Dith Pran, 1942 - 2008

Dith Pran, Photojournalist and

Survivor of the Killing Fields,

Dies at 65

The film, "The Killing Fields" raised my awareness of Cambodia more than any other college history course did. On my own, I did read up on Dith Pran and the work he did to continue keeping Cambodia's bloody past in the public eye. I admired him greatly. However, I do agree with the commentator Michael in the New York Times web regarding how film usually portrays the characters in socially and politically charged events.

New York Times Comment 57. March 31st, 2008 12:44 pm

"Rarely does a film raise awareness without doing so either distorted by the influence of Hollywood or through a narrative based on the narrow perspective of White Americans. The Killing Fields raised awareness as much as any film I know, and did so largely from the perspective of Dith Pran - his strength inspired a generation of us and his life affirmed that one dedicated and humble man can be effective in the fight against inhumanity. Rarely in my lifetime have I seen greatness manifested in seemingly simple people. Dith Pran never seemed to capitalize on his fame nor embellish his story for gain, but stayed true to the teachings of his faith throughout his life even in the face of American fame and all that accompanies it.

[Note on films that raise awareness - We all know of Dith Pran because of the movie. A critical look at movies that raise awareness (measured by public reaction) shows that they very often rely on a White hero coming in to do for the victims (nearly always people of color) what they seemingly cannot do for themselves. See "Mississippi Burning", where the films hero is White and resolves the conflict, which is small town racism and larger issues of civil rights. I remember that public reaction was that it was a great film for raising awareness about the civil rights movement, yet all of the African Americans in the film relied upon Whites to act on their behalf or effectively address the violence, burnings, intimidation. They are relegated, in the film, to praying, suffering and staying non-violent - they are cast merely as victims, not heros. Now - apply this same critique to most any awareness-raising film involving people of color and you will find the same objectionable dynamic. The Killing Fields is guilty of this to some extent, (White Americans are cast as the ones who 'can get him out', but they fail). The main hero IS Dith Pran and he is effective, in many ways, in the massive struggle against inhumanity.]"