All of my favorite places in Vietnam have all had to do with the war. Today after getting back from staying at some random family's house in the Mekong Delta, I hit up the War Remnants Museum. Most of the pictures portrayed the atrocities committed by the United States against Vietnam, but they managed to give a bit of perspective from America's side in war photography room. There they displayed photographs that ended up in various publications, such as those taken for Life Magazine by Larry Burrows. After, I ended up getting some of the GIs lighters, but was too uncomfortable getting dog tags or anything too personal like that after having been through the museum. I actually would have liked to get a hold of some of their clothing, but not possible. Walking away from the museum and army surplus market all excited with my findings, the most uncomfortable encounter I've had with a stranger occurred. I've seen some pretty down and out beggars in Asia in the past and have had to look children in the eyes and deny buying goods from them even though their parents make $60 a month for about 8 people. I know a lot of how I feel about this experience is completely one-sided and the man never intended for me to feel this way, but I can't help it after having JUST been through that museum and gathered more information on what happened here over 30 years ago. A man with no arms came up to me and asked where I'm from. "America" barely escaped my mouth as I realized he's missing his arms because of where I was born. I realize I hold no responsibility for what happened, but my country still involves itself in fucked up things, yet still expects the civilians of other nations to take responsibility for how their countries have conducted themselves. He then graciously asked if I wanted to buy one of the books he was selling, but really, I can't carry around another book, and I would rather support a large organization helping a lot of people than just one individual who can spend the money numerous ineffective ways.
I'm still processing a lot of what I saw right now and still haven't completely been able to think through the evidence of the Khmer Rouge, such as the Killing Fields and S-21 Prison. I'll have to get to all of this later, because really, it's a lot to take in. At least it's giving me a lot of perspective in the area of memory and how I can view some of the art from this area and start creating my own works of memory.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I'm telling you, Miss Flib, it's posts like these that make me appreciate having you as a good friend.
...and sure I'll dig a hole to a China. I'll get right on that as soon as possible.
And I know we get along because you're in that rarefied air of people who don't annoy me even after three years of knowing. Most people annoy me within a few hours of meeting them; you've never really pushed me to that point, Miss Flib and I don't think you ever will.
ah! reading this is fantastic. keep the good stuff coming.
Post a Comment