A Harmonious Society from an Unusual Culture Essay

Submitted By HarmonyLynn
Words: 1072
Pages: 5
Open Document
“There are others I could hate but I feel sorry for my enemies and the enemies of my country” (Butler 1). A statement from the narrator reflecting on his experience in the Vietnam War. Vietnamese culture emphasizes the importance of ancestor worship, family harmony and respect. Vietnamese culture is not widely understood in the United States. It has foundations in Buddhist, Taoism, and Confucian philosophies. Most Vietnamese people were forced out of their country and migrated to the United States of America. The main reason for the migration was the war between the North and the South provinces in Vietnam. Northern communist aggressively recruited new members to reconnect with its former networks in the South bound and determined to unify the country. This force became known as the Viet Cong which led an underground and armed campaign against anyone who did not support the cause of reunification. Vietnam is bordered by the South China Sea on the west and south, China to the north, Laos to the northwest and Cambodia to the southwest. Beautiful sandy paradise type beaches stretch from one end of the country to another. The people are gentle and blessed with an expansive civilization and complex culture due to the influence of so many foreign invasions over the centuries. “The people in our village believe in ghosts” (Butler 3). The narrator confesses while staring at Thap the “new bushman scout” (Butler 3). In Vietnam ghosts are known to take on many different forms. In general it is understood that certain ghosts are people who would have had very painful or violet deaths especially those who died outside the home. The Vietnamese believe these ghosts would roam the earth stealing what they can along the way. “In my village you ran from a ghost because if he wants you he can reach into that chest of yours and pull out not only your heart but your soul as well” (Butler 5). Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism constitute the essence of the traditional Vietnamese culture. In fact, Confucianism became the orthodox ideology for most of the Vietnamese society. Fundamental elements of Confucianism are achieved through ancestor worship and reverence to family. Ancestors are extremely important and rituals most be performed in precise ways to honor them. Misfortune is believed to be a sign of displeasure by the deceased and improper ritual practice. “My grandfather explained about the spirit world how the souls of our ancestors continue to need love and attention and devotion” (Butler 18). The grandfather preached to his granddaughter in the alter room. They are believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and health to a family. American children are open minded to the paranormal, although, mostly grow out of imaginary friends, nightmares and ghost stories by the time puberty arrives. We hinder ourselves in so many ways by accepting what we think is rational and disregard what we believe is not. We view it as the natural progression of growing up.
The Vietnamese value family highly and plays a central role in the culture. Two or three generations can reside within one household. Vietnamese children are taught when they are very young to adhere to the cultural practice of harmony. The father or eldest son is the authority figure of the family. They have the ultimate responsibility to delegate tasks and in decision making. Daughters are expected to defer to men, assist with household chores and to regard marriage as automatic. In Vietnam chastity is strongly emphasized. Once married the woman is expected to depend upon her husband, care for the children and grandchildren, as well as perform all the household duties. Obedience and respect are the traditional values the Vietnamese instill in their children. Children are encouraged to think and to be modest and reserved in both speech and mannerism. Vietnamese children are taught that direct eye contact with authority figures means a challenge and should be avoided. Children will live
Show More

Related Documents: A Harmonious Society from an Unusual Culture Essay

What Were The Pros And Cons To The Counterculture Of The 1950's

also brought about a widespread wave of social movements and rebellions, unusual music, drugs, experimenting and sexual liberation. Social movements that demonstrated and protested for equality between men and women for many reasons. It created a reformation of the societal values of the 1950s that would have a lasting impact on our history, diversity, hope, and cultural change. Moreover, the sixties brought a popular culture of music that caused generations and a whole decade to be influence to change…

Words 1337 - Pages 6

Attachment Theory Paper

are impacted not only primarily by biological factors but also by cultural customs and practices, which leads to variances among cultures. The paper seeks to emphasize the relevance of cultural context for comprehension and application of attachment theory by exploring the limitations of its Western-based research background. This paper aims to offer a link between cultures and patterns of attachment by analyzing empirical evidence. Attachment is a connecting process between a newborn and its main…

Words 2296 - Pages 10

Summary of Chapter 15: Personality and Social Interaction, from Personality Psychology: Domains of Knowledge About Human Nature Essay examples

through social institutions, social roles and expectations, and through relationships with other people in our lives. -Interpersonal traits have long-term outcomes in our lives. For ex. Whether a person is controlling or easy going can affect aspects from: the conflicts he gets into with his spouse and work partners to the strategies he uses to achieve his goals. Whether a person tends to be nervous or optimistic affects the likelihood of diverse social outcomes, such as divorce or success in a sales…

Words 5215 - Pages 21

Lasting Legacies Essay

December 2012 Lasting Legacies The impact of Confucianism in East Asia continues to mold and shape individuals’ actions so they can lead better lives that will have a positive effect on society. This can be achieved once the individual reaches a better understanding about their mutual obligations – that a proper society is revolved around give and take. It is the individuals who keep the lasting legacies of Confucianism through their patterns of knowledge and belief by understanding how the world actually…

Words 2903 - Pages 12

Theories Of The World-Systematic Perspectives In Identifying Patterns Of How Things Work

frameworks intended to impose order on a phenomena. Theory and research go hand in hand. Social theory is unusual because it’s not obvious but once pointed out it’s blatant. We view things as second nature. The theorists wrote about the social world that envelops us and frames various beliefs and behaviors. “The discovery of society.” There is a coherence and order in the way society works that matters. September 9 PROMPT FOR PAPER DUE ON WEDNESDAY: 3 elements/links/components…

Words 7937 - Pages 32

Islam and Mass Media Islam Essay

Evil from the Middle East – Does the media portray Islamic people negatively? 1. What is your nationality? - Australian - Lebanese/Middle Eastern - Vietnamese/Chinese - Other, Please specify 2. Do you find that there is more positive or negative media coverage on Islamic people? - More positive - More negative - About the same - I don’t know If more positive, skip to question 4. If more negative, continue to question 3. 3. If more negative, has the media’s portrayal of…

Words 5816 - Pages 24

An Introduction to Intercultural Communication Essay

An Introduction to Intercultural Communication Intercultural communication is of importance to international businesses as it examines how people from different cultures, beliefs and religions come together to work and communicate with each other. Demands for intercultural communication skills are increasing as more and more businesses go global or international. They realize that there are barriers and limitations when entering a foreign territory. Without the help of intercultural communication…

Words 29173 - Pages 117