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KQED's Forum

Vietnamese Diaspora Reflects on 50 Years Since Vietnam War

Apr 30, 2025
Join Doan Bui, a writer and journalist exploring themes of exile, Thi Bui, an artist and author of "The Best We Could Do," and Isabelle Thuy Pelaud, director of the Diasporic Vietnamese Artists Network, as they reflect on 50 years since the Vietnam War's end. They discuss personal narratives of trauma and resilience within the Vietnamese diaspora, the significance of cultural identity amid displacement, and the importance of storytelling in healing generational wounds. Their insights highlight a vibrant community grappling with its past while looking toward the future.
57:45

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War serves as a poignant moment for the Vietnamese diaspora to reflect and share their overlooked narratives.
  • Writers from the diaspora emphasize the importance of reclaiming their identities and challenging media portrayals to foster deeper understanding of their experiences.

Deep dives

Reflections on the Fall of Saigon

The 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon resonates deeply within the Vietnamese diaspora, serving as a moment of reflection and visibility for those impacted by the Vietnam War. Writers from the diaspora articulate how this anniversary gives them a platform to share their family's history and narratives that are often overlooked. The significance lies not just in remembrance, but in the acknowledgment of the long-lasting trauma that many families experienced, including loss of property, displacement, and mental health struggles. As they come together to commemorate this event, there is a sense of community and healing among those who share similar stories.

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