Journey to Freedom

Flags at Cabramatta: Australia and South Vietnam, 2015

30 April, 2015: Today marks 40 years since the end of the controversial Vietnam War that ended in 1975. To some, it may be a day of celebration as some would call it "Reunification Day" as South and North Vietnam were on its way to unify and become one. 

Among many others like my family, it's a day to commemorate the Fall of Saigon. What was then the capital city of South Vietnam, Saigon, was then re-named to Ho Chi Minh City as it fell over to the communist regime of North Vietnam. This regime was what the South Vietnamese fought hard against for decades, but unfortunately left defeated. 

As a result of this, was a large diaspora of the Vietnamese people around the world. The influx of refugees did not only come from Vietnam, but also included other Indo-Chinese countries such as Laos and Cambodia when times were also turbulent. 

These people had lost faith in their homeland and risked their lives as they began their journey to freedom in foreign land. Most of them traveled by small overcrowded fishing boats. They weren't exactly sure where they were going and making it out on the other side alive was not guaranteed, but they took the risk anyway. 

Among these "boat people", was my mother. She managed to flee Vietnam and eventually resettle into Australia after staying in a refugee camp with one of her sisters and one niece.  

And then I was born. I was the first person in my family to be born and grow up in a country outside Vietnam. There's no reason why I shouldn't feel fortunate and grateful to be born and experience the comforts of growing up in Australia. 

One of the real heroes at the time was the late Malcolm Fraser who played a key role in having a big enough heart to open the doors for the Indo-Chinese refugees into Australia. If it wasn't for him, the descendants of Vietnamese refugees just like myself wouldn't even be here today, literally. So, for that, I'm forever thankful. 

My mum doesn't really talk about this stuff in detail with me about the Vietnam War and her journey to Australia, so she may think I'm oblivious to these important events. Although, I may have taken it forgranted growing up not fully understanding the circumstances on where my mother came from and why so many films, literature and highschool studies had so much emphasis on the Vietnam War and the extent of controversy it caused.

Now that I'm older and continue to grow, I make time to continue to learn and understand more about my roots while learning to have more compassion about world issues, especially when the asylum seeker issue still applies today. 

The Vietnamese or Indo-Chinese community experienced a lot of struggle and hardship, meanwhile copping criticism. Especially at one point when we were perceived as a nuisance "swamping Australia with Asians" who have "their own culture and religion, form ghettos and do not assimilate". So, I'm proud to see how far we came as a community to help transform Australia into the diverse country it is today. 

Having discussions with a lot of my Vietnamese friends from my generation made me realise how very few knew anything about the Vietnam War. I find it as an insult to those who risked (and lost) their lives fighting for freedom by not understanding or appreciating a little bit of our history. I may not be fully knowledgeable but neither am I too ignorant. And, that's the least I can do for mine and the next generation. 

Forty years since the Fall of Saigon, and people outside the country are still fighting against the current government in favour for democracy in Vietnam. You will never see the yellow flag with red stripes which represents South Vietnam in Vietnam anymore but we still like to rep it around the world with pride. And, Ho Chi Minh City will always be Saigon to us. 

Anyway, be thankful with where you are now but never forget where you came from and how far you have come, especially for your parents. 

Lots o' Love, Linda 

My mother (L) with fellow protesters making noises against the communist government of Vietnam in Canberra (30 April, 2011). 

I Stand For Mercy

Illustration by John Shakespeare via Sydney Morning Herald 

It was in the year 2005 when we lost our fellow Australian, Van Tuong Nguyen to the death penalty in Singapore as a result of drug trafficking. Now, in less than 24 hours, the world could lose two more Australians facing with the same fate in Indonesia. 

It's hard to believe that currently in the year 2015, there are still countries around the world which still implement this form of punishment. Naturally, this issue of capital punishment has got the world divided on whether its morally right or wrong. I personally think it's socially, ethically and morally wrong and very inhumane in every sense. Of course, not everyone will agree with me on this one. 

However, over the years, I have come to realisation that there are probably two kinds of offences (and only two offences) why I may actually support the death penalty, and these are; serial murderers and sex offenders. Other than those, I support the complete removal of the death penalty in all countries worldwide. 

Yes, I'm aware that Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan should've known better, and that they are paying the ultimate price for their mistake of supporting the illegal drug industry. And, they may have also shown complete disregard for the welfare of its addicts and victims who pay the even more ultimate price. However, I believe in being compassionate to make the world a better place, and hope for their lives to be spared.

These Bali Nine leaders were only in their 20's when it happened, hence they were still young and naive. And, have we forgotten that they have already lost their freedom for nearly 10 years? So, what was the point of having them imprisoned for that long, only to be executed at the end? I hardly think these men are the same two men when they first entered those jail cells. They have changed, learned and grown. If anything, they could possibly represent strength and successful rehabilitation and become full contributing citizens for society. 

Regardless of how you feel, whether you're for or against, please spare a thought for these two (and others currently on death row) and their loved ones. 

Lots o' Love, Linda

Final Interview as Bruce Jenner

"All of us deserve the right to be loved for who we are." - Bruce Jenner 

Probably one of the most anticipated interviews have recently aired on television, and that was the ABC News 20/20 exclusive of the Diane Sawyer interview with Bruce Jenner. It was an important discussion on the former American Olympian and reality TV star's transition from male to female. 

After spending the majority of his 65 years of life having to fight his internal battle with his identity (and having media constantly on his back), to share his vulnerable journey and have it broadcast to a wide audience is something that takes a lot of courage and something to be proud of. 

While he may not represent all members of the transgender community, this is a great step heading towards a society with more understanding, tolerance and acceptance towards this challenging issue that has often been ridiculed and mistaken as a mental illness. At the same time, this encourages transgender (generally the LGBT or anyone really) people to just be themselves. And, that's the kind of world we have the right to live in. 

I first started learning more and have become more open-minded towards transgender people since coming across Julie Vu also known as PrincessJoules on YouTube.
  
PrincessJoules' Draw My Life video:    

I've also been quite attentive towards my surroundings in public over the years and have noticed a male in my local area who appears to be in the transitioning phase who receives a lot of stares (and giggles) from strangers in public. 

Naturally, society is generally a disappointment because of its ignorance but it's not so bad when there are people out there who are not so close-minded.

I hope everyone takes a moment to listen, learn and become more open-minded for this community. 

One of my favourite quotes from the Bruce Jenner interview would be; 

"I can be married to the most beautiful woman in the world, and I am. I can have the most beautiful little daughter in the world, and I have that. But I'm nothing if I can't be me. If I can't be true to myself, they don't mean anything." - Kanye West to Kim Kardashian on Bruce Jenner. 

Lots o' Love, Linda 

Cleaning Out My Closet

I'm currently in the process of downsizing my excess of possessions. I must admit, it has been quite a struggle but very liberating at the same time. I'm not fortunate to have a big room but I have accumulated too much stuff over the years which has ultimately led me to a state of unhappiness and a room full of clutter. I guess you can also say I'm quite a hoarder. 

I've been feeling quite stressed and seeing so many things fill up my room but are usually left untouched is quite overwhelming. I've been inspired by some online articles such as this one from Harvard Magazine and videos I've seen on YouTube about minimalism and downsizing. The following quote from the online article really got me thinking; 

"Buddhists say that desire for things, including material goods, is a root cause of suffering. And in Walden, Henry David Thoreau, class of 1837, makes clear his view: "Most of the luxuries and many of the so-called comforts of life are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind."

Hence, I've finally made my first step. Although the process is quite slow for me (I need a bit of time), it's getting easier each time. 

Just like most of us, there really isn't any real reason why I have an overflowing wardrobe, especially when I'm not really a "fashionista" nor do I find much joy in shopping. So, I guess it's finally time to let go of stuff that are useless, holds no value nor make me feel happy. 

Meanwhile, I also aim to be more conscious and have more self-control with my shopping in general (especially clothes, shoes and cosmetics) with determination to get more wear out of my current clothes that I'd actually still wear again. 

Less Stuff = Less Stress! 

Most of the clothes on this rack are clothes I would actually still wear again. 

Letting go of some of my books is my biggest challenge. 

A fraction of my shoes under my desk. I'm running out of space! 

The following video by RyMingTahn was the very first video that I watched that ultimately inspired me. 




If you need further inspiration, check out The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.

Lots o' Love, Linda