Remnants of the Vietnam War: The evolution of cultural myths into historical facts

This thesis examines the genesis of cultural myths pertaining to America's involvement in the Vietnam War, and their evolution into historical facts held by many Americans. As the United States waged war against communism in Vietnam, the nation became bitterly divided on both social and political issues. Unprecedented war coverage, increasing distrust of the government, and social unrest provided fertile ground for myths about the war to emerge. In the years following America's withdrawal, flawed studies and presuppositions of the veterans who served in Vietnam flooded the media, film industry, and printed press. Each chapter explores a different myth maintained by the public. These myths include the belief that: the government willingly abandoned American POWs following the war; between 50,000 and 150,000 veterans have committed suicide since their return home; an inordinate number of men suffering full-blown post-traumatic stress disorder; conscription unfairly targeted poor, uneducated minorities are dissected. Many of the myths cast a shadow of shame and disgrace over the valiant service of Vietnam veterans. Hence, this thesis will unravel the intricately woven myths about the war in Vietnam, and provide a more accurate accounting of America's longest war.