Historical Context
"Pa tries to make my brothers understand the history of politics in Cambodia. Led by Prince Sihanouk, Cambodia, then a French colony, became an independent nation in 1953. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Cambodia prospered and was self-sufficient. However, many people were not happy with Prince Sihanouk's government. Many regarded the Sihanouk government as corrupt and self-serving, where the poor got poorer and the rich became richer. Various nationalistic factions sprang up to demand reforms. One of the groups, a secret Communist faction-the Khmer Rouge-launched an armed struggle against the Cambodian government." (40)
This quote is a summary of the political lesson that Loung over heard her father given to her brothers shortly after they depart from Phnom Penh. It is an important historical moment because it provides the reader with the necessary information to understand how and why the Khmer Rouge was able to overthrow the Cambodian government. The book also explains that many of the people who sided with the Communist faction were poor farm workers who had never experienced the luxuries of city life. These farm workers would be rewarded for their loyalty to the Angkar, and thus would be allowed to remain in their homes during the genocide.
This quote is a summary of the political lesson that Loung over heard her father given to her brothers shortly after they depart from Phnom Penh. It is an important historical moment because it provides the reader with the necessary information to understand how and why the Khmer Rouge was able to overthrow the Cambodian government. The book also explains that many of the people who sided with the Communist faction were poor farm workers who had never experienced the luxuries of city life. These farm workers would be rewarded for their loyalty to the Angkar, and thus would be allowed to remain in their homes during the genocide.
"The soldiers are often heard saying women have their dute to perform for the Angkar. If they do not fulfill their duty, they are worthless and dispensable. They are good for nothing and might as well die so their food rations can go to those who contribute to rebuilding the country." (71)
This excerpt is written to explain the kidnapping, rape, and forced marriage of girls from the villages by the Khmer Rouge soldiers. During Pol Pot's reign, women who were deemed lazy or otherwise inadequate were executed. Along with the execution of women, people who were disabled, former Cambodian soldiers, and any who did not follow the strict rules of the Khmer Rouge were also taken away to be executed. These executions were performed on large stretches of land, known as killing fields. The picture to the shown was most likely taken shortly before the execution of this young woman and her baby.
This excerpt is written to explain the kidnapping, rape, and forced marriage of girls from the villages by the Khmer Rouge soldiers. During Pol Pot's reign, women who were deemed lazy or otherwise inadequate were executed. Along with the execution of women, people who were disabled, former Cambodian soldiers, and any who did not follow the strict rules of the Khmer Rouge were also taken away to be executed. These executions were performed on large stretches of land, known as killing fields. The picture to the shown was most likely taken shortly before the execution of this young woman and her baby.
"The Youns have invaded our country! They are taking over our towns! These monsters are raping Khmer women and killing Khmer men. They will kill you if they catch you. You must protect yourself in any way you can. Pol Pot is all-powerful and we can defeat the Youn!"(165)
This excerpt is a description of Met Bong's (the leader of the child training camp) words before the Vietnamese army liberates the section of Cambodia where Loung and her family are living in January 1979. Met Bong's speech demonstrates the type of language used to indoctrinate the children, thus turning them into soldiers. The indoctrinating takes such a large toll on Loung that the first time she encounters a Youn (a derogatory term for Vietnamese) she prepares herself for battle. It can be assumed that the children pictured her would have received training in a camp similar to the one that housed Loung.
This excerpt is a description of Met Bong's (the leader of the child training camp) words before the Vietnamese army liberates the section of Cambodia where Loung and her family are living in January 1979. Met Bong's speech demonstrates the type of language used to indoctrinate the children, thus turning them into soldiers. The indoctrinating takes such a large toll on Loung that the first time she encounters a Youn (a derogatory term for Vietnamese) she prepares herself for battle. It can be assumed that the children pictured her would have received training in a camp similar to the one that housed Loung.