Look and Listen

Biography

I was born during a civil war between the Khmer Republic and Democratic Kampuchea that ravaged Cambodia. Tragically, the latter emerged victoriously and ruled the country with communism’s iron hand. Since I became aware of my surrounding, which started at the age of five, I noticed that my family was always on the move and we lived in constant fear and hunger. I never understood why and my parents did not explain why. Our last move brought us to the United States of America in 1981. It was a big culture shock and I didn’t speak a word of English. Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers, and other PBS kids shows were responsible for helping me to learn my ABC and 123. Growing up as a “Khmerican” or Khmer-American, I was constantly bombarded by sad and tragic news about Cambodia and her people from overhearing adults’ discussions to listening to radio and watching television news. It is tremendously discouraging to hear people say Khmers are not good at anything but killing each other. The Khmer Rouge had permanently stigmatized our people and history. I wrote The Immortal Seeds: Life goes on for a Khmer family to find out why the "killing fields" happened, why darkness hovered over my parents, especially my father, and to offer our voices - peasant voices.

Inspiration

My great grandparents, grandparents, my parents, and relatives on my father's side inspire me to be the best human being possible. Other authors - old and new - also inspire me greatly with their knowledge and stories.