Snap Judgment Podcast Summary
Episode: The Cloak of Good Fortune - Snap Classic
Host/Author: Snap Judgment and PRX
Release Date: December 12, 2024
Introduction
In the evocative episode "The Cloak of Good Fortune," Snap Judgment delves into the harrowing and inspiring journey of Su, a young Cambodian boy navigating the tumultuous times of the Khmer Rouge regime. Through Su's firsthand experiences, the podcast paints a vivid picture of survival, resilience, and the quest for normalcy amidst conflict and oppression.
Early Life in Kampung Spu and Phnom Penh
Su reminisces about his idyllic childhood in Kampung Spu, a serene Cambodian village where he spent his days laughing, swimming, and connecting with nature:
"Where I grew up in Kampung Spu at that time, me and my brother was running, laughing, swimming, and catching fish and shrimps at the river and dugging clams at the hot sands. And we have so much fun. I just miss that so much."
— Su [06:26]
Despite the tranquility, Su's life changed when his well-educated parents decided to move the family to Phnom Penh, the capital, to provide better opportunities. In Phnom Penh, Su's education was rigorous, involving private tutors and multiple languages:
"Sue's parents were well educated. They spoke multiple languages and wanted even more for their four kids. So they moved the family to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. There, Su had private tutors learning French, Chinese and Cambodian. He even went to three different schools."
— Narrator [07:08]
The Onset of War and Initial Bombing
The semblance of normalcy was shattered when conflict seeped into Phnom Penh. Su recounts the sudden bombing near the famous Kim Hong theater, an event that marked the beginning of direct war exposure in the city:
"As soon as we passed by the Kim Hong theater, suddenly it was like, boom, boom, like that, and chubli. And I was like, oh my God, what's going on here."
— Su [12:25]
The ensuing chaos forced Su and his family to seek safety at home, halting his education and plunging the family into constant fear:
"The war has been raging for the past many years. But then this time, as I'm running home, I realized that the war is now here in the city."
— Narrator [13:00]
Experiences Under Khmer Rouge Rule
The family's life under Khmer Rouge rule was fraught with hardship. Su describes the oppressive measures, forced labor, and the constant threat of violence:
"The Khmer Rouge had a plan to erase all the trappings of the society—the culture, the music and especially any outside influence. They were going to make the country start again at year zero."
— Narrator [22:11]
Daily life became a struggle for survival. Su and his brother Chen worked tirelessly from dawn until dusk, with minimal breaks and under constant surveillance. Reeducation meetings were a source of terror, where families were coerced into denouncing each other:
"Su and his older brother Chen would work all day from sunup to sundown with two breaks for rice gruel. And every night they went to their forced reeducation meeting where they'd be coerced into snitching on their family and their neighbors."
— Narrator [27:26]
A poignant moment occurs when Su witnesses the brutal punishment of Uncle Chuan, who stole rice to feed the starving family:
"Uncle Chuan had stolen the rice because they weren't actually allowed to eat the food they grew that was being shipped off to soldiers on the front lines. Sue's family was desperate."
— Narrator [28:00]
Moral Dilemmas and Acts of Kindness
Amidst the brutality, Su grapples with personal moral conflicts. An incident with a piglet encapsulates his internal struggle between survival and compassion:
"I know that, oh my God, I'm going to have a big meal because I was so starving. And so I chased this little piglet... I felt like I was a hero. But right after the dinner, I felt pain, you know, scratch in my body that was very painful... I have learned during the Khmer Rouge that no matter how hard we try to be a good person, the value of our life can be turned upside down in no time."
— Su [24:56]
This moment underscores the loss of innocence and the moral compromises forced upon individuals in extreme circumstances.
Escape and the Pursuit of Freedom
As the situation worsens, Su's family decides to flee Phnom Penh. Guided by Su's father's childhood friend, Uncle Ban, they embark on a perilous journey towards the Vietnamese border:
"We have to reach the Diamond Village on time. There was a group of Vietnamese villagers on their way to Vietnam. That was our last chance to survive."
— Su [39:28]
Their escape is fraught with dangers, including landmines and relentless pursuit by Khmer Rouge soldiers. Su describes the tense moments crossing treacherous terrains and narrowly evading capture:
"We kept running and running. The bomb explosion died down. We saw the Vietnamese flag hanging in the border. We were so fearful that they are going to get us but finally we just put our feet into the land of Vietnam."
— Narrator [45:56]
Upon reaching Vietnam, the family experiences a mix of relief and sorrow. While they've escaped immediate danger, the loss of their homeland and memories weighs heavily on them:
"We were so relieved... but at the same time she turned around and smiled at the same time she burst in tears and looked back to the land of Cambodia, our country, our beloved country and she waved her hand and said goodbye to Cambodia."
— Su [47:58]
Conclusion and Insights
The Cloak of Good Fortune is not just a tale of survival but also a reflection on the enduring human spirit. Su's story highlights the complexities of identity, family bonds, and the quest for peace amidst chaos. The narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime and the resilience required to overcome such devastation.
Notable Quotes
-
"I have a feeling like wherever I go, I'm not starving at all. I'm not afraid of getting harmed because I feel like I was born protected."
— Su [12:09] -
"I have learned during the Khmer Rouge that no matter how hard we try to be a good person, the value of our life can be turned upside down in no time."
— Su [24:56] -
"We were so relieved... but at the same time she turned around and smiled at the same time she burst in tears and looked back to the land of Cambodia."
— Su [47:58]
Final Thoughts
This episode of Snap Judgment masterfully intertwines personal narrative with historical context, offering listeners an immersive experience into the life of those who lived through one of Cambodia's darkest periods. Su's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the profound impact of familial bonds in the face of unimaginable adversity.
For those seeking to delve deeper into Su's experiences, the podcast recommends reading his book, A Cloak of Good Fortune, available through the Snap Judgment website.