So everyone has heard about the German guy running through traffic in some say a misguided act of heroism. I, like a lot of readers, have read the coverage and the consequent opinion pieces from, well, everyone it seems. I'm not about to rehash an already overdone news piece, but the incident itself raised a wider point of debate for me, the case of identity here in Vietnam.

Many of the pointed comments about this man are based on his nationality, which struck home for me after living here for nearly 3 years. I know that for some people I will be labeled like George as a "Foreigner". It's alienating, stark and vague. Foreigner from where? The spirit of "us and them" will always be alive and well with the use of such terminology. "Foreigner decides to enforce traffic rules", how dare a foreigner take matters into his own hands! Because if a Vietnamese person had done the same thing, it would have been A-OK? I think not.

It raises a whole gamut of questions and doubts for me about my existence here in Vietnam. I, as well as many other expats over here have worked, volunteered, made friends and have settled down into life here. We aren't living out of suitcases and mouthing XIN CHAO with a vacant look on our faces. We are actively participating in life only to be branded a "foreigner".

Many were outraged that a foreigner dared to get involved in enforc ... Xem thêm