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From: Iansito
T1: iansito@worldnet.att.net
Date: 10/21/99
Time: 10:38:47 AM
Remote Name: 12.78.96.135
The shift in focus from political ideology to economics in the articles received does not necessarily signify a difference in approach towards a study of the Vietnam War. In fact, both of these cultural and historical spheres are inextricably linked, defining and reacting to each other almost imperceptibly This is evident in the language we use to discuss the war which ultimately appears as "knowledge."
Throughout these last few articles, one can easily ascertain the relationship between imperialism, capitalism, and political and cultural ideology and how these forces shaped the Vietnam War. What is more disturbing, however, is how these discursive elements have influenced our understanding of this event and our sense of a national identity as well. The language used to describe and mask imperialist action, "underdeveloped," "Third World," and , in the political arena, "massacre," or "atrocity" allows the US to continue its involvement in these countries for purely economic reasons. The amassing of capital from abroad, however, is not the only investment of this system. It (meaning, the political and economic ideology) is also invested in the production of knowledge which, in turn, perpetuates the system of imperialism. Knowledge, then, or education, becomes an equally viable form of capital. Through a constant indoctrination of ideas which support a specific ideology, the cycle continues. Language and seemingly "natural" behaviors, such as racism (discussed in the article), become the tools through which that ideology can be imposed, upon its own and others. The three arguments listed in the article are exposed as such, signifying an acceptance of doctrine and knowledge. In short, these cultural spheres, spoken of earlier, act as touchstones against our involvement in Vietnam. Through these paradigms and categories of knowledge, we are able to uncover a host of discrepancies. More importantly, however, is the application of these fields against our own silent involvement. What we inevitably find is that knowledge itself is a product, a means and an investment with one clear profit in mind- the continuation of power at the expense of ourselves and others. Through invested knowledge, our sense of national identity and history itself is secured for that power!
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