David Chhat

Essay # 3

            As the number of Cambodians increases in today’s modern society, the main problem we face is the lack in preservation of our culture.  We, the new generation of Cambodians grow up in this “land of opportunity,” to fulfill the unsuccessful dreams of our parents, yet in doing so, we distance ourselves from old traditions.  English becomes the preferred language and a visit to the temple is passed up for a “more satisfying” visit to the beach.  Although this does not apply to every Cambodians, it does apply to a good majority of our group.  I know several Cambodian friends who lack the ability to speak or understand our language or even have knowledge of our country’s past.  This also applies to me.  I cannot speak the Cambodian language well nor do I noticeably participate much in the tradition.  This lack of interest in our culture may lead to it’s disappearance unless we do something to prevent it. 

            One thing I can do to help solve this problem is by making my fellow Khmer friends more aware of this problem.  To do this, I would sacrifice my time to help educate them about the proud history of Cambodia’s past.  I would become an active member of our school’s Cambodian club, which helps promotes our tradition and culture to students, and encourage others to join it.  I would also try to motivate our club leader, to hold after school sessions to help teach our languages to Cambodian who cannot fluently speak it.  I myself would participate in this as well, since I too need this king of help. 

            In 15-20 years, I envision the Cambodian community as a whole more prosperous tan it is today.  We will play a much larger role in society, make changes and become a more influential group.  Yet at the same time, I also envision a great lost in our culture.  Grand parents and even parents will pass away during this time, taking along a culture and tradition not thoroughly passed to the next generation. The majority of us may assimilate into the American “melting pot” and find new tradition elsewhere.  In all, we will be a more thriving community in America, yet one with a scarce culture.