Argumentative Essay: The Vietnamese Model

“I just got assaulted.”

While wandering through social media during the wait for the bus, a picture of a young, female model with one blackened eye taken in a poorly-lit room immediately halted my thoughts. Horrified by the caption’s title and the photo, I hesitantly click “read more”, and what was discovered soon induced my many sleepless nights: a female, Vietnamese model was assaulted in Vietnam while strolling with her friend during the evening. Approached by an unfamiliar, intimidating figure, the model tried to defend herself with aggressive language which only further aggravated the man. In one deafening movement, the thug slammed her to the ground, injuring her face, and shoved her friend off to the side. Unsatisfied with just one injury, the ruffian continued to assault the model, one hit after another. Though this violent act was witnessed by several people, none of whom attempted to save the victim. In the end, the culprit fled the scene, leaving both women tattered and humiliated.

However, what the model received were countless offensive comments about how she “had it coming”, “deserved it”, and shockingly, “asked for being raped by wearing such outfit” from her fellow Vietnamese brethren. Many of her international fans were also baffled by the unexpected turn of event. Amidst the crossfire exists two clashing fortresses: one embodies the modern wave of feminism and innovated ideas, while the other side harbors the old-fashioned, rigid feudalism ingrained in the minds for thousands of