NO CRYING AT THE DINNER TABLE

The case study of the film No Crying at the Dinner Table is inspired by the prevalence of, yet lack of research on, the non-war-related intergenerational trauma in Vietnam. Through the lens of narrative paradigm and semiotics theory, this case study illustrates a clear narrative of how Vietnamese traditional expectations and cultural norms can hinder the open sharing of emotions within Vietnamese families, leading to the transmission of traumas throughout generations. The case study also hopes to present a more critical perspective to look at the implications of normative cultural beliefs and practices in Vietnam as well as contribute to the on-going discourses about mental health discussion within the contemporary Vietnamese context.