People's Artist Huynh Hung: 'Quang Nam people often argue' but don't argue randomly, argue 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 'Quang Nam people like to argue' and said that there are many people who 'like to argue' but 'argue randomly, argue just to get something out of it...'.

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

"In Quang Nam, there is a very famous saying, like a nickname: 'Quang Nam people like to argue'. There are people who argue and 'become saints, become gods' like Phan Khoi, the Duy Tan trio (3 reformers in the early 20th century in Quang Nam including Phan Chau Trinh, Tran Quy Cap and Huynh Thuc Khang), professor Hoang Tuy... Arguing here means arguing according to Descartes' rational thinking, arguing in the way of Greek philosophers. But now, in our society, these two are mixed up. There are people who don't know anything but argue, argue when they feel like it. Arguing randomly, not equipped with knowledge", Mr. Hung said.

Although praising the debate spirit of Quang Nam people, People's Artist Huynh Hung said that when giving feedback, one must have knowledge and avoid "arguing randomly".

PHOTO: HOANG SON

Mr. Hung gave the example of the film Red Rain and said that many people cannot distinguish between documentaries and movies. "Movies are fictional, and fiction of course has principles, and symbols are chosen on a certain basis, 'fake but more real than real'. Filmmakers have the right. But it is still the subject of fierce debate," he added.

Mr. Hung said that in March, Da Nang Television Station showed the film Song Cua Han - a political film about the war against the French in 1858, which he directed.

Out of caution, he invited many historians and experts to advise him when making this film. The film was broadcast and received many compliments. The film also received many awards. However, on March 29, just one related video was posted, causing a group of people to react violently, calling the station to request that the broadcast be stopped.

People's Artist Huynh Hung said that this is a typical example of an ignorant "argument". "Everyone argues, argues about everything, not based on knowledge", Mr. Hung emphasized: "It is necessary to distinguish clearly, argue with knowledge . Like Phan Khoi or Ho Nghinh, the Duy Tan trio... is a valuable spirit of debate, but arguing randomly only causes confusion and distorts the cultural value of debate".

Preserving the soul of Quang Nam in cultural policy

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

"Recently, we have retained names such as Dat Quang Magazine, Quang History, and the Quang Nam Culture column on Da Nang newspapers and radio and television. Those names are not just memories, but also affirmations of identity. Therefore, I strongly recommend preserving the Quang Nam spirit in all cultural policies," said Mr. Hung.

Regarding behavioral culture, People's Artist Huynh Hung said that it is an important issue, especially the culture of behavior towards nature. According to him, the recent flood showed that the city has had incorrect behaviors, such as filling rivers, filling lakes, narrowing the flow, distorting the natural environment.

"Culture of behavior towards nature is also culture and a high-level culture," Mr. Hung said.

The consultation workshop recorded many enthusiastic opinions from researchers and experts.

PHOTO: HOANG SON

Regarding cultural institutions, People's Artist Huynh Hung said that "it's still better in urban areas" but the countryside seriously lacks cultural institutions. Even in the inner city, many cultural works have been cut. For example, Chi Lang Stadium, 29.3 Park; Cinema Cultural Center is not yet available; theaters and stadiums are still not up to standard...

"I suggest that if you plan for culture, you must maintain it, don't 'change it as you like', do it as you like. Culture cannot depend on personal preferences. I had to resolutely preserve Tien Son Sports Palace, otherwise it would have been changed...", People's Artist Huynh Hung added.

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