When most people think about the Opium Wars of the mid-19th century, they only think about the conflict between the British and the Chinese. In reality, the war’s influence stretched far beyond the borders with China and rippled throughout South East Asia.
What an insidious situation. Who would have thought that this was still a common practice. Maybe I am being naive. Personally I have never understood the need or desire for anyone to take drugs and particularly today where you would have no idea where most of it has been produced. c’est la vie!
I have a slightly unusual take on drug abuse. Here in Vietnam, it is almost impossible to receive pain medication. Many people have chronic injuries caused by living in a poor country. I don't consider drug abuse to be a moral problem as much as a symptom of a desperate person with no other options. If that person is in deep physical or emotional pain, the numbness they might feel would be much better than the alternative. I have always thought the solution for drug abuse is treatment and not punishment.
I remember seeing some hungry people and beggars on the street, but not really drug users. I thought usually they camp out in hotels so people don't see them. One hotel I know of had a bust last year were well over 100 people were arrested (close to 150).
What an insidious situation. Who would have thought that this was still a common practice. Maybe I am being naive. Personally I have never understood the need or desire for anyone to take drugs and particularly today where you would have no idea where most of it has been produced. c’est la vie!
I have a slightly unusual take on drug abuse. Here in Vietnam, it is almost impossible to receive pain medication. Many people have chronic injuries caused by living in a poor country. I don't consider drug abuse to be a moral problem as much as a symptom of a desperate person with no other options. If that person is in deep physical or emotional pain, the numbness they might feel would be much better than the alternative. I have always thought the solution for drug abuse is treatment and not punishment.
Maybe it would help curb the current drug problem in VN if they created a new set of postcards.
Any photographer wandering the streets of D1 or D3 in Saigon would find plenty of subjects, both Vietnamese and Westerner.
I remember seeing some hungry people and beggars on the street, but not really drug users. I thought usually they camp out in hotels so people don't see them. One hotel I know of had a bust last year were well over 100 people were arrested (close to 150).
Sit and have coffee on Bui Vien or DQD in Pham Ngu Lao Ward of D1 any morning between 7 and 10 and you'll see them roll by.