Laura Suon

Our Cambodian Community

Harrassments, discrimination, stereotypes, and an unknown nationality.  These are some of the many problems our Cambodian Community faces as of today ever since we first existed in America.  I’ve heard many people talking about how they should do something about all the problems we face, and yet, they really have done nothing.  Long Beach is highly populated with Cambodians, but our neighborhoods are so dangerous that we cannot walk freely across the streets without worrying about our life.  It is also so unsafe that we cannot even trust our very own cops. 

            Just because of what we look like, many of our younger generations have also been accused as gang members, or been a victim of harassment.  Many of our teens have died or even stopped by a cop for no reason, but because of their appearance they may suffer some consequences.  You think living here we would have some equal rights, but nonetheless, discrimination plays a major role in our lives.  Many of us can empathize the feeling of being stared at or watched over when in an expensive “white” area.  Thinking we may steal or even cause some trouble. 

            The common stereotype: “all Asians are Chinese,” or “all the same.”  Many people of other nationalities have asked me, “What is Khmer?” when I told them that was my race.  Well how can others know about us when we only have one Cambodian television station which doesn’t even last twenty four hours a day.  Different nationalities have those to admire such as African Americans who have stood up for their rights, but Cambodians do not.  How will we learn if we don't even have a Cambodian History month, and utilize school time to learn about our cultures and history.

            In order to make a difference everyone needs to participate in cooperating.  I would tell everyone in clubs and organizations about my ideas and warn them about how our society is seen to others, and the cons of our community.  Since I am a teenager myself, I would first target my peers and tell them there is more things we can do, and even one person can make a difference.  As for television, I would highly stretch out for more channels and programs.           

            I envision our society in fifteen to twenty years that the Cambodian community will improve.  Everyone has been participating in culture shows, and clubs to represent our society and our culture.  Gangs are realizing that there is more to life, and quitting the violence era by getting jobs or going back to school.  Even though we are not fully known by everyone in the world, or we may not be as popular as the "Americans," someday we will as time goes by.  Each Khmer person makes a difference and effects us all, and we will grow in making an impact.