Vietnam: Asking Forgiveness

I spent a full hour speaking with a woman from Vietnam, which she affectionately appellated, "my country." In the course of our discussion she made a fascinating point concerning the Vietnamese social cannon.

Asking forgiveness is a point of shame, an action, that if necessary to perform, is highly disgraceful. Although asking forgiveness may be lauded for a multiplicity of reasons (humility, accepting responsibility, etc.) the Vietnamese people are actually motivated toward goodness by the fear of asking forgiveness. The disgrace of asking forgiveness comes from the root of inattention to others, wavering self-control, or pursuant infidelity. If there is a need for forgiveness, there was an action performed that was unacceptable. The unacceptable action left a stained tarnish on an indulgent person's 'honor.'

Duty to honor is a trait waning in intensity, and it was refreshing to speak fervently, even if in broken English, concerning devotion to such a principle.