Week 9 - Ushrayinee Sarker

Question: Sometimes in branding, there is a coverup to promote untruths. What are these lies or untruths in the Viet Nam case and how is it applied to your own research project?

Wanting to present oneself as likeable is a universal constant for humans, which is why, while not excusable, it is certainly understandable when many nations put up a front to brand themselves in a better light.

In the case of Viet Nam, this farce is evident in the United States’ attempt to cover up various activities partaken in the war. The chemical warfare tactic, Agent Orange, is one of the most well-known methods of warfare during that period, and to this day, the detriment of health caused by the chemicals is denied by the US government. The United States has shown time and time a disregard for human lives and continues activities that cause damage to both citizens and people outside of the country.

Universities are known to cover up sexual assault and rape cases for a variety of reasons. It could be to protect offending students who are protected by the fact that they simply excel at sports or other extracurriculars, or the fact the university itself does not want to look unappealing to incoming students. The universities, in a way, have their own ‘brand’ to protect, as students are their main source of income, and if students don’t feel safe in the community the colleges will be at a loss. Our research project focuses on an app that works despite the shortcomings of the college by not depending entirely on the university itself; instead, counting on the students themselves to help other students in need.  

Question: How can the US admit it’s faults in the Viet Nam war in a way that is not completely disadvantageous?

https://www.disabled-world.com/editorials/chemical-use.php

Sources:

Palmer, Michael G. "The legacy of agent orange: empirical evidence from central Vietnam." Social Science & Medicine60.5 (2005): 1061-1070.

Rowan, Andrew. "Excerpts from Andrew Rowan's Manuscript."