Like many of our fellow VSAs, Brown VSA exists as an open space for all students at Brown to connect and to raise awareness of the issues pertinent to the Vietnamese/ Vietnamese American communities. The organization was built on notions of empowerment and liberation, modeled after Brown University’s unique Third World Center (TWC) that helps Brown students of color transition into college life.

Brown VSA, thus, emphasizes the need to define itself, rather than allowing itself to be defined by others. Following this concept of self-identification, Brown VSA hopes to not only empower its members but also free itself from the aversive effects of societal influences.

With the use of more unconventional methods of raising awareness, 2006 was a milestone year for Brown VSA. This entailed incorporating humor—since the Vietnamese are of course such natural comedians—as a means of demystifying stereotypes held against Vietnamese Americans. In this comedy show, stereotypes were purposefully exaggerated, acted out, and then discussed so that the audience better understood the message conveyed. The use of comedic skits allows us to reach a broader audience—for who wouldn’t prefer humorous, didactic skits to soporific lectures and presentations—and turn what was intended to shame into something that can used to educate and strengthened the community. In addition to the comedic skits, Brown VSA had recently expanded its use of art to raise awareness of important issues. In the past, Brown VSA had worked in conjunction with organizations such as NHA Magazine, RISD, and movie directors to celebrate the modern and changing Vietnamese culture in America. In 2006, Brown VSA introduced something new to its traditions—the Li Xi Charity Fashion show that brought a fusion of fashion, art, and music to tell the story of the Vietnamese American—or rather, the story of the evolving Vietnamese American. As a result of the huge success of Li Xi, we reinforced our long-standing stance against human trafficking, raising thousands of dollars for VietACT, and brought together not only Vietnamese but also non-Vietnamese students within and outside of the Brown community.

By tackling issues from these new angles, we learned something about ourselves that we had not addressed before. We realized that we are an emerging generation, the products of our parents’ successes [and failures]. We are emerging after a generation stricken by war, economic and political strife. We are emerging into a society that knows little more about Vietnam than what is credited from the “Vietnam War.”

Our generation carries a huge responsibility. We stand at the crossroads, where we must redefine ourselves to have relevance in society today while at the same time not lose hold of our roots. Brown VSA believes the need to highlight the forward movement not only of our culture but of our generation. We are hardly at a point to rest—the successes of the previous years should only serve as inspiration to further improve ourselves. With that said, Brown VSA is excited to form stronger unions with other VSAs. Together, we can incite a wave of change in this generation and inspire those who succeed us. 

As we begin the new year together, Brown VSA would like to wish everyone a warm, “Chuc mung nam moi.” We cordially invite you to celebrate Li Xi with us on February 9, and will especially welcome those who bring li xi.