Themes in my Enemy in Vietnam

[Akangbe Opeyemi]

Racism was indeed a major theme in the book, but aside from that, the war brought about acceptance between them notwithstanding the differences in culture, in the races. Coming together of the Vietnamese and black soldiers in unity and trust for a goal.

[Sable Pratt]

The theme of war is evident in this book as it's whole narration is about the author's experience during the war in Vietnam. Billy Springer describes the issues that arise as a result of war, like racism, friendship, conflict, justice, and independence.

[Janelydia Mwangi]

The major one being racism their is discrimination, alienation, inner conflicts which portrays characters mental anguish due oppression.

[Rita Nuncia]

Apart from racism, there is also inequality in some part of the book. Also, I could see theme of acceptance later in the book.

[Katelyn Townsend 1]

One theme found in My Enemy in Vietnam besides racism is camaraderie. The level of mutual understanding and almost companionship that formed between the black American soldier and the Vietnamese shows just how easily we can form those bonds of trust if we make an effort to relate to people.

[Aisha Yakub]

I think friendship was a great theme. As separative as war seems, it's a uniting factor for soldiers.

[Mildred Echesa]

The major theme for me is war and racism, this are clearly depicted. There is also fear among the black men where they fear the white men due to their cruel behavior towards them

[Asiaa Szn]

Apart from racism, I see companionship as an important theme in the book. No matter the war or differences we humans face, we still need someone

[RajvirxSandhu]

The significant theme was racism, and I believe mistrust was also a root factor. There was also companionship and friendship. There was some positivity to experience versus the negativity.

[Suzer6440 xyz]

Racism is an issue in the world today. That is the biggest theme here. This topic is heavy and difficult to even read about. However, friendship and feelings of empathy and understanding took a theme in the story also.

[Ndagire Hassifah]

Apart from racism, there is war as a major theme in the book. I also found themes such as understanding, friendship, trust and unity among the black soldiers and the Vietnamese.

[Anne Lucas]

My first thought was racism, but I think it goes beyond that. I believe that this book portrays how impossible it is to be truly alone, that when we start opening our hearts and seeing beyond our noses, we can find someone who will do their best to accept and understand us. I think is a very eye-opening scene that the Vietnamese people question black soldiers about their motivations, the fact that they are helping the white soldiers do to them what they have been doing to their people (black communities) for so long.

I think this book can also teach us about solidarity and empathy.

Beautifully said! At first, I too thought that this book would've things about the war and racism, but it goes way beyond and deeper than that.

[Sharon Christanto]

I would say the other themes are friendship and acceptance. No matter where you are, even though so many people dislike you, eventually you'll find those who will accept you as who you are.

[Melisa Bouza]

I think that the most interesting theme here is racism. We tend to hear stories about war from a "white person's perspective". However, we never stop to wonder how the war was from the point of view of other "minorities". I am glad there is an author who came to open our eyes and show us more voices than the ones we got used to listening to.

[Ify-babe]

The other themes I noticed were friendship and companionship. In a period like war, it is a reminder that we are all we got.