:)

[Lady_Fallin]

A long time ago.. maybe when I was in the 4th grade? I remember asking my ESL teacher, "Why do the African American kids tease us Hmong kids? Didn't their ancestors and people suffer from the cruelty and injustices of racism?  Why must they do the same to us?"  I remember I choked on my words, and the tears were flowing freely.  My teacher did not know how to respond, and suddenly I felt embarrassed for saying my thoughts out loud. 

I think now that I have grown, and have learned and seen, I've come to realize that racism exists still, and that's due largely in part of lack of knowledge.  I cannot blame the child that was not taught his/her history, or that racism is a disgusting disease, because he/she was not taught, was not knowledgeable,  and did not have the resources to which he/she could become culturally sensitive.  I can't even blame their parents, because they probably didn't receive the knowledge either... What, and who can I blame?

Then it occurred to me, the blame game does not get anything done.  But knowledge... knowledge can spread like fire...

[LuckyState98]

I think that is really insightful and mature of you to reach that conclusion at such a young age.  What you just talked about is one of the three poisons as well as its opposite, jewel, of Buddhism.  Racism, and hatred or anger and fear, exist because of the lack of knowledge or Ignorance.   Through Wisdom, or knowledge, one can eradicate fear, hatred, and anger, and Racism.  I don't know if knowledge will spread like fire, if people are not conditioned to learn, but it is vital to pass information, knowledge, and love from generation to generation; for example our genetic codes are information which we pass on and on.  If we don't pass on information, the next generation and many after wards will have difficulties until they regain their balance.

[Lady_Fallin]

I think that is really insightful and mature of you to reach that conclusion at such a young age.  What you just talked about is one of the three poisons as well as its opposite, jewel, of Buddhism.  Racism, and hatred or anger and fear, exist because of the lack of knowledge or Ignorance.   Through Wisdom, or knowledge, one can eradicate fear, hatred, and anger, and Racism.  I don't know if knowledge will spread like fire, if people are not conditioned to learn, but it is vital to pass information, knowledge, and love from generation to generation; for example our genetic codes are information which we pass on and on.  If we don't pass on information, the next generation and many after wards will have difficulties until they regain their balance.

 

[Lady_Fallin]

Bright minds in the Hmong community aren't always welcomed.  I have seen such smart, intelligent, and beautiful little minds of young little kids and teenagers, who were over looked by their elders.  They will speak up, but they will be shut off, ignored, or treated as "young, foolish, and not know anything because they haven't lived long enough." 

What sort of logic is this?  And in what ways can we as a community rethink the ways we deal with our younger generations? 

Respect for adults and the elderly is a given in our community.  Respect for children, and teenagers?  I doubt it exist... But why this double standard?  Shouldn't respect be given both directions for it to be mutual and fulfilling?

The younger generation is so eager to learn... so eager to share and to voice their voice... Why don't we listen, be more patient, and nurture them more?

[Lady_Fallin]

I want to start a program within the Milwaukee Hmong community to promote active communication between parents and children.  I want children to listen to the life stories of their parents, their struggles, their desires, their hopes.  I want parents to listen to the struggles, and lives of their children as well... I want to bridge the gap between the unspoken words that have tore family apart... I wonder if I can achieve this, and if anyone will be willing to believe that it will work... Will I even have the guts to intrude into family lives?  It's so sacred and personal... I am afraid... but I am more afraid of what the outcome will be if no one steps in to try to solve, and teach.

*sigh

[Lady_Fallin]

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[Lady_Fallin]

I loved them like my sisters... but I realized to them... I wasn't even family or a sister... just another acquaintance in their realm of friends... How much they have changed... I suppose our goals and morals are different now... They both love the party scene.. and I... I love knowledge.  What did I expect?  That by treating others like sisters that they will do the same for me?  In all my years of growing up with them, I tried my best to provide to them as best as an older sister could... clothing, food, took them places, gave them advice... and when they find the one they love, I just become a nuisance... *sigh Perhaps it is time I let go of this sisterhood and let our paths be... I shall miss them dearly... and though my heart aches and I cry at the unfairness... I do not regret living and loving... For it my conscience that must sleep with at night... As long as I know I have done what is right... I can live with no regrets.