A group of Republican lawmakers in California, including Vietnamese Americans, opposes Los Angeles County’s decision to establish Jane Fonda Day on April 30th. This day was created by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to honor Jane Fonda for her contributions to entertainment, climate justice, and gender equality. However, for many conservative Vietnamese Americans, April 30th is also known as “Black April,” marking the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the end of the Vietnam War. State Senator Janet Nguyen expressed her dismay at this decision, stating that it undermines the memory and sacrifice of those who died defending freedom and democracy during the war.
In the 1970s, Jane Fonda was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War and visited North Vietnam, where she was famously photographed sitting on an anti-aircraft gun. This led to her being labeled as “Hanoi Jane” and accused of supporting a communist agenda. Despite later apologizing to American Vietnam veterans for her actions, many Vietnam War veterans and their families still view her negatively. State Senator Janet Nguyen criticized the Board of Supervisors for honoring Fonda on the anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, which she believes shows contempt for the painful experiences of Vietnamese refugees.
The Board of Supervisors did not immediately respond to the backlash but has indicated that they are considering moving Jane Fonda Day to an earlier date in April. They have acknowledged that the choice of April 30th was unintentional and have proposed making April 8th, during Earth Month, the new day to honor Fonda. Vietnamese Americans, who are predominantly Republican, have been vocal in expressing their opposition to honoring Fonda on a day that holds significant historical and emotional importance for their community. Republican State Assemblymember Tri Ta and 18 other legislators have joined Senator Nguyen in requesting the rescission of Jane Fonda Day.
Despite the controversy surrounding Jane Fonda Day, Fonda’s team did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In an original statement, Fonda expressed her gratitude for the honor and encouraged people to vote for climate-friendly politicians. She emphasized the importance of climate change in this year’s elections and urged voters to prioritize environmental issues when casting their ballots. The decision to honor Fonda has sparked a debate within the Vietnamese American community and raised questions about how historical events and personal beliefs intersect with public recognition and commemoration. The resolution of this conflict will determine how the legacy of the Vietnam War is remembered and acknowledged in Los Angeles County.
