Question

Do you think Vietnamese are the most open-minded and kind ethnicity in Asia?

Answer 1

I disagree. Vietnam is one of the most homogeneous countries on Earth, and has a very very small number of immigrants of foreign origins. Vietnamese people can be very welcoming to visitors, but they won't feel easy about, say African or Muslim, families as their neighbors. Generally speaking, a place's history of diversity makes it more liberal. I don't think Vietnam is diverse enough.

Furthermore, the question risks over-generalization. Open-mindedness varies across the population. City people tend to be more tolerant of different lifestyles. The same goes for younger generations. Factors like geography, age… play a huge role in determining a person's open-mindedness.

I have been living in the US and the UK where there are people from different races and ethnicities. The Viets I have met so far do not perform much better than the Chinese, South Korean or Japanese in categories you mention in the question.

Last but not least, open-mindedness does not entail kindness, and vice versa. I study in Texas, and in the American South, people are very kind, but they do hold some prejudices, like racial prejudices.

Source: I'm a Vietnamese, born and raised in Vietnam.

Answer 2

Really? Vietnam is not a homogenous nation but Vietnamese are somewhat a bit unfriendly towards other ethnics. The same like most of Sinosphere countries.

Let’s remember today’s Vietnam is not the result of historical settlements but centuries of conquests and wars towards others in Asia. Let’s say like this: we fought China, we conquered Champa, we conquered Khmer’s territory. We attacked Laos, Cambodia and even we almost invaded Siam/Thailand. What do you think about this?

I suppose you’re referring to Vietnamese after the Vietnam War’s era but the war in Vietnam doesn’t give any statics at all. In fact, there are many racists from Vietnam who thought the Kinh are superior and others are “barbarians”. History of Vietnam is also distorted to teach children about Kinh supremacy!

What are you talking about?

Answer 3

There have been kind people and jerks in every country in Asia I have been to. It's wrongheaded to ask an individual to try to generalize who is the most kind -as different people will have different impressions based upon who they meet, as well as other factors. A better, more answerable question might be “Do you have any exeperiences of kindness, or less than kindness, from the Vietnamese or other Asian nationalities?

Answer 4

In a country with more than 92 million people, not every single person will behave the same as others. Maybe you’ll argue that you know so many people, and they all have kind hospitality, and that they are not so racist about the rest. However, it takes a long time to fully, or, at least, almost fully understand the people or the culture, especially if you aren’t exposed much to the everyday life of the citizens. That is, if you are an immigrant, how can you be sure what a mother says to her daughter the same as she says to you?

I am pretty sure that Vietnamese aren’t open-minded. Excuse me, but had they been, the government would have made innovations for the lame, old education; that they would permit farmers to invent new machinery and technology; and so on. Believe it or not, the word “stubborn” in Vietnamese (“cứng đầu”) is used way more in daily context than in the USA or other foreign countries.

Refer to Ngo Nhat Tai ’s answer, I think his is a pretty good one. If a Vietnamese sees an African or Muslim, someone that has differences much much more than what they have been knowing of, they won’t be that welcoming. Westerners? There are a lot tourists coming from the West now, and really, they are being so welcomed. See the difference?

Lastly, you know how Vietnamese housewives gossip a lot? Not talking about being racist towards “other Asians”, inside the country, there is already enough grief.

Answer 5

No.

Firstly, it's fruitless to average these things by 'ethnicity'. Flattering stereotypes are just as useful as negative stereotypes.

Anecdotally, I have met kind and open-minded people all over Asia, and I've met the opposite kind of people in all the same places.

Answer 6

I hate this kind of thread most. Sometimes people feel that their country is superior than other country but in fact they are no different than the other. Even in quara I saw many (should Vietnam invade Cambodia again bla bla bla... ) threads. And lots of Vietnamese insult and blame Khmer people for being weak or loser. Somehow I feel that you guys are so conceited. BTW I am also racism to some people so I don't have a right say to that to you. But believe me everyone can be kind and racism against someone

Answer 7

Probably not, but in general Asia as a whole prefers homogeneous societies, and they typically welcome travellers. But, if you’re thinking about immigrating to an Asian country and working there, I would brace for some discrimination.

Think of it this way. I can totally say that I’m American, having been born in the US. No one would argue that. If a black guy was born in Vietnam, no one would say that he is Vietnamese. They might make an exception if he went on to be a super star, but he has no chance in hell to hold any official position of power.

Answer 8

Do you think Vietnamese are the most open-minded and kind ethnicity in Asia?

I’ve read lots of great many answers given here and I’d just wanted to add some personal thoughts if it’ll help clarify further.

Vietnamese people, by nature are a very conservative people. We’ll hold steadfast to our traditions to the end until no absolute relief insight, then, and may be then, we’ll consider to break with tradition.

Feudalism is so ingrained in our minds for so many centuries that the thought to apply constitutional democracy in our society will most likely to see an increase in the social disorder.

The people of Vietnam needed a government with a strong arm to keep things reined in. Feudal - Martial Law - Communisism(current). Far as constitutional democracy, this will probably won’t happen in my generation-not unless with help in form of economic pressure from the global community.

The Vietnamese people are not receptive to open debate, or to listen to what the opposition have to say. There is no debate nor compromise among us, it is quite certain, that they themselves are always right. And are quick to eliminate the opposing views in order to advance their agendas.

A little background that are more closer to home, here, the people, in general, are not kindhearted.

Only people that have plenty to eat can afford to be kind. People from Northern Vietnam aren’t likely to have affinity toward Southerners, and vice versa.

All these divisions started way back in the late 1500s stemming from the power struggle between the two brothers-in-law, the Trinh - Nguyen lords.

These two powerful families effected the division of Vietnam, even though, technically, Southern Vietnam was very much considered new frontiers opened to be conquered and annexed.

Our forefathers weren’t open to compromise then, they won’t be open to debate now. For things to get done, it will have to be installed in a forceful manner. Neither sides want to give up anything so you’d might as well toss your debates out the window.

It used to be that everybody knows everybody in the village. Any new comers or wanderers will and can be easily exposed.

Vietnamese people by nature are creatures of comfort, any disruptions or changes will generally be met with oppositions.

All these things had happened, at least in the old country. Things might have changed for the better or might even be worse, depends on who you’re talking to.

As far as Vietnamese overseas? Your guess just good as mine. We’ll bend and bow according to the general consensus.

Answer 9

Absolutely not! Vietnamese people carry a profound antipathy towards black Africans, Muslims, and other ethnicities, particularly other Asian cultures. For an open minded and kind ethnicity one in Asia has to look for the people of Thailand, the Philippines as well as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, although they are not single ethnicities.

Vietnam is not a homogeneous country. There has for thousands of years, been huge differences between the north and the south people of Vietnam. The mountain people are quite culturally different than the Vietnamese, yet they are “Vietnamese” only because they live in Vietnam and are not welcome to participate in the governing of Vietnam. Vietnam became “homogeneous” only thanks to the French colonialists and Ho Chi Minh. Vietnam is just as homogeneous as China, and with the same type prejudices.

Answer 10

This is our fourth time to Vietnam. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the people are friendly for the most part, but in more frequently touristy areas, the locals aren't very friendly at all. There are many scams, so being on high alert is important. This time around, we're visiting Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue. We haven't been to Hue yet. Da Nang is a big city with a lot of traffic, however, finding cheap local food isn't a difficult task. Locals welcome us with a warm smile because they like to see foreigners enjoy their local cuisine. Da Nang isn't a tourist spot, so scams here aren't as frequent. Hoi An is a different story. This place is probably the tourist capital of Vietnam, and upon arrival, it doesn't take long to get harassed by over zealous locals working at higher end restaurants who rush up to tourists, shoving menus in your face. Another thing to be wary of are the tailor shops. Some locals insist that you can get a custom made suit for a cheap price, but seriously, how many travelers really book cheap airline tickets to purchase a suit? Another scam are the notorious motorbike taxis. They aren't legitimate; they're devious night crawlers whose mission in life is to separate travelers from their money. Last night, me and my husband encountered two night crawlers. We repeatedly told them no, and finally kept walking, only picking up the pace because we wanted to get away from them. Trying to find cheap local food in Hoi An is a challenge for sure, but with patience and preservance, it is possible; just don't succomb to the first tourist restaurant you see. I'll post more about Hue. As far as Vietnamese being friendly goes? So far my answer is yes, although many people seem somewhat reserved. Just give the locals a warm sincere smile and roll with the punches.

Thanks for reading!