What makes a Khmer a Khmer?
As Khmers we're used to using such terms as "Khmer blood," "Chinese blood," and "Thai blood" to describe our ancestry and ethnic make-up. From a scientific perspective such characterizations are rather silly since there is really no genetic basis to differentiate "Khmer blood" from, say, "Vietnamese blood". If I had an extensive blood transfusion from some Russian donors, would that have made me a Russian? I don't think so.
Unlike the Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese, our people are highly heterogeneous. Some of us are dark skinned, whereas others have lighter complexions. Some have straight hair; others have curly hair...and so on and so forth. But we're all still Khmer.
What makes a Khmer a Khmer?
This is not just an academic question, but one with far-reaching social and cultural implications. We Khmers have been embroiled in ethnic and territorial struggles with our Thai and Vietnamese neighbors for centuries. Many fear the ongoing influx of Vietnamese immigrants into Cambodia will eventually allow Vietnam to swallow our country. Further, because of our recent tragic history, our people have been scattered all over the world, forcing us to adapt to new lands and cultures (and consequently become "less Khmer," I suppose?).
So, what does it take to be Khmer? How do we define the Khmer identity? How do we know who is more "Khmer" than who?
Unlike the Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese, our people are highly heterogeneous. Some of us are dark skinned, whereas others have lighter complexions. Some have straight hair; others have curly hair...and so on and so forth. But we're all still Khmer.
What makes a Khmer a Khmer?
This is not just an academic question, but one with far-reaching social and cultural implications. We Khmers have been embroiled in ethnic and territorial struggles with our Thai and Vietnamese neighbors for centuries. Many fear the ongoing influx of Vietnamese immigrants into Cambodia will eventually allow Vietnam to swallow our country. Further, because of our recent tragic history, our people have been scattered all over the world, forcing us to adapt to new lands and cultures (and consequently become "less Khmer," I suppose?).
So, what does it take to be Khmer? How do we define the Khmer identity? How do we know who is more "Khmer" than who?
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Max on -
I was born in Srok Khmer, eating khmer food and speaking khmer language everyday, married to a good khmer woman, love to visit srok khmer whenever I can afford, considering to return and live in srok khmer one day, and lastly would like to help khmers in a way I possibly can from what have learned. Give and help them voluntarily.
-
Permalink Reply by ═╬∏ÄnЀ®ŠÖn∏╬═ on -
Good day's mate!.....
The Khmer Ethnic identity is further marked by the recognition from all over the world this day. After the war 1979 which have large immigrant populations from thailand humanitarian refugee camp. now!..if you want makes a Khmer a Khmer?
The question is are you all khmer indigenous? or do we have khmer indigenous in viet nam in china , in all over the world's? or just (khmer indigenous) in cambodia?: "Khmer blood," "Chinese blood," and "Thai blood" to describe our ancestry and ethnic make-up. From a scientific perspective such characterizations are rather silly since there is really no genetic basis to differentiate it truely right!.. just like oudam comment. but >>What makes a Khmer a Khmer?<< we don't care!.. if we are khmer indigenous or "Khmer blood," "Chinese blood," and "Thai blood".
we can all ~LOVE~ 2 be KHMER~ we can Create and share greatess Cultures and Traditions integrated pattern of khmer knowledge and shared attitudes, values, goals , our heart our customs taught by one generation to the next generation.
wishing all the khmer people all over the world best of luck and stay happy as we all LOVE our khmer custome.
from hach anderson khmercity.net member.
Welcome to
Khmercity.net
© 2009 Created by Oudam ឧត្តម
