6/1 Nam Le
Even after learning this story is an autofiction, I can still see why it would be believable. There are very relatable conversations that are brought up in this story, although a lot of the actions seem very exaggerated and unrealistic such as the burning of the story. One thing that was brought up that I felt was interesting is how the narrator had this internal conflict of wanting to not write about ethnic studies, but also wanting to reveal his family's past. Apparently writing about ethnic studies is seen as average and cliche, but after learning his father's journey of survival, the narrator felt compelled enough to use it for his project. I though the conflict between him and his father was very symbolic. His father didn't want him to use his story, but instead wanted to forget everything that had happened in Vietnam. Coming from a family of refugees during the Khmer Rouge, I've witnessed many of my family members struggle with PTSD and other mental illnesses trying to heal and recover from trauma. Although the narrator felt like it was his duty to showcase the struggles of his family, it did seem kind of selfish to use his father's story for his own personal gain. He did not come to think about how it would affect his father.
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