Bigotry. That’s a bitter sounding word. What comes to mind when you hear that word? Usually, people think of those who are treated unfairly, unjust, and in a demeaned manner because they are something other than the majority race. It’s usually minorities who suffer hostility because people see them as different. In The United States, racism exists. Different forms of racism … [Read more...] about Vietnamese-American Generation 2.5 Faces Bigotry from Within
A Brief History of the Motorbike in Vietnam
The most common and well-documented street view of urban Vietnam is that of a crowded crossroad with tons of motorbikes. The overwhelming number of motorbikes in the country can be both a source of annoyance and excitement. The motorbike has been a staple of Vietnam as well as that of other Asian developing countries, such as Thailand or Indonesia. Have you ever wondered how … [Read more...] about A Brief History of the Motorbike in Vietnam
The French Connection
We should give fusion cuisine a chance. That last sentence probably lost me a third of our readers and the remaining few are already furrowing their brows. Hear me out, readers! Sure, fusion food is the work of the devil and even this discussion is a heresy against my Vietnamese roots, but don’t get me wrong--I love Vietnamese home cooking as much as anyone. But we should … [Read more...] about The French Connection
Disparities Amongst Vietnamese Children
“Mom, don’t worry. I’m not in pain. I won’t cry,” softly uttered a little boy named Thien Nhan (Good Person) as he laid on an operating table in Italy. The doctors and operating room staff were preparing to reconstruct Thien Nhan’s testicles and penis, which had been devoured (along with his right leg) by wild animals within the first three days of his birth. How did this … [Read more...] about Disparities Amongst Vietnamese Children
End Corruption in Vietnam by Making Bribes Legal
Transparency International ranks Vietnam 116th out of 178 in corruption perception. In comparison, the Four Asian Tigers Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong rank 1st, 39th, 33rd, and 13th, respectively. The United States ranks 22nd. If Vietnam wants to become the fifth tiger, they clearly have to close the huge corruption gap. How? Kaushik Basu, chief economic … [Read more...] about End Corruption in Vietnam by Making Bribes Legal