In this week’s episode Bec explores the Vietnam War from 1955-75 through a modern-day feminist lens.

We discuss the following three key topics:

1. The entitled and arrogant mindset of the US,which laid the groundwork for its involvement in the war
2. The hyper-aggressive nature of the war by the US, which was driven by successive presidents’ desire to project manhood when in a state of uncertainty
3. The US’ heavy-handed and self-centred approachto processing the war, which dehumanised and further prolonged the suffering of the Vietnamese population

Enjoy the episode! We hope you find it thought-provoking,especially in the context of the current war on Iran instigated by the US and Israel, with Australian support.

Big shout out to Cam for the very helpful editorial feedback,as well as Evan Telcik who provided the electronic background music used frequently throughout the episode. You can check out his work under Circus Beach on Spotify.

Listed below are the sources referenced throughout theepisode.

Books:

• Choosing War: The Lost Chance for Peace and the Escalation of War in Vietnam, by Fredrik Logevall

Research Papers:

• The impact of toxic masculinity on restrictiveemotionality and mental health seeking support (Horton, Schermerhorn & Hanel, 2013)
• The double-edged sword of grandiose narcissism:implications for successful and unsuccessful leadership among U.S. Presidents (Watts et al., 2013)

Videos:

• President Richard Nixon Address to the Nation Announcing Vietnam Peace Agreement, January 23, 1973
• US will not follow 'stupid rules of engagement'in Iran war, says defence secretary Pete Hegseth