societal constructs Archives - Viet Bao Louisville KY

In a world where complexity often overshadows simplicity, Di Tran’s enlightening conversation with an 80-year-old American of North Korean descent offers a profound insight into the importance of unity and the value of simplicity in human societies.

The octogenarian’s comment: “Di Tran, do you know why Vietnam is a lot better than North and South Korea? It is that Vietnam is united as one,” draws a parallel between national unity and simplicity. Vietnam’s unity, despite its tumultuous past, stands in stark contrast to the Korean peninsula’s divided history. Though it is critical to understand that such a perspective demands one to sideline political ideologies momentarily, the essence remains — unity simplifies the complications that come with division.

A quick search by Di Tran reveals that many Koreans, despite decades of separation, yearn for a united Korea. Campaigns that promote this unity focus on the humanistic aspect: allowing Koreans to experience the joys and sorrows of life without the weight of a divisive political regime. This dream, to many, embodies simplicity in its purest form.

Yet, the complexities of human societies do not limit themselves to the Korean peninsula. Take the USA, often heralded as the “land of the free,” still grappling with issues of racial discrimination. Though most Americans believe in the greatness of their nation, the fight for equal representation and the eradication of systemic racism remains an ongoing battle.

The paradox lies in humanity’s inherent nature. We are creatures who crave simplicity, as evident from the fact that most fundamental human needs – love, respect, understanding – are simple in essence. However, societal constructs, historical baggage, and political intricacies often overshadow this craving.

In his book, “The Laws of Simplicity,” John Maeda states that simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful. Applying this principle to societies implies focusing on the unifying human elements and shedding divisive forces.

Moreover, Leonardo da Vinci’s famous saying, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” resonates with the idea that finding unity, whether in national identity or the fight against discrimination, is a mark of evolved societies.

In conclusion, Di Tran’s reflection on the critical concept of simplicity, inspired by a conversation with a seasoned traveler of life, is a poignant reminder for all. While complexities are inevitable, societies that champion simplicity, unity, and equality invariably prosper. It’s a lesson that, though known to many, is practiced by few. We must strive not only to understand the power of simplicity but to actively integrate it into our global tapestry.

Fear has a peculiar hold over the human psyche. It often shapes our behaviors, molds our outlooks, and can even limit our potential. An unusual form of fear that is seldom spoken about, but silently impacts our daily lives, is the fear of money. This intriguing concept is explored in detail by the esteemed author Di Tran in his groundbreaking book, “Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH.”

At first glance, the concept might appear counterintuitive. Money, after all, is a resource that offers comfort, luxury, and security. Yet, delve deeper, and you begin to understand the subtle anxieties connected with wealth and financial negotiations.

We inhabit a world where negotiation is ingrained in the fabric of our lives, and almost everything has a price tag. We bargain, trade, and negotiate, but as Di Tran rightly observes, “No one wants to say it straight.” We’re often reluctant to openly discuss money, especially outside of professional settings. There’s a deeply-rooted fear that discussions about wealth might lead to a loss of authenticity or might invoke judgments from others. This fear takes various forms, including the dread of dehumanization, fear of being misunderstood, and worry about losing social support.

The fear of dehumanization stems from the common perception that a money-focused individual lacks emotions. The worry of being perceived as “greedy” or “materialistic” discourages many from talking openly about money, creating a delicate balance between maintaining our humanity and pursuing financial success.

Then, there’s the fear of being misunderstood. Conversations about money can become uncomfortable in social settings. Many individuals fear that they might be misjudged or misunderstood based on their financial views or aspirations, which can be misinterpreted as avarice or materialism.

The fear of losing social support also contributes significantly to this complex web of anxieties. Society often discourages open discussions about personal finances, creating a fear of alienating friends, family, or colleagues by being too open or frequent in discussing financial matters.

Lastly, there’s the fear of losing authenticity. There’s an internal struggle, a conflict between our inherent traits or passions and our financial interests, fueled by the perception that money is a necessary evil and discussing it may dilute our genuine selves.

Di Tran, however, doesn’t just identify these fears; he provides an antidote. His solution involves not suppressing or denying these fears, but acknowledging and addressing them, by “dropping the fear” and focusing on faith.

Tran encourages us to accept that life is a series of negotiations and discussing money shouldn’t be considered a taboo. Faith in oneself, in one’s authenticity, and in one’s humanity, even while contemplating financial concerns or goals, is the key to overcoming this fear of money.

Money, as Tran clarifies, is just a tool, and the fear associated with it is a societal construct, which can be deconstructed. It is entirely possible to negotiate, to talk about money, and to have financial aspirations without losing our authenticity, our humanity, or the support of our loved ones.

The fear of money is genuine and widespread, but it doesn’t need to be debilitating. As Tran underscores, recognizing the fear is the initial step in overcoming it. Let’s embrace this recognition, concentrate on our faith, and build a healthy, fear-free relationship with money.