To whom do I owe my alligence to IF.....?
 

First off, to those of you who don't know (pretty much all I guess) I'm vietnamese. I was born in Vietnam and lived there for nine years until I came to the U.S. I am now a U.S citizen.

Heres the situation:

A couple days ago, on an "asian" forum, one member asked that "If communism in Vietnam were to end, would you college students go back to our homeland and help rebuild/better it?"

That got me wondered, if this were to happen in the future, Where do I owe my alligence to? America where I've been living for the most part of my life and is now a citizen? Or Vietnam, my homeland?

I don't know where to post this so might as well put it in General. Since it deals with morals(philosophy?), politically, and living. If the mods find a place fitting other than General, by all means move it there.

Whomever you choose.

The US is a place of choice.

Yeah, I know the U.S is a place of choice, and plenty too.

If I choose America over Vietnam, would that make me a "traitor" ? and vice versa?

Only to foam-at-the-mouth nationalists. Fuck 'em.

I think it's good to keep your homeland in your heart. I don't think I'd move back. I'd be happy for the people living there, and the people that do want to move back, but If I have a new life, I don't want to ruin that.

edit: I don't think you'd be considered a traitor if you didn't go back.(if I were a "foam-at-the-mouth nationalist")I would think the opposite, People that flee for the US only to crawl back home when things get better. (again, I don't feel that way.)

I wouldn't say you're a traitor, you did chose to live here after all. And I think that's that. And as long at the countries aren't at war, why not pledge allegiance to both countries.

this isn't about allegiance, if you should have any should be to humankind, It's about naturalized citizens of one country going to another country, communist or not, to help make it a better place for all, if that is in your means. too me it doesn't seem like there is relevance to some form of choice.

Home is where your heart is.

When I grew old enough to leave my parents' house and start a life of my own, I soon found I had two homes....the home of my birth and the home of my present.

We have room in our hearts and in our endeavors for more than one home, country, love, etc... Choose both countries. Work for the betterment of each. One because you were born there and want to help it succeed....the other because you chose it and it took you in. Your efforts and allegiances need not be exclusive to a single home.

If you were to go back home, might you not be looked at as an outsider? I'm not saying you shouldn't help to make the lives of your countrymen as good as possible, but some people might view you as an opportunistic American. That could cause you some friction I would think.

Ahhh..I see now...thanks for all your post guys.



Sure glad no one flames me for being so stupid. :p

Edit: How did my post get on top of Cynthetiq's ???

home is where you choose to hang your hat.

You can be an expatriated American living abroad. There are thousands of people who do that not just from America.

home is where you make it.
Unless the two countries go to war then you probably shouldn't need to be thinking about your allegiance.
Since you grew up in U.S. you're probably more familiar with the culture / langugage and would be happier in U.S.