How do you [re]connect?

At one point or another, most if not all Vietnamese Americans have heard of the phrase “phong tuc cua Vietnam”, customs of Vietnam. What is your initial response upon hearing this phrase used? How do you normally respond to it and the inevitable description and anecdote that follows?

Parents and grandparents are always well-equipped and prepared to discuss Vietnamese culture. From language to just what we consume and the type of apparel we wear can come under the scrutiny of the older generation. Inside of an immigrant family culture clashes are more prevalent. For me it always appears that my mother would prefer that I completely follow Vietnamese customs or not at all. The idea of a hybrid culture doesn’t suit her method of thinking. Alas, it is more common for most youth of varying backgrounds to maintain a hybrid cultural living. I love all sorts of Vietnamese food and I practically add Sriracha to all other types of food I eat. It is quite important to preserve our Vietnamese heritage but what methods do we take to keep the traditions going? The preservation of language is one strong indicator of the strength of culture. Given that we all end up in the education system,it is easy to get carried away with English and forget to practice our Vietnamese. We must remember that language allows us to become better communicators and will open pathways for us to become closer to our family members, friends in the Vietnamese community and our culture. So I challenge you all, for maybe one day to just reflect on how you behave and what you say and do. After assessing your actions see how much they resonate with your Vietnamese side or your American side and think of different ways that you reconnect to Vietnamese culture. For those up to a more challenging task, try reflecting for an entire week!