Perceptions on the U.S.

            Regarding foreigners’ perceptions on the United States, I have decided to interview my cousin from Vietnam. She is in her late 20s and has just recently immigrated to America. I started off by asking her how she felt about America’s government. She told me that America’s government was so much better than the one in Vietnam. The government officials have a sturdier control on their nation and, overall, have better laws to protect its citizens. In Vietnam, there is no president and the communist government tries to establish similar control, but lacks authority and equality. There is no set Constitution or amendments that help structure the country. The laws can easily be changed, as well as the way the government runs. The government officials are easily bribed in Vietnam and tend to make decisions that do no benefit the majority; in other words, they do not aim for the common good. When an individual feels that he is wronged in any way, he can present his case in court and obtain his justice with the help of the laws. On the other hand, the laws in Vietnam can easily be bought with money.  Also, one of the many reasons why she likes America is that education can easily be obtained. Public education allows children to have the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop critical thinking skills that contribute to their future. The students in Vietnam have to pay for their education, which is very limited compared to the knowledge here in America. A second reason why she likes America is because of the healthcare. Since there is no healthcare in Vietnam, people who spend a night at a hospital must pay out of their own pocket. In addition, the care and attention patients receive is nowhere near the dedication that doctors and nurses give to patients in the U.S.

            Ultimately, the main problem is the Communist rule in Vietnam. Communism has a strong control on Vietnam and is limiting the expansion of its people and its country. People over there have a very positive perspective on America because they see that it is a country of opportunities and freedom. My cousin admires the government of the United States and is in awe at the freedom that Americans have to express themselves and their rights that are protected by the laws.