Tours of Vietnam

Main Themes and Topics

In Tours of Vietnam, Scott Laderman explores the powerful influence of tourist literature on American perceptions of Vietnam, particularly examining how these narratives have been used to shape and support U.S. global power since the mid-twentieth century. The book investigates the portrayal of Vietnam's geography, culture, and history in a variety of travel guides and military publications. Laderman delves into the ways these texts often provide a lens of American ideology, positioning U.S. actions in Vietnam, especially during the Vietnam War, in a favorable light. Another key theme is the role of tourism in the Republic of Vietnam's efforts during the Cold War to assert its place among the "family of free nations" and promote neoliberal reforms. The book also critically analyzes episodes like the depiction of the 1968 Hue Massacre and the narrative framework used in tourist engagements with the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

Writing Style and Tone

Laderman's writing is analytical and meticulously researched, offering a critical perspective on the seemingly benign nature of tourism discourse. His tone is scholarly yet accessible, making complex ideological critiques understandable without requiring extensive background knowledge from the reader. The book provides a clear elucidation of its themes, using a well-organized narrative to support its arguments. This scholarly tone is consistent throughout, maintaining an academic rigor while presenting comprehensive analysis.

Brief Summary

Tours of Vietnam by Scott Laderman offers a detailed examination of how tourist literature has been instrumental in shaping American views on Vietnam. The book provides a critical analysis of travel narratives, military guides, and touristic promotional materials to reveal the underlying ideological assertions that align with U.S. global ambitions. It situates these narratives within the broader context of Cold War cultural diplomacy and explores their impact on the perception of historical events like the Vietnam War. Through his research, Laderman highlights the discrepancies between historical facts and their representation in tourism discourse, encouraging readers to question the neutrality of these guides.