The story of a Vietnamese father and son found living in the jungle more than 40 years after they went missing during the American War has captivated people across the nation and around the world.
Ho Van Thanh, 82, and Ho Van Lang, 41, apparently fled their home village after a bomb killed three members of their family. From that day until their discovery they avoided contact with anyone from the outside world.
The pair survived by foraging for fruit and cassava from the forest and planting corn. They wore loincloths made from bark and lived in a hut located five metres above the ground.
They have received medical check-ups, meals with salt, and exposure to TV and radio.
However, now Lang insists he wants to go back to the jungle. A debate has been initiated online about whether they should be returned to their familiar living environment, with many observing the reality that some aspects of modern life do not appeal to everyone.
What is your take on this story? Do you know similar examples from your country where individuals or a group of people refused to live with modern amenities? Do you think Lang should have a say in where he lives or should the authorities protect such individuals?
Please reply by email to: opinion@vnsmail.com, or by fax to (84-4) 3 933 2311. Letters can be sent to The Editor, Viet Nam News, 79 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Ha Noi. Replies to next week’s questions must be received by Thursday morning, August 22, 2013.
Đăng ký: VietNam News