Censorship in Vietnam: A Historical Perspective

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Censorship, a system of suppressing information deemed sensitive or harmful, has been a constant presence in Vietnam throughout its tumultuous history. From the dynastic eras to the present day, Vietnamese authorities have employed various forms of censorship to maintain political stability, control narratives, and shape public opinion. #### The Dynastic Era: Controlling Dissent and Maintaining Order During the dynastic era, censorship primarily targeted Confucian scholars and intellectuals who dared to criticize the ruling elite or challenge established norms. The ruling dynasties, deeply invested in maintaining Confucian values and social harmony, viewed dissent as a threat to their authority. Consequently, they employed strict measures to suppress any form of expression deemed subversive or heretical. Books and manuscripts considered dangerous were confiscated and destroyed, while their authors faced severe punishments, including exile or even death. #### The French Colonial Period: Suppressing Nationalist Sentiment The arrival of the French in the mid-19th century ushered in a new era of censorship in Vietnam. The French colonial administration, determined to solidify its grip on power, implemented stringent measures to stifle any form of nationalist sentiment or resistance. Publications, newspapers, and other forms of media were subjected to strict pre-publication censorship, ensuring that only content aligned with French interests reached the Vietnamese populace. The colonial authorities also cracked down on underground printing presses and nationalist organizations, effectively curtailing the dissemination of anti-colonial ideas. #### The Vietnam War: Shaping Narratives and Managing Information The Vietnam War witnessed an intensification of censorship as both the communist North and the US-backed South sought to control the flow of information and shape public opinion. In North Vietnam, the communist government exercised tight control over all forms of media, using them as propaganda tools to bolster support for the war effort and promote communist ideology. In South Vietnam, the government, while ostensibly more liberal, also employed censorship to suppress dissent, silence opposition voices, and maintain a semblance of stability amidst the escalating conflict. #### Post-Reunification Vietnam: Censorship in the Digital Age Following the reunification of Vietnam in 1975, the communist government maintained its tight grip on information control. However, the advent of the internet and the proliferation of digital technologies in the late 20th and early 21st centuries presented new challenges to censorship in Vietnam. While the government continues to employ traditional methods of censorship, such as controlling printing presses and media outlets, it has also adapted to the digital age, implementing sophisticated measures to monitor online activity, block websites, and restrict access to information deemed politically sensitive or socially undesirable. Censorship in Vietnam, from its early manifestations in the dynastic era to its current form in the digital age, has consistently aimed to control narratives, suppress dissent, and maintain political stability. While the methods and targets of censorship have evolved over time, its underlying objective remains the same: to shape public opinion and ensure conformity to the prevailing political ideology.