Interviewer:

“What do you see as either cultural or linguistic barriers between the first-generation immigrants and your generation (second-generation)?”

Sean Nguyễn

Sean Nguyen is a 36-year-old second-generation Vietnamese American. He is the director of the System Interventional Pain Service Line at Ochsner Health in New Orleans, LA. His parents were first-generation immigrants who came to the United States in 1965. He was born in the US territory of Guam but grew up in Houma, Louisiana. He moved to New Orleans in 2007, after Katrina, and has been there since. In 2016, he got his MHA at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University and has been working in healthcare administration since. He has previously lived and worked in New Orleans East for the nonprofit Vayla. He has many friends and family still living in New Orleans East and regularly visit.

Sean Nguyen:

“I don't think we give enough credit to the first generation when it comes to assimilation. The second generation had to deal with a lot of issues about trying to define themselves as Asian Americans and again, I will not take that away from the second generation, but the first generation recognizes we are Vietnamese and we are living in a new country. I would say, first generation you have to give them credit for how much has changed and how much they have gone through and to be able to still keep up with the language and the cultural changes as well, they've gone through a lot. They've assimilated extremely well and through all that trauma, they've kept some of the traditions and the cultural norms that puzzle the second generation. They keep the fun cultural norms and things, but some of the things around religion they will always second guess and ask questions. That's probably what hurts a lot and back in the day it probably damaged a lot of relationships between first and second generations.”

Interviewer:

“How would you say you feel about the community's relationship with the city of New Orleans? Do you think there are specific areas where the city has fallen short in helping out the community or ways in which the city has excelled in helping the community?”

Sean Nguyen:

“All in all, I would say the general sentiment of the city of New Orleans as a government system is a lot of distrust and clouded by skepticism and corruption. I think there was a turning point when they finally had a Vietnamese American on the city council to help implement change and be a visible representation on the city council. But I mean, she was trying to work up a hill and trying to fight institutional barriers that have been part of New Orleans's legacy in the government for so long that it was hard for her to continue to bring resources and change into New Orleans East where she sees that on a daily basis. But at the same time, have I seen continued support from community leaders in New Orleans specifically? No. I would say there are fluff projects to help make it better. But long-lasting change to focus on New Orleans East that is continuing to move the community forward. No, I haven't seen it.”

Interviewer:

“How do you think that the New Orleans East Vietnamese community has been covered in the media and do you think there have been areas where the media has not been able to accurately portray the community or areas where it has?”

Sean Nguyen:

“Vietnamese Americans tend to keep to themselves and be active citizens within their community so bringing any spotlight to them is often concerning. We try to do what we can to build better representation for example spotlight cultural celebrations like the Lunar New Year or even when you win a James Beard Award for the King Cakes, like, yes, those are mile markers and things to be celebrated. I think what we don't do well enough is spotlighting Vietnamese Americans in different industries. Yes, you get to see the Vietnamese American doctors who do well, but let's talk about the Vietnamese Americans who are in healthcare management or education. I think we owe it to our young people so that they recognize there are other pathways to success and it also reinforces to the first generation of Vietnamese Americans that the idea and definition of success does not have to be a doctor or a lawyer.”