"It’s possible he has never seen anyone write anything." As a storyteller you can sure spin a yarn Linh. As I contemplate the possibilities of that statement I realized that there are many similar American kids now inclusive to that thought. The structural bricks of America are crumbling, no more readin',ritin' and 'rithmetic. I see real depth and life in almost every person's eyes that you photograph, compared to vacant 'Murican stares. Good luck with your visa and thank you for taking us along...
If you've been invaded by a foreign nation, it's common sense you don't want to hear their language spoken in your neighborhood. It comes w/ fearful memories. Tolerance of outsiders is a liberal virtue that's easier to cultivate at a distance or from a position of power.
I just added the below two third of the way into the article:
Industry isn’t necessarily good. Norman Lewis in 1951, “The Vietnamese, whose Buddhism is diluted almost to the point of non-existence, has a competitive soul, is a respecter of work for its own sake, and strives to increase and multiply. As he will work hard for himself, he can be made to work hard for others, and is therefore the prey of the exploiter.”
Indeed. Now that Linh is lean and strong he needs to get back on the playing field. When you quit playing you not only lose your skills, you die! "Get busy living or get busy dying" ~ Andy Dufresne
Phalla's story of her mother is so poignant. It isn't clear if she thinks her mother abandoned her or was killed in the turmoil of those years. But if the former, it seems to me there is a possibility that might somewhat comfort her. If Phalla is 50 now and was four when her mother disappeared, that would put the year around 1978, which was the peak of arbitrary arrests by the Khmer Rouge. Maybe her mom went out on an errand and was caught up in a security sweep or some arbitrary action by a government sociopath. So many people just vanished then.
So it's possible her mom never abandoned Phalla. At the end her last thoughts would have been of her children.
happy New Year, smiling Linh!
"It’s possible he has never seen anyone write anything." As a storyteller you can sure spin a yarn Linh. As I contemplate the possibilities of that statement I realized that there are many similar American kids now inclusive to that thought. The structural bricks of America are crumbling, no more readin',ritin' and 'rithmetic. I see real depth and life in almost every person's eyes that you photograph, compared to vacant 'Murican stares. Good luck with your visa and thank you for taking us along...
Travel more. Your travel posts are fascinating.
You look so handsome when you smile!! Thanks for another interesting essay, Linh. Happy New Year and may it bring joy to us all.
If you've been invaded by a foreign nation, it's common sense you don't want to hear their language spoken in your neighborhood. It comes w/ fearful memories. Tolerance of outsiders is a liberal virtue that's easier to cultivate at a distance or from a position of power.
Hi everyone,
I just added the below two third of the way into the article:
Industry isn’t necessarily good. Norman Lewis in 1951, “The Vietnamese, whose Buddhism is diluted almost to the point of non-existence, has a competitive soul, is a respecter of work for its own sake, and strives to increase and multiply. As he will work hard for himself, he can be made to work hard for others, and is therefore the prey of the exploiter.”
Linh
I like the picture of you, and I'm guessing, Phalla. There's still time for a dinner date in Kampot, no? 😉
Indeed. Now that Linh is lean and strong he needs to get back on the playing field. When you quit playing you not only lose your skills, you die! "Get busy living or get busy dying" ~ Andy Dufresne
I don't think life is a game for Linh.
Phalla's story of her mother is so poignant. It isn't clear if she thinks her mother abandoned her or was killed in the turmoil of those years. But if the former, it seems to me there is a possibility that might somewhat comfort her. If Phalla is 50 now and was four when her mother disappeared, that would put the year around 1978, which was the peak of arbitrary arrests by the Khmer Rouge. Maybe her mom went out on an errand and was caught up in a security sweep or some arbitrary action by a government sociopath. So many people just vanished then.
So it's possible her mom never abandoned Phalla. At the end her last thoughts would have been of her children.
Kampot. What a place.
I’ll be in Kampot in about 4 days- stick around! (And thanks for the cafe recommendations;-)