I have been visiting the Asian Gods in their colonnaded mausoleums and wondering what they think of the societies forged in their name. How these Gods fare will be a core 21st-century question.
First, in Hanoi, there was Ho Chi Minh, worldwide wanderer (including a spell in Brooklyn), impish nemesis of French and U.S. armies, unifier of an independent Vietnam, “Uncle” to the nation; now embalmed despite his wish to have his ashes scattered. My 15-year-old son, in good Brooklyn slouch mode, was reprimanded for having his hands in his pockets and so showing insufficient respect.
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