What do Vietnamese people think about American?
History influences today's relations between countries . Why do Chinese people hate Japanese people? It is because Japan dominated China for years and tortured Chinese people in the past. One of my Chinese friends said to me that most of Chinese people today do not like Japan. They still remember how Japanese facist used weapon to impose Chinese people. I asked her: " If you have a chance to work for a Japanese company which offers you a well-paid job, would you go or not?". " Of course, I will", she answered. She went on to say: " If I have a chance to work for them, I can get to know them more and in depth". She stopped here and I did not ask any further.
I begin my story by telling you relationship between China and Japan. Although just like China Vietnam was ever annexed by Japan and America, Vietnamese people today do not hold that feeling toward American or Japanese. We are more open and friendly.
An American friend of mine asked me:" What do Vietnamese people think about American? Do you hate us?" I answered: " No, of course?'". He was surprised. I know why because I was so when I asked veterans of my village that whether they hated American or not. We do not forget what American did to us in the past, but we do not hold on to it. History tells us who we are, why we are here, but we live for present and head for the future. It is painful when we watch documentary featuring how American soldiers tortured "Vietcong" ( Vietnamese Communists), but we appreciate what American people have done to help us heal the war aftermath. We know we should not resemble things together. I know many American people want to visit places which were battle fields, people who lived and witnessed the war, but they are worried because they are afraid that Vietnamese people won't welcome them, may shout and throw curses at them. However, that is only what American people think. Once they come to Vietnam, things are different. They are welcome by warm-hearted Vietnamese people, even war victims, orange toxic chemical ones.
If you come to ask a mother whose husband and 9 children sacrafied their life for national independence and freedom, you are assured to receive that answer. Revenging only makes our life more difficult, more stifled. It can put us into vicious cycle. We need peace and support each other.
Because of the war, Vietnam was lagged behind other countries for many years. Now, we have to both continue healing the war aftermath so that war victims can live a more comfortable life and develop the country. We are proud of our history, and we want to be friend with other countries, including America. Help us heal this pain if you really care about us.