I don’t think it’s as simple as integration. We can’t integrate here—it’s impossible—any more than the Chinese can integrate with their restaurants overseas, or those much-maligned Muslims in Europe, or Palestinians in Israel. We’re white. Would you call Bill Heinecke integrated, or Tiger Woods? It’s not a matter of citizenship or how you used money, influence or fame to get it. We’ll always think in a different way. We look at things from a completely different perspective. We’re more curious, more interested, more involved. Of course, you should learn Thai!!! For your own pleasure in knowing what’s going on around you, for the fulfillment of being included. For knowing what bloody shop you’re looking for! You’re not doing this for the Thais, you’re doing it for yourself! Drink it up, ramwong with toothless crones, go to temple festivals. If you open your mind and eyes, you’ll discover you’re having fun. I am fairly immersed in Thai academic culture and know fewer than a handful of foreigners. But that’s my choice. I would not expect to change Thai society to match any of our home countries. They’re cesspools. Admit it, that’s why we’re here (oh, and the sex!). However, it is my human duty to make anywhere I live better…for everyone. Fighting censorship for more than a decade was risky. Teaching nonviolent action had to be done in relative secret. Supporting 112 prisoners, many of whom were my students, was a fine line. But I chose my issues and…maybe..I convinced one or two.
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