Samouth wrote:At first, i wasn't confidence to answer this questions due to some reasons. Then, i reconsidered about it. You must really want some inputs from the locals, otherwise you wouldn't spend your time to write this thread. However, what i am about to write is not originally my idea. They are mostly what i heard from my fellow Cambodians, mostly some middle age people who slightly know about Western Culture.

Here are some points that Cambodians don't like about Western Culture

1. You guys are likely to have more partners in a life time.
2. You are too open.
3. You have separate bank account.
4. You don't look after your parents when they get old. Why not look after them instead of sending them to care home.
5. You spoil your kids.
6. You kiss and make love in public

That's the spirit Samouth. Don't hesitate to list your personal dislikes. As for not looking after our parents, the issue has been touched on already and somewhat accurately I feel. I would like to add two things. First the idea of taking care of your parents was in my country and in Cambodia a rural concept. First the creation of large cities and employment helped to destroy this value and now with globalization it will soon be almost obliterated.

Also I feel that most Western families raise their children to be independent. A lot of Americans look down on older children who still live at home. Both of my parents died while I was living in Cambodia. But I was unwilling to take money from our savings account to attend the funeral. Disrespect? Lack of gratitude? No, our savings is earmarked for my wife and the future of my children. Since I am retired the only income I have is Social Security so I think of my wife and kids first and my parents second. I know Cambodians cannot accept this, my wife was alternately heartbroken and angry that I refused to touch our savings.

I think you made the right choice, taabarang. A funeral isn't really for the dead person, so much as all the people they left behind. You can acknowledge and respect the deceased from anywhere in the world.

Thanks for that MM. I don't pay any attention to phuketrichard; he as a few axes to grind from previous posts. Besides I'm interested in what Cambodians think about our culture not what one self-righteous poster thinks of me.

FC's problem isn't what he puts too much out there, it's that he beats his wife. Totally different.

I don't think number 5 is true. Many Cambodians like the way western bring up their children and they also learn from them. I think most westerns understand very well about child's right. It's should be a good point and appreciate them

phuketrichard wrote:you and chicken should get together

Steady on, old chap, that's a bit harsh.

Samouth wrote:

Anchor Moy wrote:The lack of rice when eating with westerners ?

Pretty right. i told my friends that i can't live without rice. I have to eat rice three times per day. They all were laughing so badly.

I say this to my girlfriend and she gets a kick out of it and I guess it's pretty true haha, she asks me how much I miss her. And I tell her the same as if a Khmer person doesn't eat rice one day. Hehe