Lao Voices

I wrote this not too long ago; my intention is to voice my opinion, our opinion that we’d be proud that we’re Laotian. I’m proud to be a part of Laoplanet.net.

On a day-to-day basis, we all express ourselves in different way. For some of us that decide to write poems, books, articles, blogs, form Lao forums, Lao Radios, Lao TVs, become artists, or publish Lao magazines, whether it’s hard copy or on-line, we all want our voice to be heard. Some might feel that they are only doing it as a hobby, but deep down inside, we all want to voice our opinions, in a fashion that best suits us. We are unique individuals, but what we all have in common is that we have the same root, we are from Laos, and we are Laotian. I am proud of my heritage, of who I am, and have so much to tell and the internet has made that possible for most of us, an instant publishing at the click of a button, and we have voiced our opinions. I think writing is a powerful tool, we can create, can communicate, can make progress, but if use in the wrong way it can delay progress, can destroy images of our people, our country, and of someone (innocent) that might have tried to create a name for themselves for many years. Therefore, when we write, we need to think of other people’s feelings as well, not just venting out our angers.

I have recently heard a voice of concern, from a Lao forum expressing concerns about Lao Magazines, that if Lao Magazines “can make us proud to be Lao and show us a way, but not necessarily as ‘the only’ way, I think it’ll be doing a good job.” I think differently; it’s unfair to ask that of any Lao Magazine, their jobs are to create an awareness, they’re the voice of our community, being proud of our heritage should come from within ourselves, and not from outside sources such as a magazine. I am proud, and not ashame to tell people that I am Laotian because our culture is unique, rich with tradition. Lao magazines give many of us the opportunity to express our voice, our opinions, otherwise our voice might not be heard, and to me that is very powerful; I marvel those that put forth effort in publishing Lao Magazines.

I’m a member of Laoplanet.net, and proud to be a part of a Lao website that gives something back to our Lao community; I’m not talking about a contribution to an on-line community, which they’ve done a superb job; I’m talking about giving something back to the children of Laos. Early this year we managed to donate 4 book boxes to four elementary schools in Laos which were Phonsikay Elementary, Pakse, Champassak; Dannavieng Elementary, Phone Thong, Champassak; Nongdong Elementary, Phone Thong, Champassak; Akat Elementary, Sikhotabong, Vientiane. After seeing the photos of such happy faces, I knew it was the greatest gift that we could have given to the children in Laos, the gift of knowledge, it’s priceless; the joy that we get back, it’s also priceless.

Laoplanet.net decides to take on an even bigger project, which is to help finish building a school, Dannavieng Elementary School in Phone Thong, Champassak. The building project is going well, big support and contribution from Laocook.com, and support from our other members, and visitors as well. I think Laoplanet.net is leaving a legacy in Laos, small wave, but big lasting impression, and I’m sure the names of Laoplanet.net and Laocook.com will look beautifully engrave side by side at Dannavieng Elementary School. This is our voice, action speaks louder than words, the voice of progress, but many, many happiness in return.

It has been over a year since the death of the royal couple, to some they were the fallen heroes, the voice that had spoken loudly, and proudly at Lao studies, many looked up to them with admiration; to others they were regarded as individuals that tried to gain status as royalty, and nothing more. There were so many mysteries surrounded their death, but many became unfolded at their funeral, people that were involved came forward. Many were the “Gouh Sodh” or freedom fighters, openly spoke at their funeral, and many from the group were there, you can tell by their little red pins that they wore on their black jackets. They stood proudly, they are the people that were so active over the years, and most of us are wondering where they are now, still around and living among us. They are waiting for the right opportunity to voice their opinions. To some, they are regarded as the heroes living underground, to others, they are the ones that cannot let go of the past. As to the families and friends of the royal couple, they were the most caring couple and their legacy will continue to live on. It was such a tragic loss to a Lao community, we loss another voice, which would have been proudly heard in our community, and in many Lao studies.

This is my voice, a voice of concern for our Lao community. What will the future hold for the voice of Lao people? Only time can tell. In the near future, I hope our voice will create, will reunite, will make progress, will proudly be heard, and not the voice that have been forgotten.

Author: Nye