============================================================== To reach ALL SJD members, please send to sjd@satjadham.net ... Do NOT include any other addresses when sending to the list... Include as LITTLE of the original messages as possible........ Message sent by: Anola Boutah ============================================================== Sabaidee SJD, I've read somewhere that there is an estimated half a million Quon Lao living in the United States. This is quite a significant number considering the total Lao population is about six to seven millions. However, despite the noticeable number, we are still virtually unknown and unacknowledged by the Americans and possibly the rest of the world. I am sure nearly all of us, at one point or another, encounter repetitive situations where we literally have to explain in lengthy details the location of our motherland, Laos, to our Americans or shall I say Westerners. As much as I hate it, I always have to relate Laos to our neighboring countries in order to tell other people where I come from; or else they would've never figured it out. I feel as though most of the people I know are so used to this kind of question that it doesn't bother them anymore. Personally, I believe there is something missing here and I also believe we can do something to correct it. I am truly positive that we have what it takes to educate and reinforce others about Laos and our people so that others won't come back and ask the same questions. However, finding the solutions to this common problem will be challenging, staggering, and perhaps impossible if we are not fully united. In order to achieve a goal of this magnitude, we must first come together and share a common vision. It is our responsibilities to embark on this long journey together because we are Lao and will always be Lao. It is the land that gave us birth thus this is the least we can do to show our love and appreciation. We don't have a choice but to tackle this daunting issue together for we are the ones who will ultimately benefit down the road. Even though we are no longer in Laos, I think most of us still possess as much Lao pride as others who are in Moung Lao. The phrase "huk paeng" should be intellectually and emphatically taught and instilled within all of us at an early age. Our parents must find ways to translate their values and beliefs to us in such a way that is clearly understood because there seems to be barriers between the two generations. We must tell and keep telling our younger brothers and sisters the importance of learning and knowing the history and roots of Laos and its people. It is our job, our obligation to share with them whatever we know so that they won't forget where their parents, their people come from. By teaching these essential principles, morals, and values we not only keep our roots and our heritage alive but also lift them higher to a more prominent place where we have our own mark, our independence and identity. In addition to working within our Lao community and ourselves we must also spread our wings and make ourselves be known to a wider arena. We ought to promote our beautiful and distinguish arts, literary and language as much as possible. All of us can start by giving a little of our time participating and coordinating some kinds of projects or events that celebrate and accentuate our unique Laoness. This can be done through the help of our local Lao community. There are a lot of Lao organizations throughout the country which need to put aside personal differences and focus on the common mission and vision of all Lao. We must stop trying to fix or relive the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the bright future together. It is indispensable that we learn to look up and not look down on one another for doing so will only break us apart further. It is time we show more respect to the elders, have more faith in our youths, and get rid of the stereotypes. Our community is fragile and vulnerable as is and it is most likely to deteriorate without the immense support and vital tenacity from each one of us. If we don't initiate and liberate Laos and its people will always be the same- that is a country without a proper identity and the people without a forceful voice. It really is up to us take this serious issue into our hearts and decide whether or not we want to make something happen or leave it as it is. We have the power to make our voices audible and our names visible. We can change the status quo and make ourselves known and acknowledged by the community, the mainstream, and the world. Isn't it timed for us to stop the nonsense and join in the force to unite Lao? There is a lot to do and one or two persons alone cannot possibly attend to all the work which need to be done as soon as possible. All of us must take the responsibilities and pull our ideas and resources into one gigantic and powerful network. If we know that unity is key to the betterment of all Lao, we must start uniting today for our force will be bigger and stronger tomorrow. Regards, Nola p.s.-more wrinkles after I wrote this piece. hahah...:) _ ***************************************************************** Visit SatJaDham Homepage at: http://www.satjadham.org (or .net) *****************************************************************