I came out of Vietnam full of ideas and thoughts from history to culture, to politics

Oliver Shephard-Bayly writes:

In the cloud of Communism

Although the pure ambition of Marxist Communism seems to have left the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, being in its cloud allowed me to greatly reflect on its legacy. Walking through the streets of Hanoi we saw signs hailing the triumph of communism. With the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh in his mausoleum, draped in the communist colours and surrounded by sorrowful mourners, I could see the true feeling the Vietnamese people appeared to have for this little man.

Having previously studied the great personality cults of the 20^th century, I  have contemplated the effectiveness of it all. Did people really believe in the myth and just accept the propaganda that was so often promoted by these authoritative leaders and their party. I was amazed by the respect in an almost sacramental way Vietnamese people talked of Uncle Ho, although I understand some people may put this on for show to escape government harassment. Such is unknown to us in Australia. What seems clear is even today a considerable percentage of the population has a great respect to their ‘dear leader’ in an almost religious way.  

While pacing around the mausoleum I also reflected on communism's political legacy. Although communism fell in the Soviet Union and economic liberalisation in the east is celebrated (and rightly so), the legacy of State totalitarianism has still not ended in Vietnam. You can see this as you walk around and see patriotic posters, the strong police presence and read the government newspapers. I wonder whether Vietnam will ever transition to a liberal democracy like Australia? Will the communist party continue to have a grasp over Vietnam for years to come? It’s probably somewhere in between.     

Being in a different political environment also makes you question your own. In Vietnam I contemplated whether our heavily liberalised individualist society is the best structure? Certainly, it’s got its merits, but I think what I saw in Vietnam of the philosophy that you are just a societal cog and not a selfish individual is worth thinking about. Although I find the erosion of individual rights appalling, I am interested in the mentality that you are connected to a society which you give what you can and receive what you need. 

I also found the Vietnamese approach to the welfare system compelling. At every park I looked at the woman sweeping up the leaves. Being paid by the state to do this simple task gave these women a purpose and dignity to have money for their own work. As I don’t know much about the system, I cannot say if I would support such an approach in Australia but the idea that anyone can get a simple job with the State if they wish, is a comforting one. I believe as technology progresses and manual skills become less in demand, we will need policies to provide an income to unemployed people, whilst providing them with a purpose in life. I wonder how we can reflect on systems like this around the world to find solutions to our own problems, in the present and future.  

So, I came out of Vietnam full of ideas and thoughts from history to culture, to politics, each of which are so intertwined. I cannot easily separate them.

I am so grateful for having such an amazing opportunity with so many incredible and interesting people and I hope that I can continue to ponder these amazing societal thoughts back home.