

S3 E8 Teaching the Vietnam War, Fifty Years On
18 snips Apr 2, 2025
In this discussion, Thy Phu, a media studies expert, reflects on the impact of visuals on war narratives. David Biggs, an environmental historian, explores how perceptions of the Vietnam War have evolved over fifty years. Wen-Qing Ngoei highlights U.S. foreign relations with Southeast Asia in teaching the conflict. Jana Lipman shares insights on using personal stories to connect students with history. Together, they delve into innovative teaching methods, including AI and graphic memoirs, to engage new generations with complex narratives and personal identities.
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Photo Resurrection in Vietnam
- In Vietnam, young people are using AI to restore damaged photos of revolutionary martyrs.
- These restored images, often animated, create a powerful, uncanny effect, blurring lines between past and present.
Cultural Significance of Photo Restoration
- Resurrected photos, though technologically altered, hold cultural significance in Vietnam.
- They connect to ancestral veneration practices, acting as conduits for spirits across generations.
Teaching with War Images
- When teaching with war images, understand students' preconceptions.
- Start by exploring their existing understanding of war photography and its various interpretations.