After the War
How was life after the war?
Right when the war ended everyone was very happy knowing that they would no longer have to live in fear, worry or die. They thought that peace would bring them a new and better life. However, one or two years after that, I heard that the North and the South had another fight, like an anti-capitalism fight. Wealthy and rich people were afraid to do business or even hire servants. Therefore, poor people, who didn’t have any money or educational background, could no longer find jobs. Thus life became even harder because no one could do anything. The economy was very tightly controlled. The people started to realize what kind of situation the country was in. Then the war with the Chinese came. If I remember correctly it was around 1979 or 1980, Vietnam fought Cambodia. Then Chinese rushed in and attacked Northern Vietnam. People feared that the country would soon face another war, so they planned to leave Vietnam. At that time, the government allowed Chinese, who had money, to pay fees or buy boats and leave the country legally. But that required a lot of money to buy a ticket. Many people died during the trip. And many times their boats would sink to the ocean floor. People then thought of another way to make an escape. They would build their own boats. Fishermen modified their own fishing boats to cross the country’s border in order to find freedom. That’s why the journey is called Vuot Biem (crossing the border). People choose a boat accordingly to their own budget. There were some cheaper trips for those who did not have a lot of money.
Why do you think war starts?
In my opinion, war derives from conflicts, jealousy and hatred. From that, I see a lesson for myself: I’m living in a country, where I can find peace and freedom; I should live my life well, always love and help others. I strive to avoid conflicts. If the conflicts are small, it would be better to overlook and let them pass. Lets live our life in friendliness and happiness. Always be helpful to everyone regardless of their origin. That could help us avoid conflict, jealousy and hatred.
Do you think Hollywood’s depictions of war within movies are true?
Everyone has different points of view and sees things from different aspects. But the truth is the war had already happened. What we think or say will not make any change to the truth. Like those Hollywood movies about the Vietnam War, they were made based on the truth, to tell stories and show what really happened in Vietnam during the war. I think the majority of the movies are true and made out of truth.
What are some of your suggestions for the younger generation about war?
I only want to make a comment and a suggestion to my children as well as the young generation. They should stay away from wars because war would bring death, struggles, and unclear futures to humans. Relatives might have to live separately. So I often remind my children to live a good life, live in a nation of peace and freedom, have a bright future, be friendly and be happy. When conflicts arise it would be best to ignore them. When they do all these things, they will eliminate hatred, dissension, and unnecessary fights and finally war. Talking about sharing, I only have a few words, which might also be advice to the young generation, professors and other educated people. I think that war occurs due to human jealousy, hatred and disputations. I suggest that everyone should live a happy life, be helpful and loving to each other, don’t discriminate and keep unnecessary disputations away. We will then have a peaceful life. Who knows what the youth can do for their country? Maybe one day, there will be no more war on this planet, I hope.