The origin of kindness
(Baonghean) - An American woman visiting Vietnam for the first time. To her, this small country was completely unfamiliar. Like other tourists, before coming here, she carefully read guidebooks for visitors. Of course, these pocket-sized books always mention and list the problems and "tricks" that exist in Vietnam for tourists.
On a chilly evening in Vinh City, an American tourist left her hotel. She took a Van Xuan taxi, making sure to check the meter before the car started moving. This was one of the instructions in the "Vietnam Travel Guide." Perhaps until then, she had viewed everything in the country with caution and wariness. After returning to her hotel, she was surprised to receive a notification: "Someone is looking for you to return your change." Astonished and moved by the taxi driver's kindness, the tourist exclaimed, "Oh, how embarrassing! I was so wrong about you all!" From then on, the American tourist's perception of Vietnam and its people changed in a positive light. The change stemmed from the taxi driver's act of kindness.
When economic development reaches its peak, culture and people become the focus of every nation's image. Thailand is known for its friendly smiles, and Japan for the discipline of its citizens. As for us, our national image is still not clearly defined. There are still stories of unethical behavior and uncivilized conduct towards foreign tourists that damage our country's image. Many researchers have exclaimed: "Are Vietnamese people completely ugly, or is there some underlying reason preventing the inherent 'kindness' in each individual from being revealed?"
Through the taxi driver's behavior towards the American passenger, it's clear that building a positive national image isn't something far-fetched; it lies in the kindness of the most ordinary people. What could be more beautiful and captivating than Vietnam becoming "the land of kindness"? Let's believe that Vietnamese people inherently possess "kindness and compassion." And the responsibility for building a positive national image rests with all levels of society. Therefore, let's make the "kindness" within each person, each individual, manifest itself at all times. Let's begin with kind behavior, in even the smallest actions of ourselves and you!
The Son
