Our Voice Must Be Heard

On a day-to-day basis, we all express ourselves in different way. For some of us that decide to write poems, books, articles, blogs, form Lao forums, Lao Radios, Lao TVs, become artists, or publish Lao magazines, whether it’s hard copy or on-line, we all want our voice to be heard. Some might feel that they are only doing it as a hobby, but deep down inside, we all want to voice our opinions, in a fashion that best suits us. We are unique individuals, but what we all have in common is that we have the same root, we are from Laos, and we are Laotian. I am proud of my heritage, of who I am, and have so much to tell and the internet has made that possible for most of us, an instant publishing at the click of a button, and we have voiced our opinions. I think writing is a powerful tool, we can create, can communicate, can make progress, but if use in the wrong way it can delay progress, can destroy images of our people, our country, and of someone (innocent) that might have tried to create a name for themselves for many years. Therefore, when we write, we need to think of other people’s feelings as well, not just venting out our angers.

I have recently heard a voice of concern, from a Lao forum expressing concerns about Lao Magazines, that if Lao Magazines “can make us proud to be Lao and show us a way, but not necessarily as ‘the only’ way, I think it’ll be doing a good job.” I think differently; it’s unfair to ask that of any Lao Magazine, their jobs are to create an awareness, they’re the voice of our community, being proud of our heritage should come from within ourselves, and not from outside sources such as a magazine. I am proud, and not ashame to tell people that I am Laotian because our culture is unique, rich with tradition. Lao magazines give many of us the opportunity to express our voice, our opinions, otherwise our voice might not be heard, and to me that is very powerful; I marvel those that put forth effort in publishing Lao Magazines.

It has been over a year since the death of the royal couple, to some they were the fallen heroes, the voice that had spoken loudly, and proudly at Lao studies, many looked up to them with admiration; to others they were regarded as individuals that tried to gain status as royalty, and nothing more. There were so many mysteries surrounded their death, but many became unfolded at their funeral, people that were involved came forward. Many were the “Gouh Sodh” or freedom fighters, openly spoke at their funeral, and many from the group were there, you can tell by their little red pins that they wore on their black jackets. They stood proudly, they are the people that were so active over the years, and most of us are wondering where they are now, still around and living among us. They are waiting for the right opportunity to voice their opinions. To some, they are regarded as the heroes living underground, to others, they are the ones that cannot let go of the past. As to the families and friends of the royal couple, they were the most caring couple and their legacy will continue to live on. It was such a tragic loss to a Lao community, we loss another voice, which would have been proudly heard in our community, and in many Lao studies.

This is my voice, a voice of concern for our Lao community. What will the future hold for the voice of Lao people? Only time can tell. In the near future, I hope our voice will create, will reunite, will make progress, will proudly be heard, and not the voice that have been forgotten.