week 9 Bin Xiao

In reality, there are many ways to arrive at the concept of identity.  One of the methods is through aesthetics. It appears as if aesthetic is injected in all cultures.  In China, for example poetry narrated eyebrows as if they were willow leaves. In Japan paintings are observed to be celebrating women with extremely white skins and rosebud shaped lips. There are many ways in order to remake a country’s identity especially after a tragedy. In order to achieve maximum national aesthetic status, then an object must carry the country’s values. It serves as the representation of the past, present and future of the nation. This is not only a simple symbolism but carries with it national identity. 

What happened in Vietnam, for instance, is an example of how a horrifying incident inculcated itself into the identity of the nation. The case of the herbicide involving the US Army showed many cover-ups and lies in attempt to lessen the negative reaction of the public towards the event. However, it is shown that the compensation given to the victims is inadequate (Palmer, 1).  There were many medical consequences such as residents registering high level of level of dioxin in the blood streams of the residents (Palmer, 1062).

The readings showed how Asian communities are adjusting to cultural difference especially when they migrate to the United States. The Eastern and Western world is different resulting to difficulties in integration for the migrants. Rowan shared that mewly-arrived foreigners sometimes complain about locals not being straightforward or even lying. Locals might consider this “bending the truth,” (3).  Gribble argued that if overseas Vietnamese students are to return home, either in the short or long term, the Vietnamese government must create the conditions and opportunities likely to promote return migration (300)

Image: Vivitravels, 2017

Work Cited:

Gribble, Cate. Chapter 15 National Policies on Skilled Labour and the Cross-border Student Market, with a Focus on Vietnam. S. Marginson et al. (eds.), Higher Education in the Asia-Pacific, Higher Education Dynamics

Palmer, Michael. The legacy of Agent Orange: empirical evidence from central Vietnam.2004

Rowan, Andrew, Manuscript. Excerpts from Andrew Rowan’s Manuscript

Vivitravels (2017). Accessed at: https://vivitravels.com/en/discover-vietnam/tour-north-to-south-vietnam