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Tufts University

Publication Date

Fall 2023

Program Name

Vietnam: Culture, Social Change, and Development

Abstract

The war between the United States of America and Northern Việt Nam lasting from 1955 to 1975 did not end with the removal of American troops from Vietnamese soil, but it rears its ugly head daily in the lives of those affected by Agent Orange and other various Rainbow Dioxins utilized as herbicides. This paper delves into the enduring legacy of the Resistance War Against America, specifically focusing on the socio-economic and medical ramifications for families and individuals affected by Agent Orange that persist half a century after its prohibition. The study scrutinizes the disparities in aid between American veterans and Vietnamese civilians, shedding light on the inadequacies in addressing the long-term consequences of toxin exposure. Through interviews with the Việt Nam Association for Victims of Agent Orange and visits to daycare facilities for people affected by dioxin, this project advocates for a paradigm shift in the allocation of funds, urging a redirection of resources towards the well-being of affected Vietnamese civilians rather than primarily channeling aid into remediation projects and disability policies. By exploring alternative avenues, such as community-based financial initiatives and educational programs, the paper suggests a more equitable distribution of aid that addresses the holistic needs of those impacted by the aftermath of herbicidal warfare.

Disciplines

Asian Studies | Health Policy | International Relations | Peace and Conflict Studies

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