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Daylight struggling against encroaching darkness
Grey rolling over blue
Blue Defeated Red, orange and grey juggling for first
Red Rearing her Head
Lady in RedThe following pictures are taken from the other side of th park.Lavenders and Blues
Greys moving in
Oranges and Yellow Eclipsing
Orange Glow
The International Lao New Year Festival in San Francisco is this weekend, April 10-11. We have awesome activities planned so come out and joined us. Please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y71OPKtCRpA to see the list of events.
For most of us if we were asked to compile a list of the most profound activist we would more than likely list Gandhi, Nelson, Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King and the list goes on. These individuals without a doubt shaped our world with their tireless effort to make a difference. They set the standard for activism as well as show us why and how we should stand up for change.
One individual who is causing a ripple is Lori Phanachone, a Lao student from Iowa. This young lady may not be famous,or have a massive influence yet, but her fight against what she sees as discrimination and injustice is noteworthy. She is an example of an ordinary person doing extraordinary things. She reminds us that we should fight for what is right. Sometimes, doing the right thing is not the most popular, but necesary if we want to be the vehicle for change.
Lori is an honor student at Storm Lake High School. It is her senior year and instead of enjoying her last year, she is stressed out with her fight against her school’s demand that she takes the English Language Development Assessment. This test is given to students who are identified as ELL(English LanguageLearner). Usually students who are identified as ELL are place in a class specifically geared toward helping them with the acquisition of the English language. However, in Lori’s case, she has been been placed in any type of language class because she can speak and write English rather well. According to Russ Oechslin, Journal correspondent for the Sioux City Journal, “…school officials have told her she is considered to be illiterate based on her refusal to satisfactorily complete the English Language Development Assessment, a test she says is demeaning and racist”. Lori was identified to take the test based on her response on her registration for school. She had put Lao as her primary language spoken at home instead of English so the school assumed that she was not proficient in English. Lori told the Sioux Journal, “”Someone told me I should have put English as my first language when I registered for school,” “But I refused. I will not deny who I am. And I will not disrespect my culture or my mother.”
I have to agree with Lori that her having to take the test is demeaning and racist because the school had assume that she is illiterate based on her response to that language question. So if all of us put our primary language as something else other than English, are we going to be called out and tested? What the school should have taken into consideration is that Lori is an honor student. If she was struggling with the English language then why did none of her teachers say anything? I know as a teacher, I can identify my students within the first week of my interaction with them. By looking at their writing samples as well as their verbal response, I can tell if they are proficient enough in English to stay in my class or be placed in SEI. I just want to know where were her teachers in the middle of all this? Why did they not come to her defense and vouch that she does not need to take the test?http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2009/03/05/news/local/754d93a7a005ccb3862575700009cc99.txt or
If you would like to find out how you can show her your support go to the blog: http://www.angryasianman.com
Speaking from an educator’s stand point, I understand that the goal or purpose of the English Profiency Test is to identify the kids who do need help, but it is obvious that Lori is not one of those students. According to the Sioux Journal, “The school district’s curriculum coordinator, Lori Porsche, said taking the test is mandatory because Phanachone indicated on her school registration that English was not the first language spoken in her home. Her parents are Laotian and still speak little English.” Just because her parents speak very little English does not mean she is deficient. Are they saying that just because her parents struggle with the English language that she also has the same problem? Is that not being a little presumptious? As an educator and immigrant, I see this assumption as very offensive and discrimatory because the implied message behind Ms. Porsche’s statement is that if you do not speak English primarily at home, you are illiterate or stupid. This may not be her intended message, but her remark does have an negative connotation that only intelligent people speak English. In contrast, I think that being able to communicate in many languages shows that you ARE intelligent because it does take some effort to be able to switch back and forth between languages.
What I find very inappropriate and unprofessional is the remark made by Mr. Ruleaux , the Assistant Principal. In the interview with the Sioux Journal, Lori said, ” Mr. Ruleaux (assistant principal Beau Ruleaux) told me I was ‘no Rosa Parks’ — that I should give up because I would not succeed in my protest,” Phanachone said. I beg to differ because look at the positive ripple effect of Rosa Parks’ defiance and bravery to give up her seat on that bus. Her action eventually led the Supreme Court to announced that segregation on city buses was against the law.
Lori’s protest and refusal to take the test is as admiral and significant because she is fighting against what she sees as injustice and discrimination. Her refusal to stay in her “seat” and take that test is momentous for all students not just Lao students. Any form of injustice suffered by any race is wrong and should not be accepted. We need to remember Eli Wiesel’s powerful words,” “There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.”
Lori is a role model for all people because she has the courage to stand up and fight against discrimination. She is an ordinary person doing extraordinary things. If you are interested in reading the rest of the story please go to:
Valentines Day is just around the corner so I thought I would write something about what a woman wants from a man. Of course I can’t speak for every woman, this is just my view point. I’m sure most men would want the same thing.
1. A woman wants a man who is present and “focus on the moment, the experience” . What I mean by that gentlemen, is when you are with a woman, give her your undivided attention. No cell phones, distractions or other people. Enjoy the moment and appreciate that she chooses you to be with so don’t waste your time being distracted. Appreciate every moment.
2. A woman wants a man who is not afraid to show her that he is proud, honored, and yes even lucky to be with her. He can show this through his actions. I remember watching an interview with Faith Hill and Tim McGraw on Oprah. On the show they sang a duet, and the way they were looking at each other, the emotions in their voices, came clearly through that they were in love and proud of it.
3. A woman wants a man who loves her unconditionally. A man who truly loves a woman does not expect the woman to do this or that or be like this or that. He accepts her as she is physically, spirtually, and emotionally.
4. A woman wants a man to show her respect. If a man loves a woman as deeply as he says he does, he treats her honorably through his words and deeds.
5. A woman needs a man who is strong in morals and values because what he says and does reflects back on her. A woman needs a strong man to be always be there for her.
6. A woman needs a man whom she can trust with all her worries and fears. He is the first person she can turn to because she knows he will not judge or ridicule her.
7. A woman needs a man who is faithful and loyal. A strong man will easily turn away from any temptation because he values the love he has. Toni Braxton’s song Love Shoulda Brought You Home is a perfect example of how if a man really loves a woman, his love would have brought him home. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTekxrUEUNk. My favorite sonnet by Shakepeare says it all:
Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or Bends with the remover to remove.
O, no! It is an ever-fixed mark,
That looks on tempests and is never shaken.
It is the star to every wandering bark,
whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken.
8. A woman needs a man to show her how much he wants and desire her above all others. The term “making love” can be meaningful and deep if the man knows what that means. Making love is not just a physical gratification, it’s an emotional connection during that moment. It’s that intense feeling a woman gets when she feels the love her man has for her. The song Touch by Touch by Modern Talking really gets the point across about love, desire and appreciating the person you are with. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnBZEH_org8.
9. A woman needs a man who is confident in himself and his ability to keep her by his side. A woman does not need a man who will accuse her of cheating everytime she talks to other men or leaves his sight.
10. A woman needs a man who is honest with his feelings and emotions. A trustworthy man will not give any reason for his woman to doubt his love. Like William Shakespeare said, In thy face I see honor, truth and loyalty.
I hope everybody finds the love you are looking for. For those who has been hurt by love, just remember that there’s plenty of love left in the world that it will come around again.
As everyone knows, the 44th president was sworn into office today. Most of us probably watch the inauguration as well as heard his speech. Personally, I think the speech was well written. It was well delivered in terms of tone, emotion, and effectiveness. His references/allusions to the Constitution, the Founding Fathers, and the Civil Rights movement contributed to the emotive speech. He is an effective orator because his voice is full of conviction and righteousness. He makes you want to believe that change is acoming!
One of the things he said that stood out was our ‘economic woes are from ‘greed and irresponsiblity”. To a certian extent I think he is correct. I think some people are greedy which leads to irresponsiblity to self, family and country. Some of us are living above our means even though we know the consequences. We justify our “wants” and “needs”. We live in the moment and totally disregard how it will effect us emotionally, politically, or financially in the future. Our definition of “living the good life’ has drastically changed from things that don’t cost money to things that cost the most. Our obsession with material goods has override our sense of morals and values, our sense of integrity and self. Are we letting greed dominate our life to the point that it has made us irresponsible?
I am definitely not saying that EVERYBODY is greedy and irresponsible. I am also not knocking people down who has worked hard for the money. Power to those individuals who does that and not take advantage of the system. They can spend their money however they want because they have earned it. All I’m saying is we need to all be responsible citizens: work hard, pay your bills, and help make this country better.
On April 11th, three Lao organization will hold a fantastic Lao New Year Celebration in San Francisco! Come join us and make this the biggest Lao New Year Event! If you would like to be a volunteer, donor, sponsor or rent a booth to sell food, arts&craft, clothing, jewelry, or advertise your business please contact me (Anasone) at anoraaus@yahoo.com or for more information:Mr. Sirch Chanthyasack, Chair, ILNYF
415 680 4027 (Sprint cell PST)
sourichanh at lana-usa.org
Remember there will be thousands of people attending so if you want to sell something or be a part of this huge event to showcase of Lao pride, contact us. This is perfect opportunity for you to make 2009 the best year!
Center for Lao Studies, Laotian American National Alliance, & Lao Heritage Foundation
Present: First International Lao New Year Festival (ILNYF)
ILNYF Committee encourages & cordially invites all multi-ethnic
Laotian Americans, anyone whose roots are from Laos.
Open to the Public. All are welcome.
WHEN: Saturday, April 11, 2009
TIME: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Night Event: TBA
LOCATION: San Francisco Civic Center
(Btwn City Hall & Asian Art Museum)
ADMISSION: Free
For more information please go to: www.LaoNewYear.com
I don’t often watch “girly” movies or movies about romantic relationships, but my cousin saw the movie, The Women and told me to watch it because it was inspirational. I have to admit, it was a pretty good movie because it showed the power and strenght of a women. It was inspirational because it showed that no matter what happens, if you have good friends you will be able to get through it. One of my favorite part of the movie is when the mother of the main character tells her daughter that if you can survive a broken heart (when your spouse/partner cheats on you) then there is nothing you can’t survive. Of course, that’s what I got out of it.
The movie touches on the issue of why men stray. The movie centers on the idea that a man needs to feel needed by his woman or he will stray. It also points out that just because a husband cheats on his wife doesn’t mean that he doesn’t love her. The movie seem to suggest that the wife is not meeting the husband’s emotional and physical need so he turns to the other woman to fulfill it. I don’t know about other woman, but it is difficult for me to believe that the majority of the men who cheats is because he is craving emotional attention from his wife. Why do I think this? I think it is easier for men to seperate emotions from sex. Is it easier for a man to cheat on his woman because he sees sex as something more physical then emotional?
Do men cheat because…
1. They are bored sleeping with the same woman?
2. They don’t love their woman anymore?
3. They feel they have a right to because their partner doesn’t give them any attention?
4. They want to prove that they still are attractive to other women?
5. They know they can get away with it?
According to Livescience.com:
When it comes to infidelity, research shows that men are motivated primarily by the lure of sex, while women trek outside the marriage due to emotional neglect and the need for emotional intimacy.
Though more men than women cheat, infidelity is on the rise among both in recent decades.
The rest of the article is pretty interesting because it gives famous cases of cheating spouses such as the Clintons.
As everybody knows, every New Year some of us make a New Year’s Resolution in an attempt to change our lives in some way, shape or form. Some of our resolution involves issues such as health, relationship, money, or personal goals. For the first couple of months, some of us will stick to our resolution or work as hard as hell to pretend like we are succeeding in our goals. However, half way through the year, the newness and excitement wears off and we start to forget what it is that we wanted to change and the reason behind it. I think the most important thing to remember when it comes to making a resolution is to make one about something you feel passionate about and is achieveable.
My most important resolution is to increase Lao pride through education. When it comes to college education, Southeast Asians meaning us, has the smallest number of college graduates as compared to other Asians. Also, Laotians has the highest high school drop out rates among other Asians. We have to stop this trend. We have to make education our number one priority among our group. We all love being Lao and say we have pride. If that is the case let us do it by getting our education and be positive role models for the younger Lao generations. Let them have more educated Lao people to look up to or aspire to be like instead of just seeing only a handful of Lao people who are doctors, lawyers, engineers, scientists, or inventors.
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to show what you are made of, not by how big your house is, how much money you have, how nice your car is or how much bling bling you wear. All those things can be lost, taken, sold, or barter away, but education is something that is yours forever.
One of my favorite song is by Carabao about the similarity of Thai/Khmer/Laotian/Vietnamese culture. I love the message of unity. I believe I have posted this before but I’m going to do it again because I like message.
Recently, one of my readers mentioned that she was called a mae jaeng by her parents and it was over things she did that really did not warrant it. Noi stated, “They think I’m imperfect, a smart aleck, they called me a “slut” or “mae jang” even though I haven’t done anything”. When I read this, it had me thinking about how some Laotians often use these words, “mae jaeng” or “heekill” in their dialogue without thinking or caring how it effects the other people. These words can be considered very deragatory by American standards as well as Laotians. For example, the word “mae jaeng” refers to a hooker, a prostitute. When you call someone a “mae jaeng” you are in a sense trying to imply that they have the manners or behavior of a prostitute. I have heard many people use that term in an insulting as well as a joking manner. This can be said the same thing for the word “heekill”. Both terms are usually understood to mean slutty. By American standards, a parent does not usually think it is slutty if their kids are a smart aleck, imperfect, or talking to boys. However, in some Laotian community, you are considered slutty if you talk to boys, hold hands, kiss, or hang out with “bad” people (people who smoke, drink, have sex etc). Even the way you dress, even if it is not revealing,can result in you being called a “heekill” by some Lao people if it is something THEY think is not acceptable. For example, when I was in my early teens, one of the fashion rage was stone wash jeans with holes in it. We would keep washing the jeans until it was soft and worn out and then we would purposely scratch on the little tears until it got bigger and longer to make a hole above the knee. Nowadays, you can actually buy pants with that worn out look and it’s considered fashion, but back in my Laotian community, in the eighties it was considered bad because we were ” defying” authority for dressing the way we want and not how they wanted. I remember my dad commenting, “kau been heekill that” (why are you being slutty). Even though I wasn’t showing anything, he would say that to show his displeasure of me doing what I want and not what he wanted which was to dress a certain way.
I think when it comes to the words, “mae jaeng” and “heekill” some Laotian parents thoughtlessly use it to refer to their own kids without any consideration of how that will affect their kids. They usually say these words to show their displeasure over what THEY percieve as an unacceptable behavior or to put or remind their children of their place in society. Of course, not all Laotian parents used these terms to express their discontent about their children’s behavior. I think sometimes Laotian parents use this terms to “shock” their kids in compliance, or to remind them what is expected of them. For example, when I was a teen I wanted to go to the boon (Lao party) but when I would ask for my mom to take me she would answer, “kau heekill that” meaning only “bad” girls want to party. It didn’t matter that she would be there and other adults. Most American teens would be horrified at the thought of going to a party with their parents.
What constitutes being called a “mae jaeng” or a “heekill”? In some Laotian community, you don’t even have to sleep around to be called a slut, just hanging out with boys can get you labeled. Are Laotian parents less sensitive to their kid’s feelings?
Me on the left wearing one of my stoned washed jeans I later "scratch" to make holes in. My dad would get all riled up.
Benicio Del Toro will star in the new movie about about the revolutionary Che Guevara. He actually won the Best Actor award at the 2008 Cannes Festival. The movie centers around Che’s revolutionary activites to overthrow the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista in Cuba. Once he disposed of Batista, Che tried to incite other people in Africa and South America to overthrow their own ruler. Eventually, Che was assassinated by counter-insurgency rangers in the mountains of Bolivia, who was backed by the United States’ CIA.
I first became interested in looking at the historical background of Che after watching the movie “Motorcycle Diaries” which started Gael Garcia. The movie centers on the reason/motivation why Che completely changed career of becoming a doctor to a revolutionary leader. Gael Garcia does a tremendous job in the role, enough for me to become interested in the the real Che. If you haven’t gotten the chance, watch “Motorcycle Diaries” first before watching the new movie starring Benicio, who is another talented artist. He definitely has the range and ability to portray the complexity of Che. I am excited to see this movie.
