Outline for A Vietnam Journey – SETESOL, 2009 Margery Diamond – Presenter Margery_R_Diamond@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us A Vietnam Journey is my photographic essay imaging the culture, geography and charm of Vietnamese people today. I have organized this essay loosely based on the Montessori belief in the commonalities of all cultures. My wish is that you leave with a meaningful picture of this heritage and an increased ability to meet your students learning needs. Facts: Geographically, Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia and stretches over both the eastern and northern hemispheres. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Tonkin, Gulf of Thailand, South China Sea, and the countries of China, Laos, and Cambodia. It is a country of tropical lowlands, rolling green hills and densely forested mountains. Vietnam’s coastline is 2,140 miles long. Due to its location, Vietnam is potpourri of cultures. France, China, Japan, Persia, Arabia, India and the US have all left traces of influence. This show will give you some knowledge of Vietnam’s centuries old heritage. Depicted in these vivid images are her architecture, mountains, waters, beaches, markets, cities, families, life style, ethnic minorities, religion and art. I have organized this information in three overlapping areas.
Fundamental Needs of Man I.
Material Distinctive, charming, rural, industrial and cosmopolitan, Vietnam is a study of contrasts.
A. Defense Throughout history, people of Vietnam have struggled to recover from the devastation of war. From the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty to the communist system of today, rulers have controlled the government. Ho Chi Minh is honored for his national leadership in unifying the country. Today, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is defended by the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
B. Shelter From Hanoi, the capital, to the canals of the Mekong Delta, extended families reside in a wide variety of structures. Elegant buildings, tall narrow multistoried apartments and tiny sampan river boats all serve as homes to the Vietnamese people. Their hospitality is warm and welcoming.
C. Clothing An eclectic mix of dress shows the influence of China, India, Japan and the United States. Vietnam’s clothing is unique in style and function. Villagers in traditional dress, monks in Buddhist robes, performers in colorful costumes, school children in uniform, and individuals wearing patterned pajamas vividly illustrate Vietnam’s multicultural heritage.
D. Food and Drink The country’s staple is rice. It is complemented by an abundance of fresh ingredients. Vietnam’s rich land and sea provide an abundance of seafood, fish, pork, vegetables and grains. Herbs and spices give the food delicious flavor and beautiful color. Tropical fruit, honey flavored sweets and French pastry might complete a Vietnamese meal.
E. Transportation In constant motion, everyone in the country seems to be going somewhere by motor, mostly scooters. Cars, vans, buses, boats, junks, ferries, ships, and bicycles add to the congestion and challenge pedestrians. A single train travels over 30 hours between Saigon and Hanoi. Most Vietnamese people stay close to home and family. The distance that foreign visitors travel amazes them.
II.
Spiritual Magnificent beaches, mountains and sea come together majestically to give Vietnam her most spiritual quality. An abundance of flowers add to the country’s beauty.
A. Performance Art Water Puppetry, art galleries, concerts, and traditional village performers delight and entertain.
B. Religion Preservation of historically significant architecture is evident throughout the country. The altar is a magnificent focal point of each home and place of worship. One’s ancestors are given a revered place of honor.
C. Cemeteries Set in the middle of a rice field or even a noisy neighborhood, cemeteries are quiet moving places lovely in their simplicity, eeriness, and majesty. There is an air of isolation and solemnity in both the magnificent mausoleums and the simple tombstones. Families honor their deceased by marking the deeds and the desires of the beloved person, burning incense and placing candy, objects and flowers on the home altars.
D. Sculpture Glossy, carved finished stone and marble pieces are designed by creative artists and produced by skillful craftsmen. Floral arrangements in the shape of giant animals are magnificent additions to public spaces. E. Ancient Ruins My Son, a Champa Kingdom site, thrived in the 2nd to 15th centuries as a religious center. It is significant in that it alone demonstrates the Indian influence of long ago. The buildings here pre-date Angkor Wat by several centuries.
III.
People Vietnam’s people hold the promise of a better future. Working communities love and support one another. Warm smiles demonstrate their unique charm and show how deeply they care for each other.
A. Men Men of Vietnam serve as the guardians, work the waters, rule the villages, transport the people, and teach the children. They are the country’s heartbeat.
B. Women Women of Vietnam are the backbone of the country. They contribute to the work force, produce the commodities, sell in the markets, provide care for their husband’s family and serve as spiritual leaders.
C. Children Vietnam’s children hold her dreams for peace, prosperity, and security. Children bring promise of a better future and joy to their families. Curiosity, energy, hope and enthusiasm guide their growth.