Kampung Boy

Kampung Boy, By Lat

Before reading the book, but doing the research of Malaysia I had an idea that the book was going to be about a village boy, who was Muslim. Some discoveries that I have made after reading the book confirmed what I had already discovered. They have a strong faith and love towards their family. I also noticed that just like in many places children are taken care of, raised in their faith and through their daily lives are thought values. This family in particular was concerned with Mat being able to take “life” more seriously. Mat the main character, had to become more responsible about his education, because his parents wanted him to succeed in his education. One way that they succeeded was by showing him that it was not easy work but since he was the eldest child he would be the one to inherit the plantation that belonged to his father, but only if Mat passed the special examination. If passed they would continue their schooling in an exclusive boarding school, in a bigger town.

The only thing that was different and stood out to me was the religious events, other then that I felt very familiar in a way to Kampung Boy. I thought some of their traditions were very family oriented and showed lots of love and dedication to the child. Such as the when the father cradles his son for the first time, and whispers the “muezzin’s call” softly into his ears just like any good Muslim father would do to his newly born child. (p.4)

Education was a big deal for Mats family and they did not want to see him wasting his time with bad influences of the Meor brothers.  I feel like there is always a situation similar to this in many cultures/ places. Here in America it could be going to hangout with your friends and then not doing well academics or going to school. That’s why parents try to motivate their children with what they could have. Mats father took him to see his rubber plantation and showed him what could potentially be his if he worked for it. In the United States it can be a goal. Maybe not a rubber plantation would interest a young person, but since it is a different place and time, a cell phone or even a car can be that extra motivation a parent makes so that his child can continue with getting their education.

Before I knew anything about this place I did not think that the majority of people were Muslim. Simply because of Malaysia’s geographical location, but it was not after doing the research that I learned their history and why most are of Muslim faith. I did not think that education was a priority.  But I was wrong they are willing to sacrifice a lot to send their children abroad to continue their education. Mat came from a humble family willing to spend on their children’s education so that they can become successful. In a way I can compare it to going to a university here in America.