Culture
That was the last straw. I still remember the deed to this day: my roommate woke up from one of his alcohol-soaked naps, casually picked up the waste basket and puked into it a couple times. I was at my desk writing a paper when I observed this casual atrocity. It was both amusing and horrific at the same time. After a few minutes, though, it wasn’t amusing at all when the putrid, acrid smell began to waft around the room. Seeing that this roommate of mine wasn’t going to do anything about it, I held my breath and promptly took the waste basket out of the room, down the hallway and into the laundry room. I dumped its liquidy contents into the big plastic garbage bin and rinsed out the waste basket in the basin next to the washing machine.
The 2nd Annual VIFF, entitled, “Second Edition: ‘Beyond Boundaries;” will be taking place from April 7-10 and April 14-17 at various California locations including the opening day at the Regal Cinemas Garden Grove 16 and at UCLA. The festival will showcase 37 short and long films from across the globe. The festival was created by Vietnamese American Arts & Letters Association (VAALA) and Vietnamese Language & Culture (VNLC), both organizations that aim to promote awareness and opportunities for the Vietnamese community.
In elementary school, teachers often ask “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Common answers include “a teacher”, “a fireman”, “a police officer”, “an actress”, and of course “a doctor.” Without doing any surveys, statistical studies or in-depth research, I am willing to bet that many Vietnamese-Americans have had the idea of being a doctor at some point in their lives. As a child we were told to do well in elementary school so we could have a good foundation for junior high, then do well in junior high to get into the honors classes in high school, then do well in high school to get into the best colleges, and do well in college to get into medical school. And then what? And then life will be great because being a doctor is the best thing you could be!
Walk into a nail shop by the name of “Nail Expo 1000” or “Lucky Nails” in your local strip-mall and chances are, it is owned by a Vietnamese person or manned by Vietnamese manicurists. It is a lucrative and popular business venture among Vietnamese people and has shown no signs of stopping. It amazes me how many of these “nail shops” as I call them, pop up in different cities all over the United States. Often these Vietnamese nail shops are family-owned and operated, a combined family investment and effort. The prices are extremely affordable and the locations are very convenient. You can usually find one of these nail stores next to your local supermarket or drug store. Beware during the holidays and prom seasons these places can be packed!
The Impact of the Lack of "You" and "I" in the Vietnamese Language
What kind of 8 inch delicious and filling sandwich can you get for less than 3 bucks? And no, I am not talking about a chicken sandwich from your local fast food chain. It is the Vietnamese Sandwich “Banh Mi” of course! Vietnamese sandwiches are cheap, tasty and a quick way to feed your appetite whether it is breakfast (yes I did say breakfast), lunch, dinner, or a snack.
Is the spring roll trend here to stay? Am I the only one who has noticed one of the biggest trends right now in food is the “spring roll”? It is really funny how something that is considered a simple, common food for Vietnamese people has become such a huge hit. From happy hour to school bake sales to five star restaurants, the spring roll is the hippest item on the menu and does not show any signs of losing its popularity. Suffice it to say, I will go out on a limb and say that the spring roll is giving the burrito a run for its money. What can be found for $1 a roll or 3 for $2.50 in little Vietnamese restaurants or bakeries packaged on a foam plate and wrapped with plastic wrap, can take on a whole new look at $10 for 2 rolls sliced diagonally and places decoratively on a nice plate with some type of garnish.
I have come to observe that many Vietnamese-Americans are subjected to the “Burnt Toast Phenomenon.” What I mean by this is that we are brought up to take the “lesser” of things. Often Vietnamese parents will encourage their children not to want expensive things, to save money and not buy anything that is not needed, and not “waste”. This can be frustrating for Vietnamese-Americans because living here, in the United States, we are encouraged to shoot for the top and the media constantly entices young people with top brands, trends and luxuries. We live in a society where movie stars are envied and worshipped and “things” are always in want. But yet our parents will tell us it is ridiculous and wasteful to “want” anything that is not absolutely necessary to live. This is ironic, because a lot of times this has nothing to do with how much money the person or family has, it is the mentality that the “bare minimum” is enough and saving is always better. If the “Burnt Toast” is edible and can save us money, then we should buy that instead of the fresh baked loaf of bread. If the day-old cookies are half off, as long as they are still edible, pick those instead of the new cookies.
I am not sure how it has developed or what it is, but I call it The Asian Ambition. I define it as that special drive, ambition, and dreams Asians posses. I find that they have set high goals, pushed through and reached them.
It’s been over a week since Tet, and thanks to a huge number of loving relatives, I find myself knee high in banh tet and banh chung. There’s way too much to store or freeze, eating all of that is out of the question, I have no intention of hoarding it, and it’s a bit late for re-gifting, so I’ve been a bit at a loss as to what to do. After much thought, I’ve come up with the following list. All tradition and reverence aside, I present to you the Top Ten Things to Do With Surplus Banh Tet and Banh Chung.
