History

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!

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.

Today Thich Nhat Hanh returns to Vietnam after being exiled from the county for almost 40 years. Thich Nhat Hanh is a Zen Master, poet, peace and human rights activist - he has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dear friends and family,

The Tsunami death toll is nearing 146,000. As countless people are mourning for their friends and family, they are desperate for basic necessities like food and water that we often take for granted. They are now living in fear of death caused by overcrowded facilities that are unsanitary and potential breeding grounds for contagious diseases.

Why is there such a English fluency disparity between Vietnamese Americans and other Asian American communities?

On thursday, Dec 09, 2004, United Airlines will take off from San Francisco and land in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - the first flight into Vietnam from America since 1975. The flight is the latest sign that America’s relationship with Vietnam is growing stronger.

A survey by the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) reveals that Asian American homebuyers still face several barriers. According to AREAA, language and cultural barriers plague Asian American homebuyers the most. Vietnamese Americans in particular face more barriers than other Asian Americans.

Here’s a list of some interesting facts about Vietnamese Americans - Source: vangusa

Starting December 9, 2004 - United Airlines will fly directly from San Francisco to Vietnam. For those who want to return to Vietnam, going home has become much easier.