white imperialism, and those who embody it deserve…

On a Monday night in “exotic” Hoi An, Vietnam, I overheard a conversation amongst those who pretend to be “cultured” by traveling to third world nations; specifically the white minority that dwells this planet.  One of five of them possessed some really progressive thoughts and ideas–a proponent of equality and social justice, arguing that people in Africa ought not to be exploited by white western nations (not capitalized for a reason) in terms of globalization.  Quite a reasonable statement wouldn’t you say? The other four on the other hand said such things as, “you want the entire world to be as “rich” as us?  if that’s the case, then how can we be traveling in such exotic places like Thailand and Vietnam?”  That statement in itself lacks critical thought and pure stupidity. 

“This is the apogee of Orientalist confidence…on the one hand, there are Westerners, and on the other there are Arab-Orientals; the former are (in no particular order) rational, peaceful, liberal, logical, capable of holding real values, without natural suspicion; the latter are none of these things.”[1] In analyzing Edward Said’s idea of Orientalism, William Harmon Norton’s main argument of Islam emerging through explicit influences from the geographical make-up of Arabia shouts an intolerant undertone.  Said’s main argument underlines the ideas and perceptions of a geographical landscapes known as the Orient by historian and scholars, whom focus simply what is unbeknownst or misunderstood to them.  From this standpoint, Norton’s linkage, or there lack of, of a religion to geography further mystifies and victimizes an entire religious group in present context.

eighty percent.

I imagined Vietnam in the country’s largest city.  To some degrees, it is.  For the most part, it’s not.  Through the means of education, I attempted to influence the minds and hearts of youth.  Throw at them another idea, another perspective, only to be faced with an enormous wall, unable to climb.

Imagining Vietnam in the countryside turned out to be much more precise.  In fact, rural countryside makes up most of the what this country is.  In this world, education lags  behind.  Amenities almost non-existent; books for example.  The optimistic attitudes of youth though are.

Eighty percent, that is where I will imagine the real Vietnam.  That is where change is most needed.  That is where hearts and minds are most open.

the sun shines brighter.

Lately, I’ve become annoyed with the life, the culture, the society I currently reside in.  Living in Việt Nam, I feel caught between two societies.  A dichotomy at such a high level, it almost feels like there are two people, two groups, two countries even.  But I have come to a realization that it is not how one critiques the society, but how one changes it.  An individual can critique, criticize endlessly, and yet contribute nothing to changing what they oppose.  That, I feel, is a problem.