“The personal significance of Tuol Sleng is that it’s connecting me to why I am in America and why I’m privileged to be here.”
“I feel it’s very important that all Khmer Americans understand the history behind Tuol Sleng and The Killing Fields, especially with this year being the 40th Anniversary. If Khmer Americans have the opportunity to come to Cambodia, Tuol Sleng is definitely an important place to visit. Without Killing Fields, without the Tuol Sleng, without genocide, without the Pol Pot renovation of this high school turned into a torture zone, it’s vital that Khmer Americans connect to this piece of history. Being able to see these portraits, shackles, and blood stains on the wall, will give a very deep rooted cultural connection as to why they are in America today.”
Sothary Chea, 24
Stockton, CA
Location: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum; Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Interview by Lauren Imbrock
