Values

Traditional values of Vietnamese is deeply affected by Confucian ethics. Years ago, the Chinese invaded and maintained control of Vietnam, and Vietnamese culture was permeated by Confucian philosophical beliefs. It was believed that: ..."in order to achieve human perfection, one must follow the established codes of behavior of Confucianism which include deep respect for ancestors and respect for elders...The importance is not upon the individual's accomplishments but upon his duty to family and society" (Muzny).

The Vietnamese value system is based on four basic tenets: loyalty and commitment to family, desire for a good name, love of learning, and respect for other people.

Loyalty and commitment to the family:
The most important factor in the value system of the Vietnamese is the family. The family is the backbone of Vietnames society. Going further in depth, each individual strives to make their family pride. Misconduct of an individual is blamed not only on himself, but on the entire family. In addition, any success or fame achieved by an individual brings honor and pride to all family members. Children from an early age are expected to be grateful for their parents debt of birth, rearing and education. Children are taught to to think of their parents and ancestors first, even at their own expense, to make sacrifices for their parents' sake, and to love and care for their parents in their old age. The Vietnamese man who lack these values is looked down upon and is excluded from his family and from the community.

Desire for a "good name":
The Vietnamese place a lot of value on having a "good name". To the Vietnamese, a good name is better than any material possession in the world. All you have is your name and a rich and powerful person with a bad reputation is looked down upon, while a poor man with a good name is respected. Vietnames believe that the best thing a man can leave behind once departed from this world and by which he will be remembered is a good reputation. You must have a good name, not only in this life time but also after death. betrays the deep aspiration of the Vietnamese to survive the disintegration of his corporeal frame after death in the memory of his progeny and community. A man with a bad name brings disgrace to his family. An order to have a good name, you must avoid all words and actions which damage your dignity and honor. There are three ways by which he can obtian a good name: either by having the characteristics of a hero; by intellectual achievements; or by moral virtues. Leading a high moral standards life is the easiest and surest way to obtain a good name. These high moral standards include: sense of honor, honesty, righteousness, modesty, generosity, and disdain for material gains.

Love of learning
The Vietnamese have a great love for knowledge and learning. They also have respect for and admiration for people who are educated. Often, they are the one who is educated. People associated with knowledge and learning (such as: scholars, writers and teachers) have always been highly respected. Learning is considered more valuable than wealth and material success. Rich people who are not educated are often looked down. It is better to be poor and educated than rich and uneduacted. In the traditional social system the scholar ranked first, before the farmer, artisan, and tradesman.

Respect for others

The Vietnamese is expected to show respect to people who are senior to him in age, status, or position. At home, you should show respect to your parents, older siblings, and older relatives. This is called, "obedience". Even outside the family, respect should be paid to elderly people, teachers, clergymen, supervisors and employers, and people in high positions. However, respect is not a one-way behavior. The Vietnamese also expects other people to show them respect by virtue of their age, status, or position. Respect is gained by leading a virtuous life, by having characteristics of a hero or by achieving a high degree of intellectuality.