Tradition vs. progress Early in the program, for example, a Vietnamese woman declares her dislike for Americans while also conceding she's eager to do business with them. A culture that's defined by tradition is nervous about losing its moral focus in the pursuit of economic progress. Major problems already are evident. Some children work instead of going to school. The divorce rate is rising.
Class divisions are disturbingly sharp.
The health care system is breaking down. Indeed, viewers may start to despair as the extent of the country's distress becomes clear. But pay close attention. A subtler theme about the citizenry's determination and ingenuity underpins almost every segment. Hope abounds, as does courage.