Freedom or lack of culture?

Occasionally, on social media platforms like Facebook, Zalo, and Instagram, I see young people posting photos of Vietnamese banknotes of various denominations with the status: "I love someone no matter what color shirt they wear." Sadly, many officials and civil servants also consider this a funny joke and share it on their personal pages or post similar things themselves. This is followed by a flood of likes and comments, enthusiastically encouraging the action. Only occasionally do I come across a comment that reacts against this kind of uncivilized joke.

The image of President Ho Chi Minh printed on banknotes deeply imprinted the people's unwavering and sacred faith in the Party and its leader. Therefore, using his image for jokes, under any circumstances, is a reprehensible act. ( Image from the Internet)

I believe that those who make fun of the image of the leader printed on the country's currency don't understand the meaning of that image. The introduction of Vietnamese banknotes (January 31, 1946) contributed to building and developing the economy during the resistance war, building and developing the socialist rear area in the North; fighting to protect national independence, liberate the country, unify the Fatherland, and advance towards socialism. And, the image of Uncle Ho printed on the banknotes has deeply ingrained the most sacred and unwavering faith of the people in the Party and the leader.

Throughout various historical periods, although the choice of images of President Ho Chi Minh has changed and conveyed many messages, the portrait of President Ho Chi Minh – the leader of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – has always been placed in a prominent position on the front of banknotes, serving as the main image. Therefore, using his image for jokes, under any circumstances, is an act that deserves condemnation.

Another common form of blasphemy on social media involves making fun of King Hung during International Women's Day (March 8th). The most common posts are those with vague content like: "Because King Hung didn't give gifts to the queen on March 8th, March 10th is the anniversary of his death." Sadly, many young people still comment enthusiastically on such posts. Most don't realize that the Facebook account owner is insulting their ancestors, especially the king who founded the nation.

King Hung has also repeatedly become the target of vulgar jokes from some "internet users." (Illustration: Internet)

Not only King Hung and President Ho Chi Minh, but many other famous figures have also been targeted by netizens, becoming "eccentrics" in jokes that seem clever and creative but are actually very offensive and uncivilized. Clause 7, Article 102 of Decree 15/2020/ND-CP on administrative penalties in the fields of postal services, telecommunications, radio frequencies, information technology and electronic transactions stipulates: "A fine of VND 50,000,000 to VND 70,000,000 shall be imposed for one of the following acts: Propagating or inciting violence, spreading reactionary ideas that do not yet warrant criminal prosecution; providing information or images that violate national sovereignty , distort historical facts, deny revolutionary achievements, insult the nation, famous figures, or national heroes that do not yet warrant criminal prosecution."

I'm not sure if insulting King Hung or making fun of images of President Ho Chi Minh on social media constitutes a violation under the aforementioned decree, but it's clear that these are offensive, uncivilized, and ungrateful acts. Before these actions are dealt with by the authorities, I believe social media users should condemn and boycott them.

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