A True Laotian is…by Karmadiva, Laotian Teacher
I think we all have our own definition as to what it means to be a true Laotian, and this one is from Karmadiva’s blog; if it doesn’t fit your definition please be kind and not too quickly to pass your judgment, rather please leave your comment as to what it means to you, I’m sure we all have our own definition and would love to hear from you.
This is what it means to be a true Laotian by Karmadiva,
Ginger’s post at Laoplanet, ” What it means to be a Laotian” motivated me to write a response to what I think it means to be Laotian. The main reason why I started this word blog was because I wanted to open a dialogue about Laos and what it means to be Laotian. I grew up in a very traditional Laotian household and am convinced that many people, my generation included, have forgotten what it really means to be a true Laotian. There are so many people I know from my generation who have become americanized since they have emigrated here. It’s one thing to assimilate into the American culture to fit in, but that doesn’t mean you have to forget your own culture! If that is the price to fitting in then it’s not worth it to lose your own cultural identity! It saddens me to see such a large number of Lao people who have forgotten or are ignorant of their roots, their culture and heritage. Screaming ” Lao pride” or “Lao forever” is not going to cut it! That doesn’t prove that you are a true Laotian. It only shows that you have a big mouth! Actions speak louder than words! What I find ironic is that some of us can’t even say ” Lao pride” or proud to be Lao in our own language. This is a tragedy because how are we to impress upon our children the importance of keeping our language alive if we have to explain it by using the English language only. How can we expect our children to have pride in their cultural beliefs and traditions if we don’t value it enough to remember or model it. Parents are responsible for passing on that knowledge to the younger generation, the ones who are born here need all the help and guidance they can get. A true Laotian is …
1. someone who speaks the language
2. someone who values their cultural beliefs enough to practice it
3. someone who remembers Lao traditions and is not afraid or embarrassed to live by it
4. someone who remembers their roots and is proud of it. I wrote an essay earlier, Ten Indicators that you grew up in a traditional Laos household that complements this topic so please read it because it will help you understand what a true Laotian is.
The Lakorn “Pleng Ruk Rim Fang Kong” is a good example of what it means to be Laotian. Yes, I do realize that Pem the main character is Thai as well as the other cast members, but the story itself expresses the ideal or typical characteristics or traits of Lao people. For example Champa, the young girl in the lakorn is portrayed as modest, sweet, proper, obedient, shy, respectful and conscientious. Traditionally many Lao girls are brought up to be modest in dress, manner, and behavior just like Champa and in fact like Alexandra the actress who portrays her. As a Lao girl you are taught to always be proper in front of others to show them that you respected them and are conscientious of your behavior, word or deed because you are a representative of your family. That means no walking around half naked or acting heekill when they are not with you. When Champa spent the night in the forest with Pem and the others , she could have taken advantage of the situation by doing whatever she wanted with him because her mom was not there to tell her no, but she didn’t. She continue to act properly and so did he. Another valuable traits among Lao people is obedience and this characteristic is depicted by Champa and Pem. They both try to obey their elders in every situation and respect their opinions by complying with their wishes . Both characters show their deference and respect for their elders in the way they act towards them. The majority of the time they listen to their parents without talking back. The Lakorn is a good example of ideal behaviors for Lao people of all ages and sex.
oh my goshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! i can’t believe you used that word in the sentence… the word “heekill”… dressing half naked doesnt meant she is heekill..
See, yes I did use that word deliberately! To many older Lao people they equate the way you dress with the way you act. I'm not saying that just because you dress like a hoochie you are one, but what I'm saying is some Lao people will automatically assume that.
What is a 'heekill'?
Oh, that's a Lao wording, I know the meaning now.
I agreed with the first part of post, and have experienced it first hand.I am not too familiar with Lakorn, but I guess like all programmes, it is written by someone, and an actress is paid to portray the writers thoughts. You only have to go to other Lao based websites to see the diverse opinons and characters that "Lao Online" have. Though it is good to be young "and free", I shudder at some posts that are made at other sites, especially the nondescript ones.Like Darly, I found refuge and belonging when I first encountered Lao Based Websites and Forums, but after a while, I began to see the true face of some of the posters. The jealousy, one-up-manship, childish, and at times downright stupid comments, only made for me realise that "khon Lao hak peng gun der" doesnt really exsist. So, what does it really mean to be Lao? I guess that this can be debated for a long while yet…
Vienne, you are correct this issue can be debated forever because all of us have different experiences and perceptions. However, we should focus more on our commonalities instead of differences such as the love of our culture and people. We just need to be open-minded and learn from each other. Also, we need to be respectful of each other's opinion. You are right, it is petty to be jealous or hateful towards others especially one of our own race!
I also grew up in a very traditional Laotian household but I don’t recall our parents hitting us (a lot) or being called ‘eheekill’. I think our generation, meaning those that were born in Laos and came to the US at a young age are the ones that have to pass down information about our tradition to younger generation and Word Blog such as yours’ is a good source, especially with your credential. As to me, passing our Lao tradition doesn’t have to be in Lao language only, obviously we’re doing it in English right now. Whenever I’ve the opportunity, I like to talk to elder Laotians because they always have interesting story to tell, especially ghost story, no matter what the topics of discussion, it’d always end up in ghost story, I’m not sure if it’s me.
I think our culture is so unique and wish that I had more access to information than what I have now. I read many Thai books and Magazines and anything that I find that is similar to Lao culture, I’ve always tried to do more research on the topic, such as talking to the elders or monks.
I think Laotian living in the US will not have the same mind set as those living in Laos because our life style is different, which any of us living here can’t deny. Sometimes you don’t have to force the Lao tradition into the younger generation, if you have enough information on the internet, I believe that they will come looking for you, people always curious about their roots. Like Darly said, “People are curious creatures you know.”
Keep writing about Laos, Laotian, and Lao tradition, and you will see what I’m talking about.
Ginger, my mother has a very forceful and blunt personality. If you are doing something wrong she will tell you without sugar coating anything. For example, she always warn us girls to “cha been heekill da” (don’t be slutty). Her idea of heekill is dressing in short skirts where people can see your business, being physical with boys etc. As for her hitting us, yes she did when we needed it, but we are not scarred by it emotionally or physically. She was very controlling and is still the same way even though I am thirty six! I love talking to my mother because she is a great source of information and she has led a very unconventional life for a Laotian woman and I will write about her experiences later. I also like to talk to Laotian elders because of the knowledge they have. I am not saying we have to pass down our knowledge of what it means to be Lao in Lao only. All I said was it is crucial to show our young people the importance of retaining our language by using it. One of my favorite quotes explains my view of passing down knowledge, ‘Do not confine your children to your own learning for they were born in another time’ Hebrew Proverb. I am aware that the younger generations ( my little sister was born here) are different in their thinking, manner, and beliefs. I have no problem with that. I just want them to remember their culture and incorporate that into their own life the way they see fit.:)