The Take How ICE raids echo US wars abroad, with Viet Thanh Nguyen
12 snips
Jun 16, 2025 Viet Thanh Nguyen, a South Vietnamese-born American author known for his work "To Save and to Destroy: Writing as an Other," joins the discussion to explore the concept of being the 'other.' He draws connections between ICE raids, protests, and the war on Gaza to highlight the shared experiences of marginalized communities. Nguyen reflects on the fragility of citizenship and the complexities of solidarity, urging listeners to embrace shared grief and advocate for collective action against injustice.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump's Use of Otherness
- Trump uses the idea of "otherness" to create political division and rally his base.
- Those labeled as "others" often face demonization and exclusion based on race and immigration status.
Nguyen's Refugee Experience
- Viet Thanh Nguyen shares his personal immigrant experience during the Vietnam War era.
- He highlights long-standing anti-Asian racism and how it was amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Danger of Victim Stereotypes
- Reducing people to only victims removes their full humanity and complexity.
- Seeing people as complex beings with agency prevents stereotyping and broadens understanding.
