What's Really Behind Those Happy Smiles?

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

What's really behind those happy smiles?

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The week-long Vegetarian Food Festival, which comes to an end today, should have shed some light on the plight of animals that are advertised as being "happy" to be consumed.

However, it is not just these poor creatures that are being misrepresented. The majority of humans are also represented, (and often misrepresented), by the few who control the media and official history.

These include the 2 million voiceless and poorly paid migrant workers from Burma and the transgender military conscripts, who until last month were branded as "having permanent mental disorder". Then there are the children and people on the fringes of society, the marginalised, the poor and the less-educated people who constitute the majority of the Thai populace.

These people are mostly "represented" by the powerful mainstream mass media or in official history textbooks produced by the more educated and powerful editors or historians who claim to have the best of intentions.

Migrant workers are both visible and yet invisible and voiceless. Bangkok residents see them everywhere on a daily basis. They work as their waiters, maids, gardeners, construction workers, toilet cleaners in posh department stores and as sex workers. Yet these people remain voiceless and invisible because they have no rights and those who benefit from them want to keep it that way. These migrant workers do not even have the right to gather to celebrate their cultural festivals.

In the news, they are represented as "caricatures" to fit a profile as reports such as "cruel maid kills and robs her elderly employer" etc hit the headlines. Yet, their daily struggle is often far too mundane for most mainstream media.

Then take for instance businesses like a major Sukiyaki restaurant chain, which requires its staff to dance, sing and look happy for customers, regardless of whether they feel like it or not.

Fortunately, members of the red-shirt movement - sick of the mainstream media "misrepresenting" them as being stupid and unable to make sound political decisions - decided to launch their own media outlets. The opposing yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy also set up their own satellite television station, ASTV, to ensure that their voice is heard.

Unlike the United States, Thailand still lacks its own people's version of history. Late historian Howard Zinn wrote the "People's History of the United States", an influential tome that represents America not as a beacon of liberty but a work in progress that is rife with the exploitation of the poor and foreigners as well as racism and hypocrisy.

In a similar vein, Chris Harman wrote "A People's History of the World" in 1999. In the introduction, the author said: "Since the times of the first Pharaohs [5,000 years ago] rulers have presented history as being a list of ‘achievements' by themselves and their forebears…"

Thailand is still stuck with one "official" version of history, even though Thai and foreign writers have tried to present different perspectives. However, the grand narrative still being "maintained" is losing its power due to the explosion of the Internet and alternative media.

Representation and misrepresentation is about power and control. It's also about unequal relationships. No matter how sympathetic, nobody can truly represent people who can speak for themselves.

It should be no mystery why not a single article written by a Burmese migrant worker about their life in Thailand is available in the mainstream media, because they are not even the "smiling, happy" animals being bred for our consumption.

-- The Nation 2011-10-05

[angiud]

How true, but also how difficult to change the status quo.

[RickBradford]

Sure, Thailand is a feudal society, but at its current state of development, that's where it needs to be.

According to research at Stanford University, 'stratified' societies are more robust than 'egalitarian' ones.

The survival of the ruling class - and the social structure that put them in place - meant that such societies could adapt more quickly. In the 'stratified' cultures, with a rigid class structures, shortages of food or money affected the poorer people more, while those at the top were less affected and social hierarchies remained intact.

By comparison, in societies which operate along more equal lines, deprivation is shared between the population. They bear the impact more widely and are thus less able to adapt, and slower to recover..

Thus, Thailand needs prosperity before it indulges in trendy notions like 'social justice'.

[siampolee]

By comparison, in societies which operate along more equal lines, deprivation is shared between the population. They bear the impact more widely and are thus less able to adapt, and slower to recover..

By comparison, in Thaksins planned society which operate along more unequal lines, deprivation is the prerogative of the lower orders of the population. They bear the impact and are thus unable to resist the rampant nepotism and corruption of the wannabe Thaksin dy-nasty

Edited October 5, 2011 by siampolee

[somchai jones]

Thus, Thailand needs prosperity before it indulges in trendy notions like 'social justice'.

The above comment highlights perfectly the smug attitutude of the so called intellegentsia. A convenient get out clause one might say.

Social justice should be a right for all not a 'trendy notion'.

[MaxYakov]

It should be no mystery why not a single article written by a Burmese migrant worker about their life in Thailand is available in the mainstream media, because they are not even the "smiling, happy" animals being bred for our consumption.

Is that a fact?

Edited October 5, 2011 by MaxYakov

[MaxYakov]

Sure, Thailand is a feudal society, but at its current state of development, that's where it needs to be.

According to research at Stanford University, 'stratified' societies are more robust than 'egalitarian' ones.

The survival of the ruling class - and the social structure that put them in place - meant that such societies could adapt more quickly. In the 'stratified' cultures, with a rigid class structures, shortages of food or money affected the poorer people more, while those at the top were less affected and social hierarchies remained intact.

By comparison, in societies which operate along more equal lines, deprivation is shared between the population. They bear the impact more widely and are thus less able to adapt, and slower to recover..

Thus, Thailand needs prosperity before it indulges in trendy notions like 'social justice'.

Define 'social justice'.

[bigbamboo]

Sure, Thailand is a feudal society, but at its current state of development, that's where it needs to be.

According to research at Stanford University, 'stratified' societies are more robust than 'egalitarian' ones.

The survival of the ruling class - and the social structure that put them in place - meant that such societies could adapt more quickly. In the 'stratified' cultures, with a rigid class structures, shortages of food or money affected the poorer people more, while those at the top were less affected and social hierarchies remained intact.

By comparison, in societies which operate along more equal lines, deprivation is shared between the population. They bear the impact more widely and are thus less able to adapt, and slower to recover..

Thus, Thailand needs prosperity before it indulges in trendy notions like 'social justice'.

'According to research at Stanford University'..........!

[RickBradford]

Thus, Thailand needs prosperity before it indulges in trendy notions like 'social justice'.

The above comment highlights perfectly the smug attitutude of the so called intellegentsia. A convenient get out clause one might say.

Social justice should be a right for all not a 'trendy notion'.

Define 'social justice'.

[Nisa]

Then take for instance businesses like a major Sukiyaki restaurant chain, which requires its staff to dance, sing and look happy for customers, regardless of whether they feel like it or not.

The horror!! Where is the international outrage?

[philhal2]

Sure, Thailand is a feudal society, but at its current state of development, that's where it needs to be.

According to research at Stanford University, 'stratified' societies are more robust than 'egalitarian' ones.

The survival of the ruling class - and the social structure that put them in place - meant that such societies could adapt more quickly. In the 'stratified' cultures, with a rigid class structures, shortages of food or money affected the poorer people more, while those at the top were less affected and social hierarchies remained intact.

By comparison, in societies which operate along more equal lines, deprivation is shared between the population. They bear the impact more widely and are thus less able to adapt, and slower to recover..

Thus, Thailand needs prosperity before it indulges in trendy notions like 'social justice'.

" Social justice creates prosperity , avoids wars , provides a reason for living and is not appreciated and understood by those who consider themselves superior . This superiority approach has had its ass kicked many times throughout history by , american revolution , french revolution , england's need to create a social and religious justice system to avoid revolution , and very recently all the middle eastern countries . There is more to come , lets hope you learn before it's to late !!

[inquisitive]

What a waste. Doubtless this editorial was meant to spur reflection and surely consumed much time in preparation, and yet it shows itself to be reflections of a teenaged mind when it literally begins with a premise that is so blatantly exagerrated. I've seen lots of advertisements but I've yet to see one besides Charley the Tuna that portrays an animal that "wants to be consumed". The animals may be shown as smiling or happy, but they're not carrying a sign that says "please kill me" as this writer implies. Maybe it's their birthday, or maybe they just won the chicken lottery. What makes this author so sure that they're smiling so that the butcher will choose them over the others? Let's face it, if this author's first paragraph shows he is willing to stretch the truth beyond all experience, then how can whatever follows be taken as thoughtful and balanced?

I don't say the writer is an idiot, I just say his article is apparantly aimed at people who believe everything they read without question or reason. It's kind of sad to think the TV editors felt it was appropriate to post on this forum. Kind of makes you wonder, doesn't it?

[inquisitive]

Then take for instance businesses like a major Sukiyaki restaurant chain, which requires its staff to dance, sing and look happy for customers, regardless of whether they feel like it or not

Some employers even force their employees to show up for work on days they'd rather be watching football! I know of one employer that is so inhuman that he uses money to coerce innocent people - some of then are not even illegal immigrants - to perforn acts that benefit his company and are boring for the worker. One of these abused employees agree to speak only under guarantee of anonymity. In a trembling voice he confessed that if it wasn't for the damned paycheck, he would not work at all. It was hunger and a need for a new 3G iPhone drove him to this point. This kind of abuse simply must be stopped!

Sheesh!

[serenitynow]

Sure, Thailand is a feudal society, but at its current state of development, that's where it needs to be.

According to research at Stanford University, 'stratified' societies are more robust than 'egalitarian' ones.

The survival of the ruling class - and the social structure that put them in place - meant that such societies could adapt more quickly. In the 'stratified' cultures, with a rigid class structures, shortages of food or money affected the poorer people more, while those at the top were less affected and social hierarchies remained intact.

By comparison, in societies which operate along more equal lines, deprivation is shared between the population. They bear the impact more widely and are thus less able to adapt, and slower to recover..

Thus, Thailand needs prosperity before it indulges in trendy notions like 'social justice'.

Let me guess, the author is speaking about how much easier it is for hierarchal societies to adapt in a "globalized" world? Well of course there are many authors that can forgive any injustice in the furtherance of globalization. Just read "The Economist" sometime.

Edited October 5, 2011 by serenitynow

[rakman]

Sure, Thailand is a feudal society, but at its current state of development, that's where it needs to be.

According to research at Stanford University, 'stratified' societies are more robust than 'egalitarian' ones.

The survival of the ruling class - and the social structure that put them in place - meant that such societies could adapt more quickly. In the 'stratified' cultures, with a rigid class structures, shortages of food or money affected the poorer people more, while those at the top were less affected and social hierarchies remained intact.

By comparison, in societies which operate along more equal lines, deprivation is shared between the population. They bear the impact more widely and are thus less able to adapt, and slower to recover..

Thus, Thailand needs prosperity before it indulges in trendy notions like 'social justice'.

" Social justice creates prosperity , avoids wars , provides a reason for living and is not appreciated and understood by those who consider themselves superior . This superiority approach has had its ass kicked many times throughout history by , american revolution , french revolution , england's need to create a social and religious justice system to avoid revolution , and very recently all the middle eastern countries . There is more to come , lets hope you learn before it's to late !!

Sounds like the drivel from someone who considers themself superior.

There is nothing like Social Justice. Its a fantasy proposed by those who wish to have power from those who won't ever have it. Its a smokescreen that hides the real power brokers behind the scenes who will take over and make life worse for those who survive.

If you want prosperity, go with capitalism with a dose of legal limits and a national philosophy of education and free human spirit.

[DiabloJoe]

Every country bordering Thailand respects Thailand. But most thai people I've met have nothing but horrible insults to describe there neighbors. They look up to wealthier countries like South Korea and Japan but discriminate against the impoverished nations of Asia. Its called being CLASSIST and its a world wide epidemic........I actually dont see much racism against blacks in Thailand and most individual cases I've seen thai's find friendship with blacks easier than with white tourists possibly because of similarity in skin tone and culture...

[tominbkk]

Then take for instance businesses like a major Sukiyaki restaurant chain, which requires its staff to dance, sing and look happy for customers, regardless of whether they feel like it or not.

The horror!! Where is the international outrage?

Sure, it's ridiculous, but when they are hired I am sure that they are told part of their job is to do some silly little entertainment once in an hour. Nobody is forcing them to take the job.

[RickBradford]

Sure, Thailand is a feudal society, but at its current state of development, that's where it needs to be.

According to research at Stanford University, 'stratified' societies are more robust than 'egalitarian' ones.

The survival of the ruling class - and the social structure that put them in place - meant that such societies could adapt more quickly. In the 'stratified' cultures, with a rigid class structures, shortages of food or money affected the poorer people more, while those at the top were less affected and social hierarchies remained intact.

By comparison, in societies which operate along more equal lines, deprivation is shared between the population. They bear the impact more widely and are thus less able to adapt, and slower to recover..

Thus, Thailand needs prosperity before it indulges in trendy notions like 'social justice'.

" Social justice creates prosperity , avoids wars , provides a reason for living and is not appreciated and understood by those who consider themselves superior . This superiority approach has had its ass kicked many times throughout history by , american revolution , french revolution , england's need to create a social and religious justice system to avoid revolution , and very recently all the middle eastern countries . There is more to come , lets hope you learn before it's to late !!

Sounds like the drivel from someone who considers themself superior.

There is nothing like Social Justice. Its a fantasy proposed by those who wish to have power from those who won't ever have it. Its a smokescreen that hides the real power brokers behind the scenes who will take over and make life worse for those who survive.

If you want prosperity, go with capitalism with a dose of legal limits and a national philosophy of education and free human spirit.

Social justice is much more than a fantasy.

It is the mantram of the person who makes it his or her business to force the 'little people'--clearly unfit to manage their own lives--to do what they know in their heart is 'best' for us. They go about their daily lives trying to control every little aspect of everyone else's life for their own good and supposedly that of society. They rail against the 'oppression' of the free market and capitalism and speak of 'empowerment' and 'power to the people' and other catch phrases of the warmed-over Marxism they perpetually spout.

They call it 'social justice'; but in the cold light of reality it always turns out to be the pursuit of power over others.

[Nisa]

Then take for instance businesses like a major Sukiyaki restaurant chain, which requires its staff to dance, sing and look happy for customers, regardless of whether they feel like it or not.

The horror!! Where is the international outrage?

Sure, it's ridiculous, but when they are hired I am sure that they are told part of their job is to do some silly little entertainment once in an hour. Nobody is forcing them to take the job.

I was joking. Didn't think I needed a "" for this one to be understood.

[rakman]

Social justice is much more than a fantasy.

It is the mantram of the person who makes it his or her business to force the 'little people'--clearly unfit to manage their own lives--to do what they know in their heart is 'best' for us. They go about their daily lives trying to control every little aspect of everyone else's life for their own good and supposedly that of society. They rail against the 'oppression' of the free market and capitalism and speak of 'empowerment' and 'power to the people' and other catch phrases of the warmed-over Marxism they perpetually spout.

They call it 'social justice'; but in the cold light of reality it always turns out to be the pursuit of power over others.

IMHO, you're correct. If a person wants 'social justice' then practice it on your own. Having government (which really has no morals) try to implement social justice is a lesson learned by so many who suffered, in many countries already. And every time it is tried, it fails miserably.

[NanLaew]

Then take for instance businesses like a major Sukiyaki restaurant chain, which requires its staff to dance, sing and look happy for customers, regardless of whether they feel like it or not.

The horror!! Where is the international outrage?

Was there anything more cringe worthy than the 5pm Carrefour employees song and dance routine? They all must have been praying to get a major sale at one minute to 5!

[hyperdimension]

Thailand is still stuck with one "official" version of history

Lese Majeste law prevents the truth from being published or disseminated in Thailand. Though there are some good books out there such as "The King Never Smiles" which is banned in Thailand but is available to download if you look around.

[losworld]

Sure, Thailand is a feudal society, but at its current state of development, that's where it needs to be.

According to research at Stanford University, 'stratified' societies are more robust than 'egalitarian' ones.

The survival of the ruling class - and the social structure that put them in place - meant that such societies could adapt more quickly. In the 'stratified' cultures, with a rigid class structures, shortages of food or money affected the poorer people more, while those at the top were less affected and social hierarchies remained intact.

By comparison, in societies which operate along more equal lines, deprivation is shared between the population. They bear the impact more widely and are thus less able to adapt, and slower to recover..

Thus, Thailand needs prosperity before it indulges in trendy notions like 'social justice'.

Research like this is nothing but garbage... is this a Wall Street funded project?

[Felt 35]

If you want prosperity, go with capitalism with a dose of legal limits and a national philosophy of education and free human spirit.

You mean follow the policies to the land of “plenty” where only 13% population live below the poverty line!