I'm a former anti-communist who now lives in Vietnam.

Hello everyone, I've been a lurker for quite a while. I'm not sure if anyone cares, but I'd like to share some of my experiences as a white guy who used to be an anti-communist but now lives in a communist country.<br><br>**Why I'm here now**<br>I recently graduated with a degree in computer science and was offered a remote contract working for a small company. As a digital nomad, I wanted to live in a place with a unique culture, low costs, and a good social life. Vietnam has exceeded all my expectations. The cities are vibrant, the people are friendly, the food is delicious (especially breakfast), and the nature is breathtaking (I recently spent the weekend in Ha Long Bay). Vietnam has become my new home.<br><br>**My past anti-communist views**<br>Before moving to Vietnam, I had a strong anti-communist bias. I was born in Eastern Europe, and my family's history includes stories of suffering under communist regimes. My grandparents were forced to flee their homes, and my parents grew up in poverty. When communism collapsed, my family was finally able to build a better life. As a result, I was deeply suspicious of communism and saw it as a flawed ideology that inevitably leads to oppression and poverty.<br><br>**My experiences in Vietnam**<br>Living in Vietnam has changed my perspective. I've seen firsthand how the country has developed rapidly since embracing capitalism and opening up to the world. The economy is growing, infrastructure is improving, and people's lives are getting better. While there are still challenges, such as corruption and inequality, Vietnam is undeniable proof that a communist system can work.<br><br>**Challenges and controversies**<br>Of course, there are still controversies and challenges in Vietnam. The government has been criticized for human rights abuses, censorship, and suppressing political dissent. However, these issues are not unique to communism. Many capitalist countries also struggle with similar problems. It's also worth noting that Vietnam has made significant progress in recent years, including expanding political freedoms and improving transparency.<br><br>**Conclusion**<br>My experiences in Vietnam have shown me that communism is not inherently flawed or oppressive. While there are challenges, Vietnam's success demonstrates that a communist system can work and bring benefits to its citizens. I'm not saying that communism is perfect or that it's the only way forward, but it's definitely not the evil ideology I once believed it to be.