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~ NOV
1 2001
Overcoming
Prejudice
From:
USA
- What prejudices
have the Lao people encountered in America and what can be
done to over come these conflicts?
Reply:
Lao people
have encounted the same prejudices as any other of the ethnic/visible
minority groups living in America. As to the extent of it,
well that varies from individual experiences and depending
on where one might live (ie. open and tolerant community or
a closed minded community).
The only
way to overcome prejudice and racism is to be patient, understanding
and have the willingness to learn from one another. All of
us have had difficult times at one time or another, related
to what you are asking, and all of us have or will overcome
such prejudices. This takes time though. As Lao people, all
we can do is live our lives as best we can and try to set
a good example for our families and others who see us. Moreover it's important to have the strength to stand up for what you believe in or if you've been wronged.
Returning
to Laos' Old Borders?
From: Canada
- Would
you want Laos' former borders to be returned to what it was
in the past?
Reply:
Very interesting
question. Honestly, who wouldn't want their former territory
returned to them. However the more important question would
be: Is this possible? In this day and age, the answer is probably
no. The former parts of Laos include areas in Thailand, Vietnam
and Cambodia. All of those countries have huge populations
and are probably not willing to give up such real estate.
In part
your question is about returning to Laos' past glory, successes
and boundaries of the former kingdom. Our goal at LCW is to
help encourage knowledge of and preserve Lao culture - to
help it gain the respect that it deserves. The past glory
that you speak of can be obtained but not necessarily by amassing
more land space. If
we had a clear need for it, I'd agree with it.
And I
do agree with returning the Isan region in Thailand back to
Laos. People living in the Isan area were all former Lao people. They speak Lao, the temples are Lao styled, they eat the same foods as we do, etc.
Many of them living there still do not accept or call themselves
Thai. Note: Laos lost that northern territory after the
French agreed to annex west of the Mekong river to Thailand.
In their eyes the Mekong River was simply the easiest guideline.
But by doing so they left an entire area of people subject
to another country and nationality that they did not want
to be a part of or did not identify with. Even to this day, Thai Isan people are still marginalized in Thailand.
Passing
On Culture
From: USA
- I'm
concerned for my younger cousins who were born and raised
in the US that they will not remember to speak our native
tongue or know our traditions. What can I do to help encourage
them to learn our ways?
Reply:
Children
watch closely what parents (and others) do and what they say.
Even if it is not in a strictly teaching environment kids
will still see and learn from their surroundings. The Lao
foods made each day, they'll remember. The language spoken,
they'll remember. The traditions that are practiced, they'll
remember. Of course kids don't learn everything from their
parents though.
Be sure
to make them a part of whatever is going on. If you're making
a traditional Lao meal then include them in the process. Have
conversations with them and converse in Lao. Tell them Lao
stories or personal family stories. By
doing even these basic activities the children will learn
along the way and eventually come to appreciate their ethnic
heritage as they grow older.
What is
done can be subtle but it will have lasting affects on the
younger generation. Ultimately, in order for future generations
to remember their heritage, culture and language we must talk
to them about it and teach them. All this ensures that they become knowledgeable about
it. Becoming a part of Western society does not mean you have
to give up your cultural identity or heritage.
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