In visual arts, paintings and sculptures also reflected the war. Artists used their works to show the pain, the hope, and the struggle during that time. The war also influenced traditional Vietnamese folk stories. New stories emerged that incorporated the experiences of the war, passing on the values of survival, resistance, and national pride to future generations.
Dolphins were trained by the military during the Vietnam War. Their contribution was mainly in the area of underwater surveillance. Their natural ability to use echolocation made them excellent at detecting things like mines and enemy divers. They were like living detectors in the water, providing crucial information to the military about potential underwater dangers.
Some survivors coped by talking to other veterans. They formed groups where they could share their experiences and feelings. Just knowing that others had been through the same thing made it a bit easier.
Many Vietnam War survivors dealt with post - war PTSD in different ways. Some of them tried to immerse themselves in work. By keeping busy, they could distract themselves from the painful memories. A significant number also joined support groups. In these groups, they could share their experiences with others who had been through similar situations, which was very therapeutic. Also, some survivors found solace in nature. Spending time outdoors, away from the reminders of war, helped them to calm their minds.
Vietnam War novels had a significant impact on public perception. For example, 'The Things They Carried' made readers understand the personal and often overlooked aspects of soldiers' lives. It humanized the soldiers, which made the public see them not just as faceless combatants. Novels like 'A Rumor of War' showed the disillusionment of soldiers, which led the public to question the purpose and conduct of the war.
Many prisoners of war coped by focusing on small daily goals. For instance, trying to get an extra ration of food, or making a small improvement to their living conditions in the cell. These small achievements gave them a sense of purpose and helped them get through each day.
Socially, they sometimes faced rejection or misunderstanding when they returned home. The anti - war sentiment at that time meant that some people didn't welcome them back as heroes. This added to their sense of isolation and made it even more difficult for them to reintegrate into society.
The prisoners had a strong sense of comradeship. They knew that they were all in it together. They supported the weaker ones, and this sense of community was crucial for their survival. They also tried to keep their bodies as healthy as possible in the difficult conditions by doing simple exercises when they could.
The horror stories had a big impact on the veterans as well. Their accounts of the war, full of trauma and pain, made the public understand that the war was not a glorious adventure. It was a hellish experience for those who fought in it. This in turn influenced public perception, as the public started to view the war as something that scarred not only the Vietnamese but also the American soldiers who participated.
The Viet Cong war stories made people realize the complexity of the Vietnam War. Their ability to fight against a superpower showed that it wasn't a one - sided war. People started to understand that the Viet Cong had their own motives and strategies.