Independent Lens Season 6 Episode 23 Vietnam: The Next Generation

Vietnam: The Next Generation, an episode of Independent Lens season 6, explores the lives of young Vietnamese-Americans who were born and raised in the United States but still feel a strong connection to their ancestral homeland. The episode offers a nuanced view of the complexity of identity and belonging as it intersects with intergenerational trauma, political differences, and cultural heritage.

Through interviews with Vietnamese-American families across the US, including those who have come from different social, economic, and political backgrounds, the documentary highlights the struggle of second and third-generation Vietnamese-Americans to reconcile their dual identity. These young adults are grappling with the loss of their cultural heritage and their parents' memories of war, while simultaneously trying to navigate their own American upbringing and contemporary politics.

The documentary takes a deep dive into the lives of four young Vietnamese-Americans who are reflective of the broader community. One of them is Tommy Nguyen, a second-generation Vietnamese-American, who was born and raised in Southern California. Tommy is a standout student-athlete, but he is also politically-minded and strongly critical of the war in Iraq. He sees the parallels between the US's involvement in Iraq and its history in Vietnam, and his views bring him into conflict with his conservative, Vietnam War veteran father.

Another subject is Yvonne Tran, a 27-year-old activist, and community organizer who is fighting against gentrification in Oakland, California. She sees her activism as intertwined with her Vietnamese-American identity and her family's experience as refugees from the war. Through her work, she hopes to connect with younger Vietnamese-Americans and create a sense of community and solidarity.

Through powerful interviews and moving personal stories, Vietnam: The Next Generation reveals the challenges facing young Vietnamese-Americans as they navigate their identity and history in an ever-changing world. From struggles with mental health and generational trauma, to complex family dynamics and the pressures of assimilation, the documentary offers a nuanced view of what it means to be a young Vietnamese-American in the 21st century.

The episode also addresses contemporary issues within the Vietnamese-American community, such as the role of religion, the experience of LGBTQ+ Vietnamese-Americans, and the tensions between conservative and liberal political beliefs. It takes a critical look at the ongoing legacy of the Vietnam War, and the impact it has had on generations of Vietnamese-Americans.

Ultimately, Vietnam: The Next Generation is a powerful portrait of a community in transition, grappling with complex questions of identity, purpose, and belonging. Through the lens of these young adults, the documentary offers a unique perspective on the Vietnamese-American experience and the ongoing struggle for cultural understanding and acceptance.