Introduction
Before 1975, Cambodians residing in the United States came from families with high incomes. Others frequented institutions owing to the acquisition of scholarships which were government-funded. However, Phnom Penh’s from Cambodian politics in 1975 paving the way for Khmer Rouge led migrations targeting the United States. As a result, an estimated 158000 Cambodians earned admission in America from 1975 to 1994 ( Chan, 2015) . Furthermore, 149000 individuals gained entry as refugees whereas immigrants totaled 6000. Parolees serving public as well as humanitarian interests accounted for an estimated 2500 individuals ( Chan, 2015) . The paper aims at evaluating various aspects relating to the Cambodian race including its history, statistics, the implications of privileges and oppression on the group. The research also endeavors to analyze the religious and cultural institutions affiliated with its people.
Section One
The US had no any resident of Cambodian origin until 1975. By 1990, there were about 150,000 Cambodians residing in the US due to the unfortunate events that had occurred back home, and in which America had an active role (Chan, 2015). Back in their ancestral land, Cambodians affiliate themselves with various Ethnic groups account for the overall population at different percentages. The race comprises of the Khmer and the Chams. It also comprises some individuals of Chinese as well as the Vietnamese descend.
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Section Two
In the Stone Age, Cambodians survived through hunting and gathering. In 2300 B.C, farming became part of the activities conducted by its natives for survival. The Mekong Delta provided the location where the initial Cambodian civilization settled in 150AD (Tyner, 2017) . The Chinese commonly referred to the individuals as the Fu-nan . Trading activities fostered the sophistication affiliated with the society. The Khmers accounted for the greatest percentage of the region's inhabitants. The death of Jayavarman V who earned recognition as the region's king in 1000 A.D led to the kingdom's engagement in unprecedented war. Moreover, the Chams invaded Cambodia in 1177 which ensued in efforts made by Jayavarman VII to drive them out of the region (Lambert, n.d.) . The 16th century fostered the duration where the power attributable to Cambodia indicated a decline. By the eighteenth century, Thailand and its counterpart Vietnam accounted for the nation's neighbors with massive power and an increased inclination to invade the region. Infiltration of Cambodia’s borders by the Vietnamese forced the kingdom’s king to seek protection from the Thais.
Economic development became feasible for Cambodia under the French jurisdiction. The 1920s culminated in the construction of roads as well as railways. In addition, that led to the development of the nation’s rubber industry. Even so, the growth of Cambodian nationalism led to the levying of hefty taxes on the nation's inhabitants in the 1930s (Brickell & Springer, 2016) . The Japanese occupied Cambodia in 1941. Initially, they offered French officials some allowance to retain the respective posts but their subsequent losses in the war culminated in efforts aimed at gaining the Cambodian’s favor. As a result, the Japanese subjected French officials to arrest and declared Cambodia as an independent state in 1945. Even so, the French regained power in the region after the Japanese issued their surrender. However, they offered some allowance for the region’s residents to maintain their political parties in addition to formulating a constitution. Through the treaty formulated in 1949, a semi-independent state became Cambodia’s new status.
Section Three
In 2001s, the census conducted in the US indicated that individuals with a Cambodian descent totaled an estimated 300000. They primarily favor settling in California (0.2%) as well as Massachusetts (0.4%). Rhode Island accounts for 0.5% of Cambodian settlers. In addition, some of the people prefer to reside in Minnesota. In comparison, 206,052 individuals were affiliated with the race in 2000 which indicates their continued inclination to select the United States for settling purposes. In 2015, estimates indicated that Cambodians experience poverty at a rate of 19.1%. However, individuals born in the US exhibited dire prospects as opposed to those born in foreign regions. Cambodians born in America experienced poverty at a rate of 20.8% whereas a margin of 17.8% accrued to immigrants. The population also depicts varying proficiency levels with regards to utilizing written as well as orally communicated English. According to the study conducted by pew research center , 59% of Cambodians indicated proficiency with different margins applying to the region where an individual's birth occurred ( Pewsocialtrends.org, 2017) . American-born Cambodians attract a rate of 91% and those categorized as foreign-born indicate language mastery at a margin of 39%. Furthermore, Cambodians fall victim to low education levels when juxtaposed to various ethnic groups residing in America. Estimates provide highlights which indicate that 53.4% of those affiliated with the group with an age above 25 years have limited access to high school education.
Section Four
Khmer Rouge became active in 1968 majorly operating as guerrillas. Pol Plot established the regime charged with overseeing the republic in 1975 (Lopez, 2016) . The leadership mandated loyalty commonly assassinating individuals who failed to align themselves with its prerequisites. Furthermore, numerous Cambodians sought asylum in various nations to escape the deplorable conditions evident back home. Hence, most individuals elected to seek refuge in the United States. Oppression propagated poverty among locals while development occurred at an extensively reduced pace. In America, Cambodians face deportation albeit efforts to gain refuge after escaping the impossible conditions which characterize the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Cambodians residing in America enjoy privileges such as participating in campaigns to facilitate the election of state representatives. For example, registered Khmers cast their votes at a rate of 62% in 2012 to facilitate the presidential elections (Men, 2016) . Cambodians also enjoy access to available institutions for learning purposes while enjoying the liberties which accrue to Americans.
Section Five
Cambodia’s Cultural Institutions
The Cambodian Cultural Museum is the main institution which offers some insight into the people’s culture. It features a museum which provides an appropriate location for exhibiting Cambodia’s heritage with an affiliation to its numerous ethnic groups. In 2004, the park's construction commenced. The Killing Fields Memorial also acts as a reminder of the culture practiced by Cambodians. It features tiny versions which depict historical buildings of significance and structures. Furthermore, the area facilitates efforts aimed at showcasing locally applicable customs. After surviving the genocide in Cambodia, Dara Duong facilitated the foundation of Seattle’s Museum.
Cambodia’s Religious Institutions
The locals residing in Cambodia indicates extensive tolerance to various religious institutions established in the region. For example, the Church of Christ our Peace provides a haven for Anglicans. Moreover, different establishments facilitate the provision of synagogue services for the Jews residing in the nation more specifically in its capital city, Phnom Penh (Movetocambodia.com, n.d.) . Furthermore, Mormons also gained recognition draw the allowance of offered to practice the prerequisites of their faith. The available institutions also enable locals to practice Theravada which adheres to Buddhist teachings. Other groups also ascribe to Mahayana Buddhism in addition to Daoism . Moreover, the Sunni also have designated areas which provide an allowance for their practice of different elements of worship.
Social Service Agencies
The Cambodian Association provides numerous social services owing to its agency located in North as well as South Philadelphia (Cagp.org, n.d.) . The agency helps residents in the application for subsequent benefits or even citizenship. It also provides assistance with regards to health related applications and other needs prevalent in various Cambodian communities. The association located in Greater Philadelphia enables families to overcome hurdles encountered daily while providing an appropriate environment for nurturing children. Other Agencies located in the region also deal with the protection of the rights accruing to minors coupled with the improvement of overall community well-being.
The Region’s Support Groups
The El Niño culminated in drought from 1973 to 1975. CARE offered medical assistance while implementing numerous initiatives aimed at availing education. As a result, 370000 refugees from Cambodia acquired in the necessary assistance to resettle back in their homes (Care.org, 2016).Currently, CARE provides short term assistants to Cambodia while engaging in crucial operations to offer the nation's residents some relief.
Caring for Cambodia engages in initiatives to improve the lives of minors. Currently, it deals with more than 6600 children providing them with the necessary know-how to eradicate poverty from the respective families. The group commenced operations in 2003 (Careforcambodia.org.kh, n.d.) . It mainly ensures that children acquire standardized education.
Health care
The Second Health Sector Support Program Project aimed at the implementation of the plan aimed at implementing the government's strategy from 2008 to 2015 in Cambodia (Worldbank.org, 2016) . The project's adoption in 2009 aimed at improving coverage while ensuring that the health services provided were of impeccable quality. As a result, the network attributable to operational health facilities bold indicates an expansion facilitating the supply of required medical equipment. The nation has also developed a department to ensure the protection of infants and mothers. It relies on the assistants offered by NGO’s as well as UNICEF. As a result, the targeted segment receives direct care in addition to education aimed at health improvement.
Conclusion
The different ethnic groups residing in Cambodia contribute to the nation’s overall appeal. The history attributable to Cambodia indicates numerous conquests and an adoption of new practices to sustain the region’s residents. However, oppression heralds poverty while impeding available opportunities for development.
References
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