Stop being uncouth, it’s not who we are: Deputy PM

Speaking at a Hanoi conference Saturday, Dam deplored the impolite behavior of many Vietnamese people, including littering, line-cutting, tardiness and talking loudly in public.

"One can be complimented on their wealth or beauty, but that's not as good as being complimented on one's education. And a compliment on one's education is not as good as a compliment on one's civility.

"While it is commendable that a community possesses wealth and modern technologies, being seen as civilized is something to be much proud of," he said.

While uncivilized behavior is on the rise in current society, it is not the true nature of Vietnamese people, he added.

The transitional period to a market economy has made people neglect cultural values, and this is not unique to Vietnam, but a common characteristic among many nations, he said.

If one can learn to be more orderly and respectful to other people in public, for example, not cutting lines, people would also behave better in traffic and society, Dam said.

The press should raise awareness of this issue by publishing more articles and columns on public etiquette and the differences between civilized and uncivilized behaviors, he said.

"Only then can the country’s development be sustained and its people be deserving of the legacies left behind by our ancestors."

Vietnam has gained some notoriety in recent years for disorderly behavior in public, especially during big events like festivals and victory celebrations for sporting, as well as poor traffic etiquette like honking or jumping the red lights.