“The ceremony came and went, the rest is up to us,” Historian Duong Trung Quoc told Tuoi Tre after the capital’s grand ceremony as he reflected on its legacy and the road ahead for a more collectively responsible urban culture.
Looking back at 10 days of grandiose celebrations which officially came to a close on Sunday, do you consider yourself satisfied?
It is very hard to say. It was impossible not to have unrealistically high expectations for a celebration that only comes around every 1,000 years. However, from the viewpoint of a historian, having the opportunity to look back to our last 1,000 years and celebrate our spirit of endurance is priceless. It is an invaluable opportunity for all citizens, especially the younger generation, to understand the meaning of the ceremony. Hanoi is not only a 1,000 years old city, but also one that has perseverated in strength and resilience after having been dominated by its northern neighbor [China] for 1,000 years.
Do you think the celebrations inspired young people to identify with the country’s values?
I think that our national character, especially our cultural wealth, transpired during the festivities. Whether it met our expectation or not depends on everyone’s experience. In any case the artistic and scientific programs have elicited our common interest. At least, everyone can witness the historic momentum enjoyed by the current generation. I regret we are yet to build Independence Station – an important symbol we should have – although the idea in itself, partially fulfills that need.
Many traveled to Hanoi the night of October 9 to camp out while waiting for the parade the following morning. Also, on the early morning of October 10, Hanoi universities’ students gathered near Ho Guom (Sword Lake). It was crowded and noisy. What are your feelings to this regard?
I think it is an organizational problem. We had not organized an event of such proportions for a long time. I remember when I was a child the government organized a parade on National Independence Day every year. At that time, all people knew where to go and where to sit. Security officers were effective in keeping order. What we had this year on December 10 was a very different scene. Organizers underestimated the number of attendees, so crowding and chaos ensued. I am aware that many tourists were not able to enter My Dinh stadium due to overcrowding.
Following the October 10 parade, My Dinh Square was left in complete disarray as the streets were packed with rubbish, a situation exacerbated by the shortage of waste containers, while flowers and grass areas had been stepped on and several tree branches were scattered through the devastated area.
This is the biggest problem. It is true that monumental programs and grandiose projects have their own value, but Hanoi’s character is best exemplified by the culture of its residents. However, such images reveal a lack of civic culture. While we lack a professional urban management apparatus we also show little interest in embracing a responsible urban lifestyle and civic culture. Indeed, that is the biggest problem.
Moreover, we should realize that as Hanoi is expanding its borders, rural customs have begun to permeate urban culture. Thus, Hanoi is currently running the risk of being ‘ruralized’. Obviously, we do not wish to disregard the value of rural costumes, but they may not be equally suitable for an urban environment. Our ability to fully embrace urban citizenship is our biggest concern now that festivities have passed.
In building a beautiful and civilized capital, should culture be prioritized?
Exactly! Frankly speaking, the thing we are lacking most is urban culture. We talk about 1,000 years of Hanoi with pride and honor, yet we are aware of its historical struggles and especially of its recent history in the 100 years since the end of French occupation. It is now faced with the threat of ‘ruralization’.
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