Dear Editor,

It doesn’t make much sense for the government to stop the Miss Landmine 2009 contest when they also enthusiastically promote the World Volleyball Cup for the Disabled, which the Kingdom again successfully hosted last December. Why is it offensive when the beauty and ability of Khmer women (who happen to be landmine victims) is showcased? Why is it OK for men who are amputees and mine victims to participate in an international sports tournament? If anything, it showcases deep-seated attitutes of gender, as well as the roles and perceptions of women in society today. The voluptuous Apsaras carved in Angkor would not have approved of such double standards!

Vic Salas

Phnom Penh

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