Bonds of Women Over Three Generations

Introduction

• Speech by a woman originally from Vietnam, now living in San Francisco
• Theme: strength of bonds among women in her family over three generations
• Story begins more than 30 years ago with an escape by boat from Vietnam

The Grandfather's Story

• Grandfather: a poet and playwright, believed in Vietnam's unity and freedom
• Burned his life's work as communists entered Saigon, felt his life was wasted
• Died broken by history, but remembered by family
• Grandmother's lesson: history tried to crush us, but we endured

Escape by Boat

• Mother's escape plan to Australia with her family
• Risks involved: pirates, rape, death
• Mother carried poison in case of capture
• First memories: the boat, the engine, the sea
• Arrival in Malaysia, then a refugee camp

Life in Australia

• Settled in Footscray, a working-class immigrant suburb in Melbourne
• Mother worked various jobs, studied English and IT
• Family faced poverty and racism, but endured
• Lived in the same bed, bonded closely with family

Social Activism

• Mother opened businesses and helped other immigrant women
• Speaker became Young Australian of the Year, spoke on social issues
• Struggled with new social norms and expectations
• Embraced being an outsider, saw it as a gift

Personal Journey

• Left law career, pursued new challenges and opportunities
• Moved to the US, continued social activism
• Formed a team to tackle challenges, some ideas succeeded

Grandmother's Legacy

• Grandmother defied norms, prosecuted her own case and won
• Grandmother's death and the emotional farewell
• Recognized the strength of the women in the family

Reflection

• Desire to have own children, fear of privilege and entitlement
• Hopes to give them resilience and courage, akin to the boat journey

Conclusion

• The story of resilience, strength, and enduring bonds among women
• Presence of Tom's mother at the event, ties to family legacy