The Question of RiceGum as a National Hero in Vietnamese Context

As the prominence of YouTubers and rappers like RiceGum Bryan Le has grown significantly in the past decade, questions arise regarding the cultural impact of such figures. One notable discussion has been whether figures like RiceGum can be considered national heroes in the eyes of Vietnamese nationalists. This article delves into the criteria for national heroes in Vietnam and assesses whether RiceGum fits into this category.

Criteria for a National Hero in Vietnam

In Vietnam, the designation of a national hero is reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to the country's independence, cultural preservation, or national identity. The most notable examples include those who fought against colonialism and foreign influence. This includes historical figures such as Ho Chi Minh, the father of the modern Vietnamese nation, and more recent figures like General Vo Nguyen Giap, who played a key role in the Vietnamese resistance against French colonialism and later the United States during the Vietnam War.

For Vietnamese nationalists, the criteria include

Significant contributions to the country's independence or cultural heritage. Historical contributions, particularly in the fight against colonialism or foreign influence. Active involvement in nationalist or patriotic movements.

The Case of RiceGum

RiceGum, whose real name is Bryan Le, is a YouTuber and rapper known for his online presence, particularly in the realm of diss tracks and vlogs. He gained prominence in the mid-2010s, and his fame is primarily rooted in internet culture rather than political movements or nationalistic sentiments. While he has a significant following among certain demographics on social media, his impact does not align with the traditional criteria for a national hero in Vietnam.

Let's evaluate RiceGum against the criteria mentioned above:

Significant contributions to the country's independence or cultural heritage: RiceGum has not made any significant contributions to the country's independence or cultural heritage. His work is predominantly focused on entertainment and content creation rather than cultural or historical significance. Historical contributions, particularly in the fight against colonialism or foreign influence: RiceGum does not have any historical contributions related to fighting against colonialism or foreign influence. His work is not rooted in any historical struggle or movement. Active involvement in nationalist or patriotic movements: There is no evidence that RiceGum has been actively involved in any nationalist or patriotic movements in Vietnam. His activities are primarily centered around entertainment.

Social Media Presence and Public Perception

While RiceGum has a large following on social media, primarily among younger audiences, his influence is more aligned with pop culture and entertainment rather than nationalist sentiments or historical significance. Vietnamese nationalists view the designation of a national hero in a more serious light and would require that an individual has made substantial and impactful contributions to the country's history or culture.

Some Vietnamese fans appreciate RiceGum's entertainment value and content, but these factors alone are not sufficient to consider him a national hero. It is important to note that the perception of RiceGum varies among different demographics. Some fans within Vietnam might see him more favorably, but the broader sentiment is that his fame is more aligned with internet culture and pop entertainment rather than national heroism.

Cultural Disconnect

RiceGum stands out as a unique figure in the Vietnamese context due to his cultural disconnect. He is not fluent in Vietnamese, does not exhibit pride in his Vietnamese heritage, and is often criticized for a lack of authentic connection to Vietnamese culture. His white-washed image and disconnect from Vietnamese cultural values contribute to his position outside the traditional narrative of national heroes in Vietnam.

While it is true that some Asian communities tend to view any form of recognition positively, especially when it comes to figures from their own countries, RiceGum does not fit this mold due to his cultural and thematic disconnection from Vietnam.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while RiceGum has achieved a significant level of fame and popularity as an internet personality, he is unlikely to be considered a national hero in the eyes of Vietnamese nationalists. His contributions to culture and entertainment, while noteworthy, do not meet the traditional criteria for a national hero in Vietnam. The designation of a national hero is reserved for individuals who have made substantial and impactful contributions to the country's independence, cultural heritage, or historical struggles.