Mya Nguyen

How do the individual experiences and familial history of the Vietnam War affect the Vietnamese identity and sense of nationalism? How has this changed (with 2-3 generations removed from the VN war)? (How does this affect Vietnam’s economic, social, and political future?)

Started Sept. 30, 2024

Abstract or project description

This project will be a research paper focusing on the effects of the Vietnam War on Vietnamese identity and nationalism. This project will consist of bibliographic and ethnographic research, which means that I will both rely on written sources and academic papers and conversations with everyday people of different ages and backgrounds in my community. I will start by asking people close to me. Later, I will ask individuals from my general community who are willing to answer.

I have chosen this topic, because I have grown up in a more western environment, which has influenced my values, making them more focused on democracy and civil liberties– which aren’t as apparent in Vietnam. This has caused me to have conflicts with my father regarding the perspectives through which we see the Vietnam war, government, and Vietnamese society. I believe that this project, through researching and talking with people of differing perspectives will allow me to better understand and empathize with an alternative point of view from my own on a topic I’m extremely passionate about.

My paper will include a historical background information section about the Vietnam War, the relevant factors and the consequences for Vietnam. I will also write about the effects on the survivors, especially those who were forced to support the government that they fought against. Additionally, my paper will include sections about how the Vietnam War has affected the identities and nationalism of 1 and 2 generations removed from the war. My paper will also include a section about how the perspectives of the recent generations might affect Vietnam’s political, social, and economic future.