The Vietnamese Experience in America

This brief, readable survey describes the path of Vietnamese refugees and the life they have built in the United States with sensitivity and detail, but not enough depth. Noting the history of culture clashes within Vietnam, anthropologist Rutledge ( The Vietnamese in America ) first distinguishes between initial waves of refugees, who were educated and had established Western ties, and later waves, which included ethnic minorities. A chapter on the perilous flights from Vietnam includes several heartrending interviews. Rutledge explains elements of the Vietnamese ``harmony-oriented'' culture and their transposition to this country, religious practices, community organizations, dedication to the work ethic and evolving approaches to health care. He concludes that this resilient people, accepting American influences but retaining traditional culture, have adapted in a way unlike the assimilationist Japanese Americans and clannish Chinese Americans. Rutledge focuses on refugees who settled in Oklahoma and Texas. More about the Vietnamese in California, where they are most concentrated, would have filled out the story. Photos not seen by PW. (Apr.)