How to Ruin the Vietnamese Image ??

Introduction

Recently, a video I posted has sparked significant discussion online due to the polarizing reactions it elicited. On one side, many defended the fact that my friend, Chan Ma, and I filmed in a busy tourist area during the day, arguing that the woman in the background was not a primary focus of our video. However, a contrasting group criticizes us for filming her at all, suggesting that we should have avoided capturing her image.

It's worth mentioning that we did not set out to film her. What transpired was quite unexpected. Just before we began filming, Chan Ma expressed confusion about the difference between filming on the main street and in the alley. We were surprised when the woman began yelling at us, especially since we were simply walking through a busy street filled with tourists, shoppers, and people enjoying spa treatments.

When we inquired about her outburst, she insisted that we should have been the ones avoiding her in our footage. Interestingly, this woman, working in a tourist-heavy area, generates income from visitors like us. While many locals typically don’t splurge on services like massages, the women in this area appear to attract tourists, who tend to be their primary clientele. In some irony, despite being her target audience, she reacted aggressively toward us, displaying rudeness and issuing threats.

Notably, her initial confrontation didn’t include any direct request for us not to film her. Instead, she launched directly into yelling. Despite our attempts to communicate with her respectfully, she refused to engage in a proper dialogue. It felt as if she was more interested in asserting her point than listening to our side.

As a Vietnamese person, I feel compelled to highlight that incidents like this can tarnish the country's image. Many people echo the sentiment that Vietnam is synonymous with hospitality and politeness, traits exceptionally embodied by Vietnamese culture. Women in Vietnam are often characterized as gentle and courteous, so I found it perplexing and disheartening to witness someone acting in a manner that seems contrary to these values.

It’s worth noting that, if she had approached us politely, we would have had no issue removing her from our footage. We simply wanted to share our experience, not to harm anyone’s reputation. Walking through a public area should come with a degree of mutual respect. If people engage in work that caters to tourists, especially in a visible location, they must be prepared for the possibility of being filmed.

Visitors come to Vietnam to explore, have fun, and capture memories. Interactions with the locals can greatly influence their experience and perceptions. The majority of Vietnamese people treat tourists warmly, and it is crucial not to allow negative encounters to define the broader culture.

Ultimately, my goal in addressing this issue isn’t to vilify the woman involved but to stress that respect goes both ways. The portrayal of Vietnamese people as unkind due to the actions of a few misrepresented individuals could deter future tourists from visiting.

Moreover, we need to emphasize that tourism is crucial to Vietnam's economy. Tourists provide a significant source of revenue, and an unfriendly atmosphere can deter those who might otherwise visit. It’s about fostering a welcoming environment that reflects the true nature of the country.

So, if you were in our shoes, how would you react to such confrontational behavior? And for Vietnamese locals, how would you feel if someone filmed you inadvertently in the background? Would you prefer to address the situation politely, or would you react differently?

Keyword

• Vietnamese image
• tourism
• respect
• cultural representation
• interaction
• public space
• hospitality
• tourist experience

FAQ

Q: What sparked the controversy in the video?
A: The controversy arose from our interaction with a woman who yelled at us while we were filming in a public tourist area.

Q: Why was the woman upset about being filmed?
A: She felt that we should have avoided capturing her in our video, despite her being in a public space where tourists are common.

Q: How did the author feel about the woman's behavior?
A: The author felt that her aggressive behavior did not represent the traditional Vietnamese values of hospitality and kindness.

Q: What message does the article convey about tourism in Vietnam?
A: The article emphasizes the importance of treating tourists with respect and kindness, as their perceptions can significantly impact Vietnam's image.

Q: How does the author suggest improving the situation for tourists?
A: The author advocates for mutual respect and understanding between locals and tourists to foster a more welcoming environment.