It’s a cold morning here in America. As I sip on my warm coffee, I am feeling a sense of gratefulness. To be in a place where conversation about peace and justice is being encouraged and promoted because of movements like Black Lives Matter and leaders like Martin Luther King Jr.

Schools are closed. Banks are closed. Most workplaces are shuttered and closed. Everyone’s taking a day off to celebrate the important work of Martin Luther King Jr.

He was a great and honorable man and his speech of “ I had a dream” continues to inspire millions today in their efforts of ending social injustice and racism.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

Like many movements, the Khmer Krom people also have a dream. To be recognized as the Indigenous people of the Mekong, protected by the legal system and valued as equals. 

A video that surfaced over the weekend highlights the important work that needs to be done to address racism in Vietnam.

It was a short clip by Venerable Thich Phap Hoa during an event that apparently happened several years ago. 

“Unfortunately,  if I am out of work, I will go to Tra Vinh and marry a Mien/ Khmer girl. She is kind, no cost to marry. She is black but charming.” Claps. Laughter.

“Why Marry a Vietnamese woman, cost soap and make up”. More laughter. Loud applauds.

It was funny. Hilarious. To the Vietnamese community that was watching his speech.

For the Khmer Krom, it was humiliating. To be addressed as Mien and to be considered black and cheap. It was a song that devalued the worth of Khmer women. Here was a Vietnamese monk, popular and held with high regards, making a joke about the Khmer people. 

The video sparked outrage amongst  the Khmer community online. He later posted a video, apologizing for the older video, stating that it was a childhood song that he had heard. 

For some that apologize was enough. Done. Dusted.

But I think it’s important to recognize that this was an example of a hidden bias. Sometimes it manifests itself in a form of a song or a belief. 

Like the belief that the Khmer people are dumb and backward. That they have the inability to learn. 

And while an apology is an important first step, there needs to be greater awareness of these biases and beliefs. 

There needs to be greater condemnation from the religious community.

A commitment from the government to acknowledge and address these biases and social inequalities at local and national level. Identify the policies and systems that discriminates and hinders the growth of Khmer people. 

To protect not just the Vietnamese people but all that live under its umbrella and protection.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

Fortunately for the Khmer Krom people, there are several songs in the Khmer language that speak to the value and worth of a Khmer woman, that runs deeper than the color of her skin. 

“Beauty and character, nothing wrong, so fitting. Beautiful spoken and organized, make me love you. You are a Khmer woman, soft and capable in your work.  Your heart is pure, persistent in your efforts…”

“In work, family and nation, your heart is not closed, persisting always..” 

Entitled, “Khmer women” this song was composed and sung in Kampuchea-Krom. It is a love song that speaks with respect, of a deeper understanding and appreciation of our Khmer women, not just for the color of her skin but also of her heart, character and abilities. 

Perhaps it is time that the Vietnamese people change their tune and sing songs that speaks of tolerance, understanding and appreciation for not just the Khmer women but also for Khmer Krom in their pursuit of self determination and recognition as Indigenous Peoples of the Mekong Delta.

To learn more about the Khmers Kampuchea Krom Federation visit khmerkrom.org