CAMBODIA: A Shattered Society
Chap. 1: A Conservative Society
Prince Youtevong observes: "Despite centuries of suffering, reverses, and unparalleled difficulties, the Khmer still remains dazzled by his glorious past and does not--alas!--realize the very real distance between himself and other peoples. His arrogance as a civilized people remains intact." Even so the Khmers lack self-confidence, sensitive as the are to the decline of their country during the last several centuries, and ignorant as they are of their history.
"... Even the Cambodian language was taught to us by a Frenchman."... The Khmers themselves were not particularly interested to find out about it. They do not read.
...
As a result of this undemanding education, Khmer intellectuals have serious lacunae; they excel in the sciences and disciplines that require memorization...
Sam Sok writes: "Our society's common behavior and habits, by crushing the individual and throttling initiative, generate a permanent psychosis of fear, a lack of self-confidence, and flight before responsibilities..."
As one Khmer, it is an awful lot to digest here!!! Can you tell us what your take on this Theary, please?
ReplyDelete