I WANT TO LIVE WITHOUT TROUBLE
A North Chinese/Vietnamese Elder as told to James M. Freeman
(from Hearts of Sorrow: Vietnamese-American Lives)

Fern J. Jacoby
Far Rockaway High School
Far Rockaway, New York

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Freeman, a professor of anthropology, has done extensive research on Indochinese refugees. The speaker in this excerpt lived under Communist rule in Vietnam for more than 20 years before coming to America. He was not a willing immigrant, as his attitude toward America and fellow Vietnamese refugees reflects this unwillingness.

AIM: As you read this excerpt, consider the following question: How can a refugee successfully adjust to life in a new country?

 

  1. How was the speaker treated when the French ruled Vietnam? Why was he treated in this way?
  2. How was the Communist treatment of the Chinese/Vietnamese different? What caused changes in this treatment?
  3. Why was the speaker told to leave Hanoi? Explain his reaction.
  4. Now that he is in the United States, explain his discontent, even though his material needs are being met.
  5. Why does he say that he and others like him can't possess "an American soul"?
  6. What is the speaker's major criticism about America? In your opinion, is this a valid one? Why/why not?
  7. What is his major criticism of the Presidency? In your opinion, is this a valid one? Why/why not? (What, in his background, may account for these criticisms?)
  8. How does he feel about our educational system?
  9. The speaker is not all critical. He does have some praise for his new country.
    What does he admire about America?
  10. What is your prediction for this man in terms of his life in the future? Will he remain discontent or will he be able to assimilate to our culture? Give reasons for your answer.
  11. How might his experiences as a member of a minority group in his own country have affected his feelings about this country?
  12. After reading this essay, what can you determine about Vietnam's treatment of its minority citizens, no matter what group is in power?

GROUP ACTIVITIES-

  1. Debate- One group represents complete freedom and the other totalitarianism. Have each group try first appealing to emotions and then use rational arguments to back up their point of view as to why their system of government is the best for its citizens. Determine which method was more effective.
  2. Have groups prepare arguments, reasons, and/or examples to make the speaker feel more comfortable in this country. Use his personal history and ideology as a basis for your answers, as well as your own opinions and history, if applicable.
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