There is a thought-provoking image: residents of Tráng Việt, Mê Linh, Hanoi, wearing red shirts with a yellow star as they take to the streets to march. At first glance, some might call this a “success” of propaganda. But is that really the case? Or, on the contrary, is this a sign that residents are so anxious they feel compelled to prove they are not in opposition, not “reactionary,” but simply seeking to protect their legitimate rights?
A government that truly serves its people would not require citizens to wear any particular color to prove their patriotism before being heard. The people simply need to voice their aspirations; the government has the responsibility to engage in dialogue and resolve issues through the law. Because when people are both worried about losing their rights and afraid of being labeled, the issue is no longer merely a land dispute. It has become a matter of trust.
People should feel secure when dealing with the government. If they have to watch every word and every action, that is what we should be thinking about. So, don’t be too quick to view those red shirts with yellow stars as an “achievement.” The more important question is: Why do people have to wear them to feel safe when speaking out about their own rights?
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