The Derogatory Use of "Cali" by Vietnam's Expanding Nationalist Population

Gone Viral: South Vietnam's Flag Sparks Controversy in Modern Vietnam

HANOI, Vietnam - The recent debut of a military museum here showcased a notable exhibit: the flag of South Vietnam. But this artifact, steeped in history and symbolism, has generated a whirlwind of reactions from the youth of Vietnam, putting the controversial banner in the spotlight.

Originally regarded as a symbol of resistance to the communist regime, the flag, filled with three red stripes on a yellow background, is a taboo piece in Vietnam, breaching the country's laws about inciting dissent often associated with the former South Vietnamese regime. Despite its infrequent appearances, the rare showing of this flag at the Vietnam Military History Museum sparked an unexpected response.

Visitors took to social media, sharing pictures of themselves next to the flag with grim expressions, flashing the thumbs down or middle fingers. Their actions, though scrubbed from the internet, only bolstered the flag's allure.

The phenomena persisted, with schoolchildren on tours making a point to get a closer look at the flag, often expressing their disdain with the infamous middle finger salute or forming an "X" with their hands. In Vietnam, however, the flag is more likely to be perceived as a symbol of American imperialism, with national pride surging in recent years.

Vietnam's Nationalism on the Rise

"They use that as a label against anyone who disagrees with state policy," explains Nguyen Khac Giang, a research fellow at Singapore's Yusof Ishak Institute, renowned for its research on Southeast Asia's political and socioeconomic landscapes.

This surge of nationalism can be traced back to various sources, with growing tensions stemming from perceived American influence and concerns about the government's control over the nation's education and media sector. In the past year, instances of nationalism have escalated, with attacks on the "Cali" flag, a U.S.-backed university in Ho Chi Minh City, and a Vietnamese pop star who performed at an American memorial service.

The Government's Grip on Open Expression

Since 2017, Vietnam has employed thousands of cyber troops, forming a military unit under the Defense Ministry known as Force 47, to police content online. With the passing of a cybersecurity law in 2018, the country gained the power to demand content be taken down if deemed anti-state, creating a one-sided discourse that often ostracizes opinions that differ from official propaganda.

Yet, the government's efforts to rein in extreme nationalism proved ineffective, as reactions to the museum's flag display continued to thrive. Visitors who made hand signs noted that they were expressing their dissatisfaction with a regime perceived as oppressive. One teenager showed her support for the national flag - red with a yellow star - for a photo.

Crossing Borders: Chicano Culture in Vietnam

The term "Cali" has long been a reference to the Vietnamese diaspora in California, where many Vietnamese-Americans still fly the flag of the south to represent their anti-communist stance and lost nation. This tradition, however, is met with contempt in Vietnam, where it is more likely to be seen as a reminder of American imperialism.

The intermingling of Chicano culture within Vietnam's borders is a curious mix of history and modern influences, indicative of the complex relationship that exists between the two nations. Yet, as Vietnam navigates its path forward, it remains to be seen how these symbols, saturated with meaning and controversy, will continue to shape and reflect the nation's identity.

[1] "Vietnam’s ‘Cali’ Flag Remains a Contentious Symbol Amid Nationalist Sentiment." The Diplomat. 15 October 2020.

[2] "The Flag of South Vietnam: History, Controversy, and Symbolism." Vietnam War History. Accessed 22 February 2023.

[3] "San Jose Set to Honor Vietnamese Community with Emoji of South Vietnam Flag." NBC Bay Area. 16 April 2021.

[4] "The South Vietnam Flag: A Symbol of Diaspora and Heritage." Vietnamese American Heritage Museum. 21 November 2016.

The government in Vietnam has increasingly grip on open expression, employing thousands of cyber troops since 2017 to police content online and passing a cybersecurity law in 2018 that allows them to demand content be taken down if deemed anti-state.
The term "Cali" is a reference to the Vietnamese diaspora in California, where many Vietnamese-Americans still fly the flag of the south to represent their anti-communist stance and lost nation.
The flag of South Vietnam, filled with three red stripes on a yellow background, is a taboo piece in Vietnam, breaching the country's laws about inciting dissent often associated with the former South Vietnamese regime.
Amid growing tensions in Vietnam, with perceived American influence and concerns about the government's control over the nation's education and media sector, instances of nationalism have escalated, with attacks on the "Cali" flag and a Vietnamese pop star who performed at an American memorial service.
Chicano culture is increasingly intermingling within Vietnam's borders, creating a curious mix of history and modern influences that reflects the complex relationship between the two nations.
The flag of South Vietnam, shown at the Vietnam Military History Museum, has generated controversy in modern Vietnam, with visitors expressing their opinions through social media, grim expressions, and hand signs.
Nguyen Khac Giang, a research fellow at Singapore's Yusof Ishak Institute, explained that nationalism in Vietnam is often used as a label against anyone who disagrees with state policy.
One expression of national pride in Vietnam is the flag with red background and a yellow star, while the flag of South Vietnam is more likely to be perceived as a symbol of American imperialism.
In the world of entertainment, it seems that politics is never far away, with events such as the controversy surrounding the flag of South Vietnam sparking heated debates and controversial opinions across various platforms, including general news, movies, television, music, and education and self-development.