Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten

By Solomon Say

​During this past week, me and a couple of my friends were able to catch the screening of “Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten” over at the Showcase Cinemas in Lowell, Massachusetts. Prior to attending the showcasing of this film, I was met with very little publicity of this documentary. Other than the fact that the film’s directors were holding some type of function over at the restaurant hall at Sampao Meas, I found that this movie didn’t have much of a marketing campaign attached to it within the immediate community of Lowell. At least from my perspective, I found that to be the case because I was only told about this documentary from the advice of Professor George Chigas. Needless to say, his recommendation for me to watch this movie, as well from many other colleagues of mine, was greatly appreciated. I stumbled upon the movie trailer for “Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten” which had the tagline of Cambodia’s Lost Rock and Roll, and I was interested to the fact that there was a documentary made about the Cambodian music scene from the late 50’s all the way to the mid 70’s. As I was watching the trailer, I thought to myself about the technicalities that were used to produce such a film. Personally, I feel as if Cambodian cinema is not up-to-standards as American cinema. Needless to say I was pretty skeptical to even consider watching this movie. However, as I was digging through the archives of the “Cambodian-side” of Youtube.com, I found myself stumbling through the many Cambodian oldies sang by Sin Sisamuth and Ro Sereysothea. Having been growing up by the melodic and angelic voice of Sin Sisamuth as a child, I found myself showing a much deeper appreciation to the sounds of Cambodian oldies. 

The type of iconic symbol that Sin Sisamuth had within the Cambodian lifestyle had put him on a pedestal that made him a living legend. The stature of his legendary status is documented respectfully well in the movie “Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten”, along with many other iconic singers in the movie as well. At first, the movie comes off as an aesthetic of Cambodian cinema. The way in which the movie is presented to us, the audience, is unlike any other Cambodian film I’ve ever seen. Knowing to the fact that his film was also broadcasted to a much wider audience, rather than a specific Cambodian population, this film did a superb job on targeting a much bigger and global audience. While still staying true to its roots, I could tell that this movie gave off a long and lasting impression. At first, the movie gives off a brief history on what type of influences fueled the Cambodian music scene during the early 40’s. Many of the influences were surprising to me, as a matter of fact. I didn’t know the Afro-Cuban music scene had played a strong factor into the influence of Cambodian music at the time. Needless to say, this type of documentary was illuminating the light of the joy that Cambodian music has amongst the people of that time. 

Throughout many moments in the film, the audience is given a stronger point of view by some of the musicians who lived through the golden era of music in Cambodia. As well as Cambodian music connoisseurs, the movie is able to give personal accounts on what the Cambodian music did for people living in the late 60s and early 70s. As I was watching this movie, I saw the love for this type of music to be uplifting. The amount of memories that the interviewees were recollecting created a sense of nostalgia that they strongly remember. I felt the absolute joy in which some of these people felt during their times when they would enjoy the music themselves during their younger years. The Cambodian music scene went through so many periods of within their culture that the people of Cambodia would soon feel the change. 

My initial reaction to this film as a whole was heartwarming. I felt the effort and care that was used to create this type of documentary; a type of perspective that I would have never found myself showing watching a documentary as a whole. There is no better feeling than seeing a movie that is well-done, and perfectly executed like a movie such as “Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten”. Everything done within this movie showcases the beauty that Cambodians found themselves in, by using music as their outlet. This type of music represented itself as an emotional high for the Cambodian people to be apart of. To see the icons who made this music be tragically taken away during the Khmer Rouge makes the Cambodian music of that time an entity both mysterious, yet precious. There is no doubt in my mind that the music is the soul of a nation, and to Cambodians, music is more than just something you listen to; it’s something that you live by. It’s an entity that makes you become closer with others and helps a nation feel the weight of the emotion that these musical artists put through their words and songs.

The Memories

By Kim Sok

I remember at a young age the memories I had living in Long Beach, California. The Cambodian community was so strong, and it still is till this day. I felt a sense of belonging when I was there compared to growing up in Lawrence and having to move across the country. I have lived in Lawrence for 14 years now. A part of me wished I had a strong connection to my Khmer community in Lowell as I grew older, but due to only just visiting the city from time to time, I was never able to build that connection.

Living in Lawrence taught me how to appreciate diversity and I was able to be open minded about different foods, culture and backgrounds. Although it had its difficult times when I was the only minority in the classroom, I was grateful and lucky to have met and be friends with great people. It definitely was a hard adjustment having to transition; being 5 and extremely shy wasn’t the best way for a new start. A lot of my friends were never Asian, so they weren’t able to relate to me in school 

Once I entered high school, I joined the Upward Bound program. Every student there were all Hispanics, and I remember having such a difficult time being the only one that was a minority. But as the months passed I learned to accept myself as well as accepting the fact that this is who I am, and I can’t change the fact that I am the only Asian in an all Hispanic community.

As I grew older, I became more comfortable with the word minority, I learned to love my culture, and I was able to love myself through the acceptance of being a minority. Although I was not able to grow up with my family back in California, I now try to have a connection with my culture and visiting them in California every summer is definitely helping as well.

I hope with time, and the more I grow I continue to learn more about the history of Cambodia, as well as the language, food and culture. Cambodia is and will always be a part of me, and I identify as a proud Cambodian.

            Even being a student in University of Massachusetts Lowell, I am able to connect with other fellow Asians and learn more through them. I definitely would love to have a career that involves helping within the Khmer community. I want to be able to be a voice for those who are not able to speak their own. With the experience and knowledge that my school is giving me, I hope I can later apply it to my own career and make my community happy with everything that I am doing for them and their happiness.

            It’s especially great to be a part of a campus community where I am becoming much closer to my professors who are there for me, helping, guiding and mentoring me through y hardships and as well as through discovery who I am and finding myself through my career path. I remember speaking to one of my professors, and I was explaining to her my difficulty in trying to connect to my Khmer community, and she immediately told me to talk to the perfect person to go to for what I needed. Although it was such a small act that she did, it was extremely meaningful for me, because that was exactly what I have been looking for.

The sense of belonging and a form of unity within my own culture and community has been so close in arms reach but yet so far to grab. But I’ve learned so much from being at UML, and knowing that I have a strong relationship with my professors, only assures me that I will only continue to thrive from here on out. My goal to be a voice for my Khmer community will slowly but surely be accomplished, with more time and more experience here at UML.

I am extremely grateful and lucky to have chosen this school, and to have made friend here at UML that I would never have met elsewhere. It’s been a great experience here thus far, and I hope to only experience and see even more great people here.  

Kindness

By Naly Meng

​If I was a millionaire, the first people besides my family and friends that I would help is  the people of Cambodia. Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world and I believe it is due to the corruption and the devastating event they went through known as the Khmer Rouge. Before the Khmer Rouge happened, Cambodia was peaceful and beautiful and it was no doubt a progressing country. However, ever since that awful event happened it has turned into a corrupt and has progressed very little compared to other countries. There are so many problems in Cambodia and I don’t know how long it will take to resolve those problems, but I believe it will all come together one day.

​The most corrupt part of Cambodia is the fact that the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor. The rich are so selfish and don’t do anything to help the poorer people. If I had the money that some of the wealthier people in Cambodia that, I would use a lot of that money to help those in need. I know that I wouldn't be able to help everyone, but some of the first people I would choose to help are the children. I think education is such an important part of every kid’s life, so if I had the money to build a school to teach children, I would open one up. To change the future, you must change the present. If we want change for the future, that means that we have to educate the younger ones now so when they’re older, they can make the changes. 

​Another group of people I would choose to help are widowed mothers, or just girls in general that work long hours for little money. I would somehow provide them with a good living condition and food so that they don’t have to worry about all of that. One of things that makes me sad about Cambodia is hearing about the young girls that work at the factories for a monthly salary of about $90. They work really long hours in horrible conditions yet they get paid so little. Maybe if I had the power to make these types of changes, I would try to come up with new jobs for girls where they made more money, or made sure that they weren’t being overworked in such horrid conditions. Also, I would provide classes for them as well, so they can learn English,.

​In addition to helping kids and girls/women in need, I would provide the people in rural areas with supplies like shampoo, soap, comb, toilet paper, and other essentials. Compared to the living conditions in America, the living conditions of those in rural areas are really awful and unsanitary. Seeing people live in wooden houses without necessary cleaning items and utensils was eye opening. They go through life everyday using what they can, while people in America are so wasteful. Although to outsiders it may seem that they live a sad life, I believe they are happy with what they have. 

​I really wish I could do more to help Cambodia. When I went on my trip on 2013, I did a little act of kindness by going to the poorer areas and handing out money for the adults and candy for the little kids. Although it was not a lot, it made me feel really good to see them happy. I don’t have much to give, but giving to those in need made me feel like I was doing the right thing. If I could have all the money in the world, I know that a lot of that money would go towards those in Cambodia because I think they are deserving of it for what they have endured. It is only a wish of mine to do something so big like this, but even when I am older, I hope I am able to do little acts of kindness every time I go. Not only does it make me feel good but it makes me grateful to know that I have so much compared to other people and I am blessed to live the life I do.

Khmer language

By Primeny Oeur

​It is difficult to be able to know two languages, and really understand it. Since growing up in America, I understand my culture and language, but I am unable to hold a conversation in Khmer. English comes easily for me when speaking because I was born in America and exposed to speaking English more. My parents spoke Khmer to me but I respond mainly in English. I wish I was exposed more to my culture’s language in order to speak to my parents better in Khmer. 

​My parents understand English but there are some things I cannot explain well to them because they will not understand some English they are unfamiliar with. For me to better understand my culture and language, I decided to take Khmer classes in high school for 4 years. Then, I decided to continue Khmer classes in college. Since high school, I believe I came a long way in the Khmer language even though it is still not at its best. I understand how to read and write it better. In order to become really good in Khmer I have to keep practicing and use it more.

​My father said one day he will take me to Cambodia to know where he and my mother came from. He also wants me to keep our language and culture alive and keep it passing onto the next generations. If our language is not being used, then the language can die, and will be unknown. As for my mother, she wants me to know Khmer more but makes sure that I understand the American way to live comfortably. I think that it is hard to learn a language at this age now, but it is easy to lose the language if it is not being used frequently. If I ever get to visit Cambodia, I want to make sure I can communicate with the people that share the same language and culture as I do.

​My younger sister barely understands Khmer but she is taking Khmer class. This is another reason I am trying to really learn how to speak Khmer better to help my little sister. I want to be able to help my younger sister speak Khmer better as well. Also, it would be nice for me to help her on reading and writing Khmer better. Knowing two languages is helpful in many ways and it is a great skill to have. 

​Being able to speak two languages can be useful in translating for people, job skills, and being able to communicate for you. It is beneficial to not have a language barrier and can gain a lot just from being bilingual. I still have a language barrier between my parents and I. Although, having the language barrier between us is not a big barrier. I just want to completely understand my parents and I also want them to understand me. If my parents and I understand each other, I think we can live more comfortably with one another. 

​When my parent and I do understand each other I am happy but then again I feel as though I need to understand my parents more than having them understand me. I always hear my mom say to me in Khmer that I do not know anything about our culture or she always complains that I really do not understand our language when she speaks to me. I want to prove to my mom that I can speak our language and I actually do understand the type of culture we have. I just want my parents to know that I can work hard to make them proud and that I can understand what they have gone through and be there to support them.

My childhood

By Naly Meng

       ​I was born in Cambodia in 1995 in Phnom Penh. I remember a lot of my childhood in Cambodia, but when I went back in summer 2013, there were a lot of similarities and differences. I came to America at the age of 6 and have lived here since then. When my cousins and I decided to go to Cambodia it had been almost 11 and a half years since we had been there. I was excited but at the same time nervous because of some of the things I heard. Before going, I heard stories about how scary it was, how hot it was, and how you can get sick easily from the bacteria. From hearing all of this, obviously I was not too excited, but the one thing I was most excited about was seeing my family, especially my grandmother who is in her 90’s.

       ​The trip included me, and 3 of my cousins. One of them lives in California, and the other two live in Texas. Since it was an out of the country trip, we thought it would be really good if we all met up in Texas so we can go together. So all four of us met up in Texas and prepared for our trip. The day of the trip we went to Houston’s airport to take a flight to Moscow, Russia. From that trip we went right away to Singapore airport. From Singapore was where we then took our last flight and landed in Cambodia. Of course since it is across the world, the trip took us a total of about 20-30 hours because of some delays that happened as well. 

​The first day we landed it was really weird. It was like I was in another planet, not just country. It was really hot and muggy out. The first thing we did was go out to eat of course because we hadn’t eaten real food for over a day. The thing that was really different and scary was the driving standards. On the first day, I saw how chaotic the streets were already and I was honestly afraid that I could get into an accident with the way everyone was driving. After the first few days, we started to get used to it a little more. We went out to eat everyday, almost 3 or 4 times a day. I sometimes stayed with my family and other times I stayed with my cousins’ family. Everyday we would try to find new places to go and be tourists. Some of the places we went was to the beach in Kompong Saom, we went to the mountains, to the rural parts, to the club, and the fitness club there. 

​Although at first I thought that 30 days in Cambodia was way too long, as the days went on I realized how much fun I was having. I actually started to wish that I was staying longer. As the days went on it felt like I could get used to living there. I really liked the lifestyle because everyone was care free and all I did was eat and have fun. The thing that was most similar and a part of the trip that reminded me most of when I lived there was when I went to a rural part called Sreyville. My aunt lived in this area and I remember going there all the time when I was a kid, and it brought back a lot of good memories. It’s funny because although a lot of the city changed and developed, everything in Sreyville was still the same. 

​Speaking of the differences, there were a lot more streets in Cambodia and the houses were a lot more modern than I remembered. All in all I had a really great time in Cambodia. I did not expect to like it as much as I did considering all of the things that people told me. I liked it so much that I wish I could have stayed longer. I’ve been on many trips before and I can honestly say that Cambodia was my favorite. I plan on going back in the next few years and hopefully it will continue to progress but at the same time remain the same Cambodia that I remember it. If it was a safer and more sanitary country, I would live there without a question. I think Cambodia is a beautiful country that everyone should visit, and I am grateful that I went and will go again. 

Lowell is a great place to visit

By Somphosnita Peouv

            There is a long history of Lowell on how it became Lowell Mill City to the second greatest Cambodian population. During the 18^th century, the largest textile mills factories were built in Lowell. Everyone including working class, women and slaves were working in the mills such as spinning, weaving, and carding in cotton cloths. This made the city of Lowell one of the largest industrial revolution of producing cottons. Women and men were working very hard in the twelve to fourteen hours shift in the heat because there were no air conditioner, only big glass window which reflect heat and light to come through the big buildings. As times goes on, immigrants from all over the world settled in America. Fast forward to the 20^th century after the Khmer Rouge ended, many Cambodians immigrated to America which included Lowell, Massachusetts.

             When Cambodian families initially settled in Lowell, they had a lot of hardship such as trying to learn another language, coping with depression after the horrendous war, trying to get their immigration paper work done legally, seek for their relatives, find a job and some started out with only twenty dollars to live their lives. The second generation children started to enroll in the Lowell Public Schools. They all seem like aliens because of their differences in physicality and language. Some were made fun of and did not have the right teachings and teacher supervisions so they end up dropping out of school early. Some joined gangs because they feel more secure and had commonality. But some worked very hard through high schools and are able to make it to college. Americans had a cultural shock because of how Cambodians eat, communicate, variety of traditions and cultural practices. Some Americans actually moved out from their neighborhood because they think Cambodians were dangerous.

            After the openings of Cambodian (Khmer) markets, the city of Lowell drastically changed because of the commonality that this small Cambodian community had. The city became diverse and a flood of Cambodians from all over America came and visit. Cambodians have so many traditional ceremonies. The most famous Cambodian celebration is Cambodian New Years which is celebrated on the second and third week of every April which filled up the pagoda or temple in Lowell very fast. Another famous celebration is the Cambodian Water Festival which involves with boat racing and different types of Southeast Asian traditional food, clothing, and different types of Southeast Asian jewelries being sold on the Merrimack River for the weekend. This celebration is held on the third week of every August and many Cambodians and Southeast Asians would come from all over the states to gather together to dance and have fun.

            There are many Cambodian (Khmer) markets, restaurants, little food shops and traditional clothing stores in Lowell. Almost every weekend, especially during the summer, Cambodians or everyone in general loves to do little cook-outs. But for Cambodian, they love to gather up and cook the most traditional food such as egg rolls, papaya salad, fried rice, curry, grilled barbecued beef on sticks and more. If any strangers walk by these Cambodian houses, their mouths would start to be watery because the smell of the cooking is amazing!  

            Closeness is a thing for Cambodians because they love to walk to the nearest market and restaurants. It is such a small city that almost every Cambodians do their walking to get a good exercise and for those who do not have cars.       With such a proximate space and closures, in the Cambodian community in Lowell, almost everyone knows each other and consider them as their long lost brothers, sisters, uncles or aunts.

            Lowell Mill City is a small city filled with history and diversity. There are many things to do such as; going to different types of Cambodian markets, little Cambodian fast-food shops, variety of Southeast Asian restaurants and traditional clothing, the American textile museums or the Lowell Mills and downtown Lowell to shopping. Lowell is the second largest Cambodian population from Long Beach, California. A lot of the American dreams are built in these Cambodians which produce larger population. With the after math of the Cambodian Genocides, the new and younger population creates a lot of bonding with their own kinds and full of joy when it comes to an explanation of their heritage.

I am today

By Sopeeda Suy  

         

Every kid is going to grow up and face reality, hardships and problems that will be hard for them to overcome. When I was in middle school I did not know how my future would turn out. I had no idea what I would do in the future and what my goals were. Every day I just lived it not knowing what my path in life will be. I was bullied and it made me feel like I was worthless. There were many times I felt like crying and wanted to be cool and popular like my other classmates.

            At the age of twelve and thirteen I started feeling embarrassed of my culture and traditions. Money was scarce back then especially when I attended a private middle school. I was among the small amount of Asian students that attended the school and I felt like I was left out. All the white students were spoiled and wore expensive clothes that made me envy them. I wanted to be just like them but, I knew that can’t be possible because I should learn to accept who I am and love who I am. I wanted to be Americanized and forget about my ethnic background. I faced a lot of peer pressure and discrimination of my race. Because of that, I wanted to become a different person and forget about my culture and traditions. But then, the more I hear my classmates making fun of Asian people, I start realizing that I should not let other people put me down. Those people who are judgmental and arrogant aren’t worth socializing with.

            I do not blame myself for not being strong in the past because I was just a kid that is still learning and it was one of my weaknesses that shaped who I am today. Even though I wasn’t as strong as my other classmates but the most important point in my life is that I learned and experienced it. Everyone will face many difficulties at some point in life and I faced most of it in middle school.

            My parents have helped me along the way as I grew up. They taught me to stop feeling embarrassed and to not care what other people think of me. Life isn’t about pleasing others, it’s about your own happiness and joy. It doesn’t matter what other people think of me because I know who I am and I don’t need to prove it to anyone.

            My journey through middle school and high school was very difficult but I made it through. I am proud of who I am and I will not let anyone bring me down. Not only that, I learned to appreciate what I have and stop comparing myself to others. Everyone’s life is different; we are all following our own road. The person I was in the past is not the same person I am today. I have experienced being hurt, fear, and sadness.  I fought to become the grown woman I am today and I know that every day I will still keep learning.