Persecution in a Time of Self Discovery The Cambodian Genocide was the mass persecution of Cambodians commited by the Khmer Rouge Communist party between the years of 1975 and 1979. During this period, about two million Cambodian people were tortured to death. Channy Chhi Laux, thirteen years old at the time, survived this massacre and recounts her experiences in her memoir Short Hair Detention. Throughout her traumatic experience Channy Chhi Laux clings to her mother, referred to as “Em”, who was one of her biggest motivations to keep going. Inspired by Em’s determination to do whatever it takes to support her family, Channy Chhi Laux is driven to keep going due to her devotion to her mother. Spirituality plays a big role in this memoir as the preteen undergoes a rollercoaster of emotions toward her relationship with God. Crossing between blaming God for her suffering and using him as a guide, she displays the human instinct to discover why we experience the things we do. She even questions her existence and hopes that she doesn't live to see another day. She serves as a reminder that spirituality is an ongoing journey that can fluctuate at times. The journey she takes the audience through reflects the often challenging journey people have in finding purpose. As the Khmer Rouge instills fear in the Cambodian community, Channy Chhi Laux learns to find joyful moments in her days of oppression. This being a common theme throughout her memoir, it serves as a reminder that no matter what situation we may find ourselves in there is always something to be thankful for. Whether this be a hole in the ground to use the restroom in or vegetables to eat for just a night, these were each moments to celebrate. I believe this was the most motivating theme of the memoir because it can be so easy to only look at the negative side of life. Channy Chhi Laux reminds us it's important to be appreciative of the small things in life. Overall I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in history or mass genocides. This biggest shock I had upon finishing this novel was my initial ignorance of the Cambodian genocide as a whole. I wish that I was taught the tragedies and realities of Cambodian civilians during the gencide. I was displeased to read about the many rapes and later killings of the young women by Khmer Rouge soldiers. It is important to learn about history of all kinds, even if it does not pertain to our own. History can repeat itself, and it's up to society to prevent tragedies such as these from ever happening again. I was very honored to read the story of Channy Chhi Laux and I hope you all choose to read this as well.
The Cambodian Genocide was the mass persecution of Cambodians commited by the Khmer Rouge Communist party between the years of 1975 and 1979. During this period, about two million Cambodian people were tortured to death. Channy Chhi Laux, thirteen years old at the time, survived this massacre and recounts her experiences in her memoir Short Hair Detention. Throughout her traumatic experience Channy Chhi Laux clings to her mother, referred to as “Em”, who was one of her biggest motivations to keep going. Inspired by Em’s determination to do whatever it takes to support her family, Channy Chhi Laux is driven to keep going due to her devotion to her mother.
Spirituality plays a big role in this memoir as the preteen undergoes a rollercoaster of emotions toward her relationship with God. Crossing between blaming God for her suffering and using him as a guide, she displays the human instinct to discover why we experience the things we do. She even questions her existence and hopes that she doesn't live to see another day. She serves as a reminder that spirituality is an ongoing journey that can fluctuate at times. The journey she takes the audience through reflects the often challenging journey people have in finding purpose.
As the Khmer Rouge instills fear in the Cambodian community, Channy Chhi Laux learns to find joyful moments in her days of oppression. This being a common theme throughout her memoir, it serves as a reminder that no matter what situation we may find ourselves in there is always something to be thankful for. Whether this be a hole in the ground to use the restroom in or vegetables to eat for just a night, these were each moments to celebrate. I believe this was the most motivating theme of the memoir because it can be so easy to only look at the negative side of life. Channy Chhi Laux reminds us it's important to be appreciative of the small things in life.
Overall I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in history or mass genocides. This biggest shock I had upon finishing this novel was my initial ignorance of the Cambodian genocide as a whole. I wish that I was taught the tragedies and realities of Cambodian civilians during the gencide. I was displeased to read about the many rapes and later killings of the young women by Khmer Rouge soldiers. It is important to learn about history of all kinds, even if it does not pertain to our own. History can repeat itself, and it's up to society to prevent tragedies such as these from ever happening again. I was very honored to read the story of Channy Chhi Laux and I hope you all choose to read this as well.