Behold Sorya; a dome shaped mall with five floors. Most of the floors of Sorya are booming with all the Western trends that Cambodians have made their own. Manicans with barrel-curled hair, are adorned in ruffly-button up shirts, v-neck sweaters,big jewelery, thick belts, tights, skinny jeans,e. The play boy bunny is never far from view, as it seems to be one of the most popular brands to wear. Both girls and boys wear playboy. It's most popular among teens and young adults, although I have seen a few children sporting the logo as well. A symbol, that has become an emblem in North American culture, representing sex, appears to be so innocent in Cambodia. The bunny head is stitched on very modest apparel such as sandals, track pants, polo shirts,etc.
     From talking to people, we have found out that the meaning behind the Playboy logo, is not common knowledge at all. To the Cambodians, it is just another brand name; the same as Gucci or American Eagle. Some Cambodians who may be keen on American culture and media would know what the symbol really means. But I believe, that most of the Cambodians have no idea that it means.
     Last week, when I was helping in the school, I was talking with one of the Cambodian teachers. I pointed to a preschool student and remarked about how funny he is.
"Yes!"she gushed,"He is a playboy!"
"A playboy?"I asked, making sure that I understood her.
"Yes!"she insisted,"a 'playboy'he likes to play!"
     And so, this is the meaning of playboy in Cambodia; 'one who likes to play'.
oh no..but at the same time..oh well. Since, she was trying to use English terms and speak in a way that would appeal to me as a North American, maybe next time I'll explain to her about 'playboy',so she will know the way that a foreigner would think of it. But for now, ignorance and innocence prevails over the connotations of America's well-known rabbit.

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