Harry Manacsa Week 6 Blog

Harrison Manacsa

Dr. Valverde

ASA150E

11 Feb 2017

Week 6 Blogs

This week’s reading had me realize that part of the Vietnamese-American issue on their War narratives comes over conflicts of how they want it to be conveyed. Discussions on communism is central to understanding the impacts of the war. But, understandably, many Vietnamese-Americans abstain from communism discussion in opposition to its ideas. In fact, the United States’ citizenship application insists that one consider their ties to communism as it pertains to ones’ adoption of US principles. In other words, the U.S. somehow promotes an atmosphere that denounces communism—uplifting anticommunist agendas. It is not surprising, then, that Chau Hyunh’s quilts enticed controversy and outcry from individuals who want to separate their history from communism. But, in doing so, I believe that Vietnam War stories are distorted and misrepresented, and Chau Hyunh and others continue to be silenced.

These testimonies resonate with our discussion this past week on “K[no]w history, k[no]w self.” Sadly, I believe that one investigating on and showcasing their stances on issues will always be met with opposition—some with greater pressure than others. Dr. Valverde comments that, “. . . art, and places that display art, can shape what is acceptable cultural production in society.” (Valverde 92) Nguoi Viet Daily attempts to vocalize the narratives of Vietnamese Americans; however, the pressures of its constituents ended up becoming the medium’s challenge. I find that Nguoi Viet Daily’s story aligns with the scrutiny faced by Breitbart news today. Likewise, the agendas of speakers like Milo Yiannopoulos and Martin Shkreli is compelling, for they are met with outright opposition from UC Davis students whose issues with feminism and LGBT communities conflicts with theirs. The influence is so great that I found myself immediately opposing their visit without realizing the cognitive dissonance for our UC principles.

Question: Clearly, I didn’t realize all of the facets that allow for ones narratives to be brought into light. And, for that, I’m conflicted about the “freedom of speech” that we’re entitled to. But are we really? Some of these constrains are beyond our control.

Bray, J.D. Ilona. "How Communist Membership Affects Eligibility for Naturalized U.S. Citizenship." Nolo.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2017.

"Protesters shut down Milo Yiannopoulos event at UC Davis." CNN. Cable News Network, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2017.

            Valverde, Kieu-Linh Caroline. "Chapter 4."Transnationalizing Viet Nam. Philadelphia Temple University Press, 2012. Web. 10 Feb. 2017. 

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