Let me tell you my story. My country was split into communist North Vietnam and non-communist South Vietnam. On April 30th, 1975, we successfully unified Vietnam under a communist government and the United States (with the aid of the South Vietnamese) failed to prevent the spread of communism.
After that day, many South Vietnamese people fled out of Vietnam because they didn't believe in the new government. Moreover, they were afraid that their lives couldn't be safe. They mainly fled to the United States, and it is referred to as one of the largest war refugee migrations in history. However, because of the large distance from Vietnam to the US, refugees went to neighboring areas and then continued their journeys. As a matter of fact, hundreds of the refugees may have died of unexpected accidents such as: pirates, diseases, etc.
In the first photo, you can see a destroyed boat on Galang Island, Indonesia in 1995. Salgado captured a dark, truthful picture which evokes the miserable feeling for the refugees. According to Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, although "no one knows exactly how many thousands of people took to boats", it is estimated that "as many as half of them perished at sea." This estimation frightens me. The pain of loss as well as the pain of separation must still haunt the refugees' minds which causes disagreeable attitudes toward the communist government. I don't blame them on their attitudes, rather I disagree with wars. What is the meaning of the Vietnam War when the U.S. received nothing from the invasion? In contrast, the U.S. suffered lots of damage financially as well as casualities. We, the Vietnamese people, are still suffering from highly destructive impact of the war. The mental wounds of war are greater than anything.
One of my relatives, Tri, belonged to an anti-communism family. His family was rich because they worked for American employers. When the Vietnam War ended, his family escaped from Vietnam by going on the "boat people". Unfortunately, Tri was unable to go out of Vietnam because he was left behind and couldn't find his family. Tri told me he was extremely frightened and heartbroken when he lost his family at the age of 18. He wondered what he should do since he had no house, no money, no future. I cannot imagine the horrible feeling he experienced at that age. He still hasn't received any news from his family. Although the war has been over nearly 30 years, the consequences have not completely closed. The pain, anger and hatred still smolders somewhere.
Although the truths about the war are disturbing, it awakens the consciousness of young generations who know what to do with their lives and their societies.
Works Cited
Salgado, Sebastian. Photograph. Migration: Humanity in Transition. Aperture. New York, 2000.
The History Place. 1999. Web. 27 Jan, 2010.
Wow, that's pretty crazy about your heritage. I wish I knew more about the Vietnam conflict. Unfortunately, I am not too knowledgeable on the subject. However, I do understand the idea of refugees fleeing for the freedom that America offers. The opportunities that America has offered is pretty rad, if you ask me. Now, from our side, we have these blessings. I feel that we need to share them with the rest of God's children. This project..Salgado..Left to Tell...all these means of information have led me to act. So although I know nothing really about Vietnam, I want to learn. I want to help.
ReplyDeleteWow that is such an incredible story. You can relate and understand the feelings of angst and worry that often penetrate these refugees mind. I really appreciate that story of your relative Ti. There are so many pains and problems after wars and bloodshed. "Left to Tell," has really opened my eyes to see the pain behind each of the deaths and losses that many refugees encounter while trying to escape the wrath of communism and violence. We can still make a difference in the lives of individuals who have suffered for many years and will continue to feel the hurt of wars for years to come.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. I hope you will continue sharing stories from your experience.
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