Corruption

The Hmong have settled in America for over three decades and continue to face challenges not only from outside forces, but within our own community as well. The Hmong lack the ability to unite as a people. Small in numbers, we have rebelled against the notorious behemoth, China, since the beginning of time. But, we were too weak; with weakness comes fear; with fear comes corruption. The last known Hmong King, Sonom, surrendered his people during the Qing Dynasty in exchange for the lives of him and his family. The Chinese emperor beheaded Sonom’s entire family and continued to stomp-out the shameful Hmong nation classified by their recreant king. Without leadership, the Hmong only knew selfish survival and thus generations have individually persevered. The Hmong continue to divide, budding additional challenges that justify our inability to unify. Corruption not only offsets the accomplishments prevalent within our community, but it spreads like a contagious virus. We search amongst our own for support, but our own thrive on our altruistic motives. We seek assistance from our leaders, but our leaders are involved in scandals that further divide our community. They siphon funds from the government that are originally intended to assist the Hmong community, yet instead are used for personal expenses, buying new company cars, or running “day-care programs.” Our frivolous youth continue to face cultural barriers and our irrational elders continue to seek understanding through feckless assistance from our community leaders. Educational workshops and non-profits–funded by our philanthropic government–flourish our community to teach our youth, to assist our traditional elders in understanding American values, and to lend a helping hand. Nonetheless, frowns continue to paint the pages of the Hmong Times, followed by erroneous vernacular by our professional writers. I send my blessing to those with genuine compassion, but I must attempt to expose the encroaching collaborators who thrive within our community and prevent successful assimilation. Can we effectively evolve as an ethnicity in light of the scandals that plague our community? Have the Hmong successfully assimilated into western society?

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Hoax UsPoke Us

How can a nation that has abolished slavery, successfully sent men to the moon and create nuclear explosives to destroy the world 10 times over - hire some of the dumbest people on the face of the planet? It drives me up the wall when a person is hired to perform a specific task/job and they do not possess the ability or skill to do so, but apparantly are hired anyhow (through God know`s what circumstances). Thus, triggering a set of events that effect those who come in contact w/ this stupidity. "Pay it Forward" literally. Eischen`s Management (the company leasing our apartment) employs people who I swear are related to NewYork Times former employee Jayson Blair. The nation is at it`s highest unemployment rate since the early 90`s recession, have we fired all the smart folks andkept the brown-nosers? Fawkers! Hire some competant people!

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Get With the Program

"We have a country here of people, both rich and poor, who think they`re entitled to everything good in life." Chang-Rae Lee (Native Speaker this is an awesome book, I’m not done with yet) Whoever told you that you’re special, forget it. Too often we believe that we are some prodigious being, that our lives significantly make the world go round and round ?an axiomatic truth corrupting under-achievers and providing detainable dreams and goals thosepathological liars feed on. We deserve something because...well our cheated lifestyles give us the right to piss and moan. Though my prudent old man delivered important messages and lessons, he had this adage he constantly bickered about every day. He constantly reminded us everytime we couldn’t accomplish an inane, moronic task he required we know,?..you’re lucky to be living in this land, I provide for you, you know english but you can’t even change the fricken oil in your own car?!? Thus, my dad’s berating brought forth my cynical-like attitude, yet beneficial perspective on life. If anything, my father taught me one lesson I’d never forget, “The world don’t owe you nothing. You think you’re special? You ain’t nothing, you got nothing, fend for yourself or lead an indigent lifestyle waiting by that blue box for your monthly check and walk back to that one-bedroom hole in the wall and drown in your own indolence. First class, think again. J-Crew, don’t spend your whole paycheck. Average grades and factory work forever, now you’re talking. ‘Cause that’s all that you got to look forward to unless you get your sh|t together, no one’s gonna hand you that six figures salary. The old trite saying goes, “Get with the program."

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Dear Mama

 

Dear mama,
I’m sorry the war directly touched the mountains of Laos, spinning your life into a nightmare you cannot escape from…but it was inevitable.
I’m sorry the world isn’t colorblind, so you would not have to face racial adversity.
I’m sorry you have to live life not fully understanding the world around you. Helping you understand “modern society” has compromised your cultural values and beliefs, the only possession that cannot be taken from you, something the world would never comprehend.
I’m sorry that I can’t show you the beauties of the world, to suppress your tired eyes which have witnessed enough hardships, and to make them shine like that of a child’s.
I apologize for the ignorant glares of pity that trail and haunt you everyday as you battle demons, assimilating into a culture whom have tried your patience from dusk till dawn.
I’m sorry that your patience must exceed those around you, trying to understand a culture that does not understand you.
I’m sorry for breathing, as we (your children) grow in this society and become those demons you must now face everyday—in your own home.
And I’m especially sorry, because this letter means nothing to you, if you are unable to read it.

-Bob

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