i am so proud of you for stepping out of the box and trying something new. now, you why uncle and i are doing the kind of work we do and what matters in life. i hope you continue to travel and enjoy your studies. life is yours in your 20’s – live it up.
aunt jolee
September 12, 2006 at 4:40 am
Dear Hao,
What a wonderful insight you have. Your path will have many twists and turns, but I know you will always follow your heart. How very proud we are of both you and Hac. What a wonderful journey of self discovery you are on. Many people never have that chance in a lifetime, or if they do, choose to let it pass them by. I hope and pray you and Hac will find all you are looking for there. Whatever choices you make in your life we trust will be the right ones for you. Take care and stay safe. Love, Aunt Kim
Aunt Kim
September 12, 2006 at 7:36 pm