People's Artist Huynh Hung: 'People from Quang Nam are argumentative,' but don't argue recklessly or without knowledge.

Referring to the culture of debate, People's Artist Huynh Hung, former Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Da Nang City, mentioned the saying 'People from Quang Nam are argumentative' and said that many people 'argue a lot' but 'argue recklessly, arguing just to get it over with…'.

Participating in the consultation workshop on the resolution for the development of culture in Da Nang City for the period 2026-2030, with a vision to 2045, organized by the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism today, December 9th, director and People's Artist Huynh Hung, former Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, addressed the culture of debate by quoting the famous saying "Quang Nam people are argumentative".

"In Quang Nam, there's a very famous saying, like a defining characteristic: 'Quang Nam people are argumentative.' There are people who argue so much they become 'saints, gods,' like Phan Khoi, the Duy Tan trio (three early 20th-century reformers in Quang Nam: Phan Chau Trinh, Tran Quy Cap, and Huynh Thuc Khang), Professor Hoang Tuy… Arguing here means arguing according to the rational thinking of Descartes, arguing in the way of Greek philosophers. But now, in our society, these two are mixed up. There are people who argue even when they know nothing, arguing whenever they feel like it. Arguing recklessly, without being equipped with knowledge," Mr. Hung said.

While praising the debating spirit of people from Quang Nam, People's Artist Huynh Hung believes that when debating, one must have knowledge and avoid "arguing without reason."

PHOTO: HOANG SON

Mr. Hung cited the film "Red Rain" as an example and argued that many people cannot distinguish between documentaries and feature films. "Feature films contain fiction, and fiction, of course, has its principles, with symbols chosen based on certain criteria, 'false but more real than real.' Filmmakers have the right to do so. Yet, there's still a lot of debate about it," he added.

Mr. Hung recounted that in March, Da Nang Radio and Television Station broadcast the film "Waves at Cua Han" – a political drama about the war against the French in 1858, which he directed.

Out of caution, when making this film, he invited many historians and expert consultants. The film was broadcast and received much praise. It also received many awards. However, on March 29th, just one related video uploaded caused a strong reaction from a group of people, who called the station demanding that it be stopped.

People's Artist Huynh Hung believes that this is a typical example of uninformed "arguing." "Everyone argues, they argue about everything, without basing it on knowledge," Mr. Hung emphasized. "It's necessary to clearly distinguish between intellectual arguments and those based on knowledge . Arguments like those by Phan Khoi or Ho Nghinh, or the Duy Tan trio… exemplify a valuable spirit of debate, while reckless arguments only cause disruption and distort the cultural value of debate."

Preserving the essence of Quang Nam in cultural policies.

As someone who used to work in the cultural field, People's Artist Huynh Hung said that after the merger, the name Quang Nam no longer exists, but that's just "losing the shell." The cultural essence of Quang Nam must be preserved. Without the culture of Quang Nam, there would be no culture in Da Nang today.

"Recently, we have preserved names such as 'Dat Quang Magazine,' 'History of Quang Nam,' and the 'Quang Nam Culture' section on newspapers, radio, and television in Da Nang. These names are not just memories, but affirmations of identity. Therefore, I earnestly propose preserving the essence of Quang Nam in all cultural policies," Mr. Hung said.

Regarding cultural conduct, People's Artist Huynh Hung believes it is a crucial issue, especially the culture of interacting with nature. According to him, the recent floods showed that the city has had some inappropriate ways of dealing with nature, such as filling in rivers and lakes, narrowing waterways, and distorting the natural environment.

"The culture of interacting with nature is also a culture, and a high-level culture at that," Mr. Hung said.

The consultative workshop recorded many insightful opinions from researchers and experts.

PHOTO: HOANG SON

Regarding cultural institutions, People's Artist Huynh Hung said that "it's better in urban areas," but rural areas suffer from a serious lack of cultural institutions. Even within the city center, many cultural facilities have been neglected. For example, Chi Lang Stadium, 29.3 Park; the Cultural and Film Center is still lacking; theaters and stadiums are not up to par...

"I suggest that if a plan is in place for cultural purposes, it must be preserved, not 'modified whenever one feels like it,' or done as one pleases. Culture cannot be dependent on personal preferences. I once had to resolutely preserve the Tien Son Sports Complex, otherwise it would have been transformed…," added People's Artist Huynh Hung.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nsnd-huynh-hung-quang-nam-hay-cai-nhung-dung-cai-bua-cai-khong-co-tri-thuc-18525120914431723.htm