~ MAR 1 2005

What are the Laotian views on interracial relationships between a Laotian person and a black person? I believe that most Asian cultures frown upon a romatic relationship with Blacks. Why is this the case? I was watching a movie with my mother this weekend and she called the African American character in the show"buk dum", which means black guy. In my opinion it is a derogative statement in Laos. Please provide some insight.

[Indeed among some Asians there is a bias towards darker skin tones. But this is a generalization we would like to avoid. The following answer will relate to the Lao view only and not of the Asian community as a whole. An interesting side note: This advisor has also witnessed women in Laos say that it seems somewhat unmanly or unnatural if the man is too light skinned. They believe some 'color' or tan is definitely attractive to the female eye.]

Admittedly, there are some Lao who frown upon any interracial relationship whether with blacks or otherwise. I should say however that in Laos it is very multi-ethnic but not so much multi-racial. However generally speaking, Lao people both in Laos and abroad are most open towards people of different backgrounds/cultures in general. In Laos, some people openly encourage their children to marry Westerners (however this is mostly for financial reasons). It really does depend on the individual.

For the most part, Lao people growing up abroad will generally have a much more open stand on interracial relationships. And if parents are also exposed through professional or personal relationships with different groups of people, they too will become more liberal. Indeed, some bias against dating those of African descent does exist but I don't believe this is a generalization of the Lao community whether in the US or anywhere else.

Allow me to explain: There is a strong tendency among most Lao who have the opinion that it is best to try to have dating/marriage relationships with other Lao, rather than dating those from outside. Therefore the bias is not necessarily against black people but generally anyone who is not Lao. The older generation certainly hold this view much more than the younger ones.

Your mother's reference in Lao of a black person shouldn't be seen as being rude. It depends in what context she was saying that in. She may not have meant anything rude but perhaps was just expressing what she saw in a descriptive manner (as we too would be described by others based on our racial looks even if unintentionally).

I hope this little bit of insight helps you out.

I sometimes see people wearing those Beer Lao t-shirts. I was wondering is Beer Lao any good?

It certainly is a very refreshing, inexpensive and wonderful beer. If you're buying Beer Lao from abroad then no doubt the cost is probably more expensive then what would be available locally in your city/country. But in Laos, it is incredibly cheap yet has very good quality. In fact all liquors in Laos are quite cheap and very good. The local wines and whisky are beautiful.

Don't just take my word for it. Take a look at Time Asia's 2004 Best of Asia reports. Beer Lao won top honor for Best Local Beer.

Check out the link below:
Time Asia - Best of Asia: Best Local Beer