posted by Mark Hyman

Those eyes. Those eyes... At Tuol Sleng, before the Khmer Rouge incarcerated, interrrogated, tortured and killed their victims, they took a photograph of them. Each was given a number, then brought to their cells. Their victims were then given one of two accomodations.

Option one: a common room in which each inmate was chained to the wall with a number above them. The entire room - formerly a classroom - would be filled with such unfortunates, just waiting...

Option two: another classroom in which tiny cells - 6"X 4"- were constructed with brick walls, accomodating roughly 25 inmates. Again, they were chained to their cells. The lucky ones had cells next to a window, permitting a view outside where birds could be seen freely living their lives.

With your understanding, I will refrain from describing the rest of what went on there. Here words run dry.

...Those eyes. Tuol Sleng, formerly a school, then a chamber of horrors, is now a museum, a living testament to our capacity for inhumanity. In one floor of the museum, there are photographs of each of the victims. These photos alone reveal the terror. The look. Those eyes. Many were children. All were human - at least prior to entry. Once inside, this photograph was their introduction to dehumanization.

My only response: to renew and reenergize my commitment to be the type of person and teacher that seeks to promote good will among persons, a global perspective and the notion that there is value in every human life.

...I believe those eyes will be watching...