So sorry about the lack of posts!
Blogging while on an adventure proves to be pretty challenging... There are many moments where I think, 'Ah, this topic would make for a great entry!', but by the time I have access to a computer, my thoughts and feelings have strayed to other corners of my mind and I find myself struggling to write much of anything.
But I'll try and revive some of my previous feelings.
Lately, I've had two main topics on my mind:
How can I change the world? and What does it mean to be American?
I admit that these questions seem cliche, but I think they're still important to ask oneself. Seeing the dramatically differing lives here in Vietnam has been interesting and thought provoking. I feel so ignorant when I say that I am shocked at all of the things we are shielded from in the United States. My poor upbringing seems extravagantly wealthy in comparison to many here. And though I do love art very much, I have to wonder... What can artist do to impact and change people? How can I contribute to the world with my craft and passion? (with illustration?) How can I focus on my professional career, find personal fulfilment, and survive independantly financially.... while still affecting the world? I want to succeed as an illustrator but I do not want to live within a tiny secluded bubble.
Earlier this week I was chatting with my Cousin Van and her friend Liang about the freedom of speech and what independence means. We talked about the seperate and joined history of Vietnam and the United States. I told Van I loved three topics in highschool: art, history, and politics. Liang then asked me, 'If you really like talking about history, politics, and government.. why did you choose to study art?'
My initial reaction was, 'Because I really, really love art..!!" and then I followed up with, 'And I want to figure out a way to join together art and politics...to figure out how to change and help people!' They giggled a little and said I was crazy, but I really did mean it! Sometimes I feel that many of my peers and I are so caught up in our professional careers that we forget that we are part of an even larger picture. There are many social, political, and economic issues at home in the states and aboard that I think we should be aware of. If anything, artists especially should be pay attention and saying something. I had a friend once say that artists are the ones who make and record culture. I think when I come home to the states I will try to make an even larger effort to make art with meaning and purpose. Maybe do a mural in Oakland or posters with a message I care about. Times like these, I wish that Dugald Stermer were still alive. These are the types of questions and the problems I wish I could discuss with him.
(Okay, and I'll try and keep this second part short....)
Now all of this then comes down to...what does it mean to be American? And what responsiblity do we have to other people in the world?
I have been thinking about this a lot and I think....To be American means to have the opportunity to be free in your choices of expression (may it be religious or political).. to be critically thinking (educated).. and to have access to transparent government (to know what our government is doing, why, and channels for change)
Being American does not mean growing up privileged (as in, being wealthy and suceeding your parent's paycheck). Being American does not correlate with what you eat or how you live. Your culture and your identity is what you make of it. Being American means having opportunity--the chance and option to change yourself or situation. My parents are an example of people who are proud and glad to be living in the United States..not because of cars or money,but because of the hope that their children can live happier lives and suceed in what they're most passionate about.
Unfortunently, I say that these are opportunities because I know that we are not a perfect country and there are faults. None of these things are gurantees. There are people, within both minority and majority groups (ethnic and economic) who wish to ignore certain aspects of education or our country. There are things our government and private businesses do that are awful. I am fully aware of the faults on the side of the US: the social injustice, history of class and race tension/struggle, and the exploitation of many outside of the states. But all countrie are flawed. There is no such thing as the perfect society. All people struggle and suffer. We are all sentient being. I think we need to focus on positives and strive to improve all lives--all over the world.
It is interesting that what started out as a trip to learn about my parents escape from Vietnam became more about their history and the lives they once lived here.
Earlier this week, I saw a picture of my mother's older sister for the first time. I knew my whole life that my mother had a sister who passed away in her early 20s due to contaminated water. Seeing a picture suddenly grounded the story and push flesh to words.
There have been may things floating in my head but this is just a bit of what I was thinking.
Anyway, it is time for a nap.
xxxxx
