Thai Student Nazi Dress-Up Day Causes Outrage

[uptheos]

Do you think that they should pay reparations?

SC

They don't need to - hopefully most sensible parents will pull their fee paying kids out of that know nothing school and that will be reparation enough. Even Thai parents don't want to say that their child goes to 'that school, which knows nothing about history'.

Edited October 1, 2011 by uptheos

[animatic]

There was no swastika confusion in that parade,

The swastikas were at 45 degrees nazi angle not the regional 90 - 180 degrees.

There was no confusing the word nazism on a poster, or the nazi uniforms, parody characters on the poster and Hitler moustache on the girl.

It was clearly intended to be Nazi Germany, and no amount of distracting spin can turn that fact on it's head.

There was an obvious lack of any education about WWII involved, and lest we say this is Asia, the Nazi were partners with Japan in the Axis, and so not unknown to the world here. This is a cock-up on the kids and schools part, but also on the whole nation, because the culture should have told them to care enough to check what they were doing on such a grand scale.

And this is not some single twit complaining about Toga's, 2000 year past historical Romans and Christians, but a whole crew of kids marching in a public ceremony, parading symbols of one of the most horrendous examples of mans inhumanity to man, in modern times, with blithe disregard, or non-existant caring about what those symbols meant.

Do you think that they should pay reparations?

SC

My first instinct was to say don't be absurd.

But yes they should pay, but penance, not reparations.

They should learn what it all meant and then educate others here about it.

Make something positive out of the whole debacle.

Those who do not learn from the mistakes of history

are likely to repeat them, or allow them to be repeated through ignorance.

You do not have the be jewish or any persecuted group to be horrified, AND learn from this period of history.

http://en.wikipedia....r_II_casualties

World War II fatality statistics vary, estimates of total dead ranging from 50 million to over 70 million.^[1] The sources cited in this article document an estimated death toll in World War II of 62 to 78 million, making it the deadliest war in world history in absolute terms of total dead but not in terms of deaths relative to the world population.

http://www.ukemonde....st/victims.html

"

Table 1

Estimates of Non-Combatant Lives Lost During the Holocaust

Ukrainians 5.5 - 7 million

Jews (of all countries) 6 million +

Russian POWs 3.3 million +

Russian Civilians 2 million +

Poles 3 million +

Yugoslavians 1.5 million +

Gypsies 200,000 - 500,000

Mentally/Physically Disabled 70,000- 250,000

Homosexuals Tens of thousands

Spanish Republicans Tens of thousands

Jehovah's Witnesses 2,500 - 5,000

Boy and Girl Scouts, Clergy, Communists, Czechs, Deportees, Greeks, Political Prisoners, Other POWs, Resistance Fighters, Serbs, Socialists, Trade Unionists, Others Unknown

"

Ain't no spin that can make this seem minor and not worth studying.

And as the name implies the was

WORLD WAR, not simply a european war to be ignored by Asians at their choice. " World War II of 62 to 78 million, making it the deadliest war in world history in absolute terms of total dead"

Edited October 1, 2011 by animatic

[StreetCowboy]

There was no swastika confusion in that parade,

The swastikas were at 45 degrees nazi angle not the regional 90 - 180 degrees.

There was no confusing the word nazism on a poster, or the nazi uniforms and Hitler moustache.

It was clearly intended to be Nazi Germany and no spin can turn that fact on it's head.

There was an obvious lack of any education about WWII involved, and lest we say this is Asia, the Nazi were partners with Japan in the Axis, and so not unknown to the world here. This is a cock-up on the kids and schools part, but also on the whole nation, because the culture should have told them to care enough check what they were doing on such a grand scale.

And this is not some single twit complaining about Toga's, 200 years historical Romans and Christians, but a whole crew of kids marching in a public ceremony, parading symbols of one of the most horrendous examples of mans inhumanity to man, in modern times, with blithe disregard, or non-existant caring about what those symbols meant.

Do you think that they should pay reparations?

SC

LOL ... I almost spit out my drink.

Spat. A small altercation caused by expectorating drink over one's neighbour.

Sometimes it blows up out of all proportion when someone interprets offence when none was intended, and refuses to accept an apology or let the issue lie.

SC

My sincere apologies. Its like a hydra, isn't it? Sadly my education is sadly lacking and I don't know how to slay such a hydra. Perhaps I should have learned more about foreign history.

I can imagine that some Thais might be really offended by Westerners blaming Thais in general for apparent offence caused by a Christian school to Jews.

SC

Edited October 1, 2011 by StreetCowboy

[Nisa]

I tend to agree with the Israeli Embassy and believe there was no bad intent and this is a simply the result of the general Education Curriculum, in some parts of Asia, doesn't cover the war in Europe the same as in the West.

Absolutely - piss poor educational system and ignorance.

in this case ... at the hands of a farang institution

While I don't have any issue with somebody believing all the world should be taught European WWII history the same way as done in the west, I personally could care less but appreciate having the knowledge that things are not viewed, taught or the same in each country as it really helps to not jump to ignorant conclusions and remind me the world doesn't and shouldn't revolve around my beliefs or those of my country.

Edited October 1, 2011 by Nisa

[uptheos]

Spat. A small altercation caused by expectorating drink over one's neighbour.

Sometimes it blows up out of all proportion when someone interprets offence when none was intended, and refuses to accept an apology or let the issue lie.

SC

An apology doesn't mean the school is suddenly one of Yingcluck's hubs of excellence.

The nun can crawl on her knees to Doi Suthep as a way of apology for all I care, but Sacred Heart remains a know nothing school.

Edited October 1, 2011 by uptheos

[animatic]

If a countries beliefs are that the greatest war in history is not worth studying, then it says a lot, negatively, for the inward staring nature of the country as a whole. It is not an east vs. west, or stylistic argument, but a plain and simple exploration of right and wrong, that SHOULD transcend cultures and national boundaries and nationalist sentiments.

[Johnniey]

Thais make typical error of poor judgement due to lack of sensitivity, education, etc.

Thais rightly admonished for idiocy, insensitivity and crass behaviour.

Yet some foreigners continue to try to defend absolutely everything they do without question. It's like Stockholm Syndrome on steroids.

Every post I see from you is saying negative things against Thais, as if you are superior to them. Kinda ironic on a thread about nazis.

Why are you here?

[Nisa]

If a countries beliefs are that the greatest war in history is not worth studying, then it says a lot, negatively, for the inward staring nature of the country as a whole. It is not an east vs. west, or stylistic argument, but a plain and simple exploration of right and wrong, that SHOULD transcend cultures and national boundaries and nationalist sentiments.

Who said it is not worth studying? They simply cover the war differently as they are not part of Europe and didn't face the same atrocities the Europe did. Over 60 Million people died in the war but there is only one number (6-Million) drilled into our head in the west when it comes to deaths. It is all perspective. Not sure too many kids in the west are being taught about Thailand's involvement in the war. In fact, WWII is covered less in pre-college in the US than the civil and revolutionary war. Most education regarding the offense of Nazi symbols comes from outside the classroom. My first lesson (;lecture) actually came from a sports coach who confiscated a German Iron Cross medal that my friend took from his grandmother and we were playing with at practice ..... wonder how much the coach got for that medal.

I also suspect in Japan that they don't teach their students that it was Japan that forced America to drop two atomic bombs on their cities killing hundreds of thousands of civilians. I also suspect that the Iraqis will also not have the same spin on the "Shock & Awe" bombing of Baghdad once they get back to the point of having a fully working education system. I'm also sure that Vietnam (who claims 2 Million Vietnamese Civilian deaths) doesn't come close to teaching their students about the war there as is done in the US.

Not putting too much emphasis on atrocities committed in other parts of the world, that don't directly impact a country, is a trait of just about every country.

There is currently an American Nazi party and many groups whose beliefs are aligned with those of the German Nazis. They do marches, get Nazi tattoos, waive banners, have meetings, put up web sites, publish books and so on ... So, I do find it a bit ridiculous to see this kind of outrage directed towards Nazi Costumes being used in a way that was by no means promoting Nazism or to disrespect those groups who suffered at the hands of the Nazis.

Edited October 1, 2011 by Nisa

[Nisa]

Thais make typical error of poor judgement due to lack of sensitivity, education, etc.

Thais rightly admonished for idiocy, insensitivity and crass behaviour.

Yet some foreigners continue to try to defend absolutely everything they do without question. It's like Stockholm Syndrome on steroids.

Every post I see from you is saying negative things against Thais, as if you are superior to them. Kinda ironic on a thread about nazis.

Why are you here?

Very ironic isn't it. Pretend a few Thai kids and teachers were being intolerant of others in order to express intolerance of all Thais.

[kerryk]

Thais make typical error of poor judgement due to lack of sensitivity, education, etc.

Thais rightly admonished for idiocy, insensitivity and crass behaviour.

Yet some foreigners continue to try to defend absolutely everything they do without question. It's like Stockholm Syndrome on steroids.

Every post I see from you is saying negative things against Thais, as if you are superior to them. Kinda ironic on a thread about nazis.

Why are you here?

The thread is about Thai teachers allowing Thai students to dress up as Nazis for a sports day parade in Thailand.

[softgeorge]

@Nisa " Not sure too many kids in the west are being taught about Thailand's involvement in the war"

In Australia we were taught about Thailand's involvement in the war.

[Nisa]

@Nisa " Not sure too many kids in the west are being taught about Thailand's involvement in the war"

In Australia we were taught about Thailand's involvement in the war.

Since when is Australia considered part of the west? (kidding)

But your being taught this would go right along with my thoughts that people are taught differently in different parts of the world such as Australia being in the Asia-Pacific region.

Edit: We also didn't learn too much about Australia's involvement in the War in the US either.

Edited October 1, 2011 by Nisa

[kerryk]

If a countries beliefs are that the greatest war in history is not worth studying, then it says a lot, negatively, for the inward staring nature of the country as a whole. It is not an east vs. west, or stylistic argument, but a plain and simple exploration of right and wrong, that SHOULD transcend cultures and national boundaries and nationalist sentiments.

Who said it is not worth studying? They simply cover the war differently as they are not part of Europe and didn't face the same atrocities the Europe did. Over 60 Million people died in the war but there is only one number (6-Million) drilled into our head in the west when it comes to deaths. It is all perspective. Not sure too many kids in the west are being taught about Thailand's involvement in the war. In fact, WWII is covered less in pre-college in the US than the civil and revolutionary war. Most education regarding the offense of Nazi symbols comes from outside the classroom. My first lesson (;lecture) actually came from a sports coach who confiscated a German Iron Cross medal that my friend took from his grandmother and we were playing with at practice ..... wonder how much the coach got for that medal.

I also suspect in Japan that they don't teach their students that it was Japan that forced America to drop two atomic bombs on their cities killing hundreds of thousands of civilians. I also suspect that the Iraqis will also not have the same spin on the "Shock & Awe" bombing of Baghdad once they get back to the point of having a fully working education system. I'm also sure that Vietnam (who claims 2 Million Vietnamese Civilian deaths) doesn't come close to teaching their students about the war there as is done in the US.

Not putting too much emphasis on atrocities committed in other parts of the world, that don't directly impact a country, is a trait of just about every country.

There is currently an American Nazi party and many groups whose beliefs are aligned with those of the German Nazis. They do marches, get Nazi tattoos, waive banners, have meetings, put up web sites, publish books and so on ... So, I do find it a bit ridiculous to see this kind of outrage directed towards Nazi Costumes being used in a way that was by no means promoting Nazism or to disrespect those groups who suffered at the hands of the Nazis.

Perhaps you can point out the last time teachers in a Western school allowed their students to dress up like Nazis for a parade with guns and banners. Or for that matter a school anywhere in the world. Stick to the topic, Nazis in a school.

[Nisa]

If a countries beliefs are that the greatest war in history is not worth studying, then it says a lot, negatively, for the inward staring nature of the country as a whole. It is not an east vs. west, or stylistic argument, but a plain and simple exploration of right and wrong, that SHOULD transcend cultures and national boundaries and nationalist sentiments.

Who said it is not worth studying? They simply cover the war differently as they are not part of Europe and didn't face the same atrocities the Europe did. Over 60 Million people died in the war but there is only one number (6-Million) drilled into our head in the west when it comes to deaths. It is all perspective. Not sure too many kids in the west are being taught about Thailand's involvement in the war. In fact, WWII is covered less in pre-college in the US than the civil and revolutionary war. Most education regarding the offense of Nazi symbols comes from outside the classroom. My first lesson (;lecture) actually came from a sports coach who confiscated a German Iron Cross medal that my friend took from his grandmother and we were playing with at practice ..... wonder how much the coach got for that medal.

I also suspect in Japan that they don't teach their students that it was Japan that forced America to drop two atomic bombs on their cities killing hundreds of thousands of civilians. I also suspect that the Iraqis will also not have the same spin on the "Shock & Awe" bombing of Baghdad once they get back to the point of having a fully working education system. I'm also sure that Vietnam (who claims 2 Million Vietnamese Civilian deaths) doesn't come close to teaching their students about the war there as is done in the US.

Not putting too much emphasis on atrocities committed in other parts of the world, that don't directly impact a country, is a trait of just about every country.

There is currently an American Nazi party and many groups whose beliefs are aligned with those of the German Nazis. They do marches, get Nazi tattoos, waive banners, have meetings, put up web sites, publish books and so on ... So, I do find it a bit ridiculous to see this kind of outrage directed towards Nazi Costumes being used in a way that was by no means promoting Nazism or to disrespect those groups who suffered at the hands of the Nazis.

Perhaps you can point out the last time teachers in a Western school allowed their students to dress up like Nazis for a parade with guns and banners.

That would be completely contrary to the point being made that you appear to have completely missed.

[softgeorge]

@Nisa " Not sure too many kids in the west are being taught about Thailand's involvement in the war"

In Australia we were taught about Thailand's involvement in the war.

Since when is Australia considered part of the west? (kidding)

But your being taught this would go right along with my thoughts that people are taught differently in different parts of the world such as Australia being in the Asia-Pacific region.

Edit: We also didn't learn too much about Australia's involvement in the War in the US either.

They were in it from the beginning and fought across Europe and the Asia Pacific region the country was even attacked by japan. (Darwin/Sydney) Kananchaburi displays thier role in Thailand. Anyway getting off topic so I will leave it at that.

[Nisa]

@Nisa " Not sure too many kids in the west are being taught about Thailand's involvement in the war"

In Australia we were taught about Thailand's involvement in the war.

Since when is Australia considered part of the west? (kidding)

But your being taught this would go right along with my thoughts that people are taught differently in different parts of the world such as Australia being in the Asia-Pacific region.

Edit: We also didn't learn too much about Australia's involvement in the War in the US either.

They were in it from the beginning and fought across Europe and the Asia Pacific region the country was even attacked by japan. (Darwin/Sydney) Kananchaburi displays thier role in Thailand. Anyway getting off topic so I will leave it at that.

The movie Australia with Nicole Kidman helped educate us on this fact

[Oberkommando]

Thais make typical error of poor judgement due to lack of sensitivity, education, etc.

Thais rightly admonished for idiocy, insensitivity and crass behaviour.

Yet some foreigners continue to try to defend absolutely everything they do without question. It's like Stockholm Syndrome on steroids.

Every post I see from you is saying negative things against Thais, as if you are superior to them. Kinda ironic on a thread about nazis.

Why are you here?

Very ironic isn't it. Pretend a few Thai kids and teachers were being intolerant of others in order to express intolerance of all Thais.

I'm not pretending they were being intolerant.

In my post I said they were displaying idiocy, insensitivity and crass behaviour. Quite clearly they were.

So try again.

I do wish you'd at least try to debate instead of these continuing personal attacks though Nisa, they are becoming tiresome, and lessen your relevance as a decent poster.

[Oberkommando]

Who said it is not worth studying? They simply cover the war differently as they are not part of Europe and didn't face the same atrocities the Europe did. Over 60 Million people died in the war but there is only one number (6-Million) drilled into our head in the west when it comes to deaths.

Nonsense.

In the UK and Europe we are taught about more than just the holocaust.

The Thais prefer not to "just cover the war" as they were allied with the Axis powers and were on the losing side. Thai history books omit critical parts of their history in order to save face.

[kerryk]

If a countries beliefs are that the greatest war in history is not worth studying, then it says a lot, negatively, for the inward staring nature of the country as a whole. It is not an east vs. west, or stylistic argument, but a plain and simple exploration of right and wrong, that SHOULD transcend cultures and national boundaries and nationalist sentiments.

Who said it is not worth studying? They simply cover the war differently as they are not part of Europe and didn't face the same atrocities the Europe did. Over 60 Million people died in the war but there is only one number (6-Million) drilled into our head in the west when it comes to deaths. It is all perspective. Not sure too many kids in the west are being taught about Thailand's involvement in the war. In fact, WWII is covered less in pre-college in the US than the civil and revolutionary war. Most education regarding the offense of Nazi symbols comes from outside the classroom. My first lesson (;lecture) actually came from a sports coach who confiscated a German Iron Cross medal that my friend took from his grandmother and we were playing with at practice ..... wonder how much the coach got for that medal.

I also suspect in Japan that they don't teach their students that it was Japan that forced America to drop two atomic bombs on their cities killing hundreds of thousands of civilians. I also suspect that the Iraqis will also not have the same spin on the "Shock & Awe" bombing of Baghdad once they get back to the point of having a fully working education system. I'm also sure that Vietnam (who claims 2 Million Vietnamese Civilian deaths) doesn't come close to teaching their students about the war there as is done in the US.

Not putting too much emphasis on atrocities committed in other parts of the world, that don't directly impact a country, is a trait of just about every country.

There is currently an American Nazi party and many groups whose beliefs are aligned with those of the German Nazis. They do marches, get Nazi tattoos, waive banners, have meetings, put up web sites, publish books and so on ... So, I do find it a bit ridiculous to see this kind of outrage directed towards Nazi Costumes being used in a way that was by no means promoting Nazism or to disrespect those groups who suffered at the hands of the Nazis.

Perhaps you can point out the last time teachers in a Western school allowed their students to dress up like Nazis for a parade with guns and banners.

That would be completely contrary to the point being made that you appear to have completely missed.

I have come up with a letter that needs to be sent to all schools in Thailand. I think you missed the point.

From the Grand Poo Bah of the Thai education system,

Dear Educator,

Since Thailand is an export economy and deals with countries all over the world it has come to my attention it might be a good idea not to insult these countries.

It seems every other country in the world except Thailand knows Nazis were very bad people and thinks is not a good idea to dress up children like Nazis and have them parade around the school and take pictures.

Since the CM incident is the third Nazi incident recently some people are beginning to suggest the Thai education system is substandard or even pro Nazi.

I realize and I am sure you realize but some people outside Thailand do not realize the Thai way of thinking and education.

Somehow the rest of the world has managed to avoid dressing children up like Nazis and parading them around for photo ops. I don't know how they manage this because I am sure you know all our children run out to the store and buy Nazi paraphernalia at the drop of a hat. Of course this is OK but I would advise you to limit the school sponsorship of buying and/or making this Nazi paraphernalia in the future.

Yours,

GPB

[Nisa]

Thais make typical error of poor judgement due to lack of sensitivity, education, etc.

Thais rightly admonished for idiocy, insensitivity and crass behaviour.

Yet some foreigners continue to try to defend absolutely everything they do without question. It's like Stockholm Syndrome on steroids.

Every post I see from you is saying negative things against Thais, as if you are superior to them. Kinda ironic on a thread about nazis.

Why are you here?

Very ironic isn't it. Pretend a few Thai kids and teachers were being intolerant of others in order to express intolerance of all Thais.

I'm not pretending they were being intolerant.

In my post I said they were displaying idiocy, insensitivity and crass behaviour. Quite clearly they were.

So try again.

I do wish you'd at least try to debate instead of these continuing personal attacks though Nisa, they are becoming tiresome, and lessen your relevance as a decent poster.

Your comments on this thread ...

Why wouldn't they admire Hitler? They admire their own fascist dictator and Hitler's ally Phibun.

One thing the Nazis have in common with the Thais is their reinvention of history to propagate a nationalist sentiment among the populus.

Thais make typical error of poor judgement due to lack of sensitivity, education, etc.

Thais rightly admonished for idiocy, insensitivity and crass behaviour.

The Thais prefer not to "just cover the war" as they were allied with the Axis powers and were on the losing side. Thai history books omit critical parts of their history in order to save face.

in·tol·er·ant

 adjective1.not tolerating or respecting beliefs, opinions, usages,manners, etc., different from one's own, as in political orreligious matters; bigoted.2.unable or unwilling to tolerate or endure (usually followed byof ): intolerant of very hot weather.

Edited October 1, 2011 by Nisa

[WarpSpeed]

Actually I did watch this strange move in English about a past famous Portuguese or Spanish explorer that was instrumental in Thai history but can't remember much more even though I found it interesting enough to see it twice.

Won't go off on a lengthy off topic tangent but that would be Constantine Phaulkon (who later became Chao Phraya Wichayen -- Chao Phya was an extremely high rank in the Royal Court) . He was Greek.

I don't think so this guy was an explorer and diplomat and I'm certain he was either Spanish or Portuguese based on his dress.. I believe it was Duarte Fernandes around the time of King Rama II..

There is a bit of information on Duarte Fernandes in David Wyatt's book 'Thailand, A Short History'. This name appears in the index for one page only, page 88, where it has Mr. Fernandes as the first Portuguese envoy to Siam, arriving in Ayudhya in 1511. This is considerably before the time of Rama II, so I'm not sure he is the historical person you are looking for. Fernandes was well received in Siam and sent home with lavish presents for the king of Portugal.

Last post on this since it's off topic, it is Fernandes just got my Thai kings mixed up..

[WarpSpeed]

Every post I see from you is saying negative things against Thais, as if you are superior to them. Kinda ironic on a thread about nazis.

Why are you here?

Very ironic isn't it. Pretend a few Thai kids and teachers were being intolerant of others in order to express intolerance of all Thais.

I'm not pretending they were being intolerant.

In my post I said they were displaying idiocy, insensitivity and crass behaviour. Quite clearly they were.

So try again.

I do wish you'd at least try to debate instead of these continuing personal attacks though Nisa, they are becoming tiresome, and lessen your relevance as a decent poster.

Your comments on this thread ...

Why wouldn't they admire Hitler? They admire their own fascist dictator and Hitler's ally Phibun.

One thing the Nazis have in common with the Thais is their reinvention of history to propagate a nationalist sentiment among the populus.

Thais make typical error of poor judgement due to lack of sensitivity, education, etc.

Thais rightly admonished for idiocy, insensitivity and crass behaviour.

The Thais prefer not to "just cover the war" as they were allied with the Axis powers and were on the losing side. Thai history books omit critical parts of their history in order to save face.

in·tol·er·ant

 adjective1.not tolerating or respecting beliefs, opinions, usages,manners, etc., different from one's own, as in political orreligious matters; bigoted.2.unable or unwilling to tolerate or endure (usually followed byof ): intolerant of very hot weather.

I see nothing wrong with intolerance towards certain types of abhorrent behavior. Would you be tolerant of someone intentionally harming someone else and stand by to watch? I fear your answer .. Sometimes tolerance is used an excuse to stand by and do nothing..

Does this quote remind you of something?

"All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to stand by and do nothing."

Edmund Burke

Tolerance is what got us into this debate in the first place through the actions of a tyrant who was for a time tolerated in his actions to exterminate a race of human beings..

Edited October 1, 2011 by WarpSpeed

[rubin]

well said about Tolerance/Intolerance

[MaxYakov]

Thais make typical error of poor judgement due to lack of sensitivity, education, etc.

Thais rightly admonished for idiocy, insensitivity and crass behaviour.

Yet some foreigners continue to try to defend absolutely everything they do without question. It's like Stockholm Syndrome on steroids.

Every post I see from you is saying negative things against Thais, as if you are superior to them. Kinda ironic on a thread about nazis.

Why are you here?

Jah! Off to Stalag 17 with him! Speaking his mind on a forum of ThaiVisa ist verboten!

Funny a thread allegedly 'about nazis', as you identified it, is titled:

Thai Student Nazi Dress-Up Day Causes Outrage

One would get the idea it was about Thai Student Nazi*, Dress-Up Day and Outrage from the title, nein, Herr Johnniey?

* Don't get wrong, I don't think these students were Nazis nor did they think they were Nazis. I think it was like when a 5 year-child dresses up in her mommy's makeup, lingerie and high-heel shoes. Nor do I necessarily agree with the title's wording.

Edited October 1, 2011 by MaxYakov

[cmsally]

If a countries beliefs are that the greatest war in history is not worth studying, then it says a lot, negatively, for the inward staring nature of the country as a whole. It is not an east vs. west, or stylistic argument, but a plain and simple exploration of right and wrong, that SHOULD transcend cultures and national boundaries and nationalist sentiments.

Who said it is not worth studying? They simply cover the war differently as they are not part of Europe and didn't face the same atrocities the Europe did. Over 60 Million people died in the war but there is only one number (6-Million) drilled into our head in the west when it comes to deaths. It is all perspective. Not sure too many kids in the west are being taught about Thailand's involvement in the war. In fact, WWII is covered less in pre-college in the US than the civil and revolutionary war. Most education regarding the offense of Nazi symbols comes from outside the classroom. My first lesson (;lecture) actually came from a sports coach who confiscated a German Iron Cross medal that my friend took from his grandmother and we were playing with at practice ..... wonder how much the coach got for that medal.

I also suspect in Japan that they don't teach their students that it was Japan that forced America to drop two atomic bombs on their cities killing hundreds of thousands of civilians. I also suspect that the Iraqis will also not have the same spin on the "Shock & Awe" bombing of Baghdad once they get back to the point of having a fully working education system. I'm also sure that Vietnam (who claims 2 Million Vietnamese Civilian deaths) doesn't come close to teaching their students about the war there as is done in the US.

Not putting too much emphasis on atrocities committed in other parts of the world, that don't directly impact a country, is a trait of just about every country.

There is currently an American Nazi party and many groups whose beliefs are aligned with those of the German Nazis. They do marches, get Nazi tattoos, waive banners, have meetings, put up web sites, publish books and so on ... So, I do find it a bit ridiculous to see this kind of outrage directed towards Nazi Costumes being used in a way that was by no means promoting Nazism or to disrespect those groups who suffered at the hands of the Nazis.

Perhaps you can point out the last time teachers in a Western school allowed their students to dress up like Nazis for a parade with guns and banners.

That would be completely contrary to the point being made that you appear to have completely missed.

Which point is that? Is it the one that suggests that Thais are too ignorant or the one that suggests the educational system so piss poor that it produces people who want to be part of the international sphere but don't have the necessary means to behave within acceptable standards.

My suggestion being that yes, for the children that is the case but for the school administration to be acting this way is unacceptable. There are many Thais out there who could do the job better but obviously the promotion system within this church/school is not taking brains and common sense as the primary qualification. Ultimately the school administration and the wider one of the church that it falls under is responsible.

[cmsally]

@Nisa " Not sure too many kids in the west are being taught about Thailand's involvement in the war"

In Australia we were taught about Thailand's involvement in the war.

Since when is Australia considered part of the west? (kidding)

But your being taught this would go right along with my thoughts that people are taught differently in different parts of the world such as Australia being in the Asia-Pacific region.

Edit: We also didn't learn too much about Australia's involvement in the War in the US either.

They were in it from the beginning and fought across Europe and the Asia Pacific region the country was even attacked by japan. (Darwin/Sydney) Kananchaburi displays thier role in Thailand. Anyway getting off topic so I will leave it at that.

The movie Australia with Nicole Kidman helped educate us on this fact

For goodness sake stop being so asinine, not everybody has to learn their history from movies. Some of us actually read books and take an active interest. If you were educated in the UK you would know something of Australia's involvement and pretty much everyone has heard of the Kokoda Trail.

[MaxYakov]

well said about Tolerance/Intolerance

Second that.

[Jingthing]

Every post I see from you is saying negative things against Thais, as if you are superior to them. Kinda ironic on a thread about nazis.

Why are you here?

Foul on this comment.

The Nazi ideology was about predetermined RACIAL superiority of the so called "Aryan" race over all others, the Master Race. Also part of their poisonous ideology was that some other so called races were garbage races, more like rats than human beings. There is no connection whatsoever of Nazi racism to asserting the education system or intellectual culture of a particular country is flawed and needs improvement.

Edited October 1, 2011 by Jingthing

[TigerWan]

Since more of the caricatures on the 3 story tall banner have been discerned- John Lennon and Mr Bean among others . I think we can safely say the entire fiasco is a misunderstanding and the students only meant to satirize the cult of fame with, IMO undertones of lamenting the glorification of war.

Too many are so quick to jump on them for either being ignorant or insensitive.

[MaxYakov]

Since when is Australia considered part of the west? (kidding)

But your being taught this would go right along with my thoughts that people are taught differently in different parts of the world such as Australia being in the Asia-Pacific region.

Edit: We also didn't learn too much about Australia's involvement in the War in the US either.

They were in it from the beginning and fought across Europe and the Asia Pacific region the country was even attacked by japan. (Darwin/Sydney) Kananchaburi displays thier role in Thailand. Anyway getting off topic so I will leave it at that.

The movie Australia with Nicole Kidman helped educate us on this fact

For goodness sake stop being so asinine, not everybody has to learn their history from movies. Some of us actually read books and take an active interest. If you were educated in the UK you would know something of Australia's involvement and pretty much everyone has heard of the Kokoda Trail.

I think Nisa was being facetious. Although it's sometime hard to tell with him without the smiley face. The scary thing is that his statement could be taken either way these days.