I've known that it happens, sometimes, since before I even moved to Vietnam, but it was only two weeks ago that I had actual evidence that the government here has snooped in our mail. The cellophane was off of the DVD that I'd ordered from Amazon, and stuffed inelegantly in-between the plastic case and the cardboard sleeve. The sticker along the top seam of the case was sliced. Inside the case, the plastic hinge mechanism that held four of the six discs was broken.
The government here in Vietnam has the right to inspect all incoming goods/media/whatever for "cultural sensitivity". I haven't seen a definitive list anywhere of what sort of characteristics make something culturally offensive, and I'm more than a little confused on that matter. We know people who have been fined for attempting to import the very same photo-essay books that are available to purchase here at tourist sites. And the Vietnam episodes of No Reservations that were a huge part of making me feel okay about moving here aren't shown on local television (that I've seen). I'm not sure what was culturally sensitive about delicious-looking street food!
Still, this social control amuses me, and I am usually smiling about my new, somewhat abused, and obviously suspicious-looking DVDs. I hope that the government employees enjoyed their complimentary screening of Glee: The Complete Second Season; the number that the character Kurt sang from Sunset Boulevard was awesome :)
HA! As always, I am completely fascinated with the real junk you run into abroad!
Posted by: Sues | October 28, 2011 at 11:59 AM