What is Politically Correct

[muchogra]

What's a "new Thai" ?

I think a "new Thai" is one who has learned the Western cultures but remains in his/her mind this Thainess! Go figure!

[muchogra]

I went to a Thai cooking class 'tour' with my daughter who's visiting us from the States. The cooking instructor mentioned the word 'falang' in several occasions. Nobody thought of it as derogatory, and we all enjoyed the lesson. There really is no need to be so sensitive when many other things that are eating into your cultures!

[Maestro]

Removed a nonsensical post.

[Kitsune]

What's a "new Thai" ?

I think a "new Thai" is one who has learned the Western cultures but remains in his/her mind this Thainess! Go figure!

Sorry got me laughing.

When are they going to figure out the "New Farang" ?

[muchogra]

What's a "new Thai" ?

I think a "new Thai" is one who has learned the Western cultures but remains in his/her mind this Thainess! Go figure!

Sorry got me laughing.

When are they going to figure out the "New Farang" ?

A New Farang is one who thinks he/she knows the Thai and the other Asian cultures very well. But, when challenged, they subconciously fall back to the belief that their cultures are the best in the world, even though they have left their own countries because of discontent on many things.

When people in this part of the world, or someone who has had lived in this part of the world for a long time, challenged something on a moral ground, something which is accepted in the West, but not here, they are branded as troublemakers and rule breakers by some of these New Falang police! And when I'm told to go home if I don't like it, I wonder if it should be the other way round. I know I am not in America now.

[muchogra]

When I read what John Kerry said about democracy today, the word "democrazy" sprung up in my mind. I feel someone may be talking about a virus that's spreading in the West and propagating into other places in the world! Yeah, that's progress?

[CryWolf]

It's funny how people are offended by the word farang, yet they refer themselves as westerners

Sent from my HTC One using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[zeichen]

"farang, yet they refer themselves as westerners"

Actually if Thai's use the formal word for westerner, no I wouldn't mind. It isn't about generalizing to me. I have no problem if they were saying that western countries ... asian countries... The problem I have is when I get on a red truck and the guy asks where are you going khun to all the others and looks straight at me and says falang.

I prefer people treating me as a human before nationality/ethnicity.

[MAJIC]

Only the very insecure mind being called a farang. If you called me a new Thai I won't know who you talking to. Since when is a tourist a new Thai whatever (does an American call a tourist a new American). If you stay in a country for 50 years on a tourist visa and don't become a citizen you are still a tourist. If you stay and work in a foreign country you are an expat (worker), but how the heck will a Thai know if you are an tourist or an expat. If you see a 51 year old ugly bastard that can speak a little Thai with bloody good looking wife please call me a farang, because until I get Thai citizenship I am one.

If a Thai immigrant in your Country insists they are not a Farang in your Country (and they do),then you know its a derogatory statement,and not a term of endearment as the wooly minded would have us believe!

If you dont believe me? try suggesting to a Thai Immigrant in your Country the roles have now reversed,and they are now the "Farang" which is technically correct,as per politically correctness! and step back and watch out for the indignant fireworks!

As for "new Thai" a ridiculous statement,dreamed up by the even more simple minded,Politically Correct,Brigade!

Edited February 28, 2014 by MAJIC

[wym]

OMG I can't believe, I thought everyone'd got the memo by now.

Farang means "white person", of European descent, what we call Caucasian - and in NO language is such a label disparaging.

It is IMPOSSIBLE for an asian or black to EVER be a farang no matter what country they may reside.

And if you perceive Thais using the word in a negative way, it means you are surrounded by Thais that don't care for us, so I suggest you move to a more pleasant location. But the word itself is linguistically neutral, end of story.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697759-what-does-being-called-a-farang-mean-to-you-good-or-bad/?p=7314848

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697759-what-does-being-called-a-farang-mean-to-you-good-or-bad/?p=7315171

Edited February 28, 2014 by wym

[mimithewoof]

Having lived here for some years, I'm aware that 'farang' can be used with a negative connotation - although, to the best of my knowledge, this hasn't happened to me and wouldn't bother me if it did.

.If I were to call a coloured person in my home country a 'nigger' I could be arrested and charged, as that word also has a strong negative implication. These days, I believe, it's best to avoid any word which just might imply a lack of respect for another's racial origin or colour.

The dictionary definition of 'expatriate' is 'a person who lives abroad permanently for financial or other reasons, including working' , therefore 'expat' would seem to be the correct, non-offensive term for the majority of foreigners living in Thailand.

The world's a global village now, and any form of racism, even the careless use of one word, isn't a good idea. Sparks can turn into flames in half a second.

Having said all that, my most hated word referring to the expat community here is 'guest', used frequently in TV forums by those whose perceptions are slightly skewed! Call me a farang if you wish, but a guest I'm not.

[Datebayo]

''Farang'' is just how Thai's call caucasian foreigners. ALL Thais, regardless of class use this term.

There ain't nothing politically correct or incorrect about it. This is Thailand, not the ''West'' Thais, and most foreigners don't give a hoop about political correctness here. Get over it, just like you get over it every month..

[Berkshire]

What a classic troll thread. The OP, masquerading as a Thai woman but actually a disgruntled farang man, makes up some nonsense and everyone bites. But he never returned once to defend his position because he knew he would be caught out. Nevermind Amazing Thailand, how about Amazing TV.

[mimithewoof]

''Farang'' is just how Thai's call caucasian foreigners. ALL Thais, regardless of class use this term.

There ain't nothing politically correct or incorrect about it. This is Thailand, not the ''West'' Thais, and most foreigners don't give a hoop about political correctness here. Get over it, just like you get over it every month..

Just when I think comments on this forum can't get any lower....personally, I haven't had to 'get over it every month' for ages... Guess the majority of w******rs here believe sexist comment are actually scoring points... WRONG, they're just showing ignorance.

[Datebayo]

''Farang'' is just how Thai's call caucasian foreigners. ALL Thais, regardless of class use this term.

There ain't nothing politically correct or incorrect about it. This is Thailand, not the ''West'' Thais, and most foreigners don't give a hoop about political correctness here. Get over it, just like you get over it every month..

Just when I think comments on this forum can't get any lower....personally, I haven't had to 'get over it every month' for ages... Guess the majority of w******rs here believe sexist comment are actually scoring points... WRONG, they're just showing ignorance.

Oh I'm sorry you felt offended. But then again I could give a rats arse. Being sexist is not a crime. Making sexist jokes/comments is funny to see the reactions of feminists. Please don't be offended again, I'm not hating you darling, just saying that the word ''sexism'' is make up by the feminist movement and since then developed to be a socially accepted weapon to torment men, I could go on but I don't wanne offend your intelligence.

[wym]

Having lived here for some years, I'm aware that 'farang' can be used with a negative connotation - although, to the best of my knowledge, this hasn't happened to me and wouldn't bother me if it did.

.If I were to call a coloured person in my home country a 'nigger' I could be arrested and charged, as that word also has a strong negative implication. These days, I believe, it's best to avoid any word which just might imply a lack of respect for another's racial origin or colour.

The dictionary definition of 'expatriate' is 'a person who lives abroad permanently for financial or other reasons, including working' , therefore 'expat' would seem to be the correct, non-offensive term for the majority of foreigners living in Thailand.

The world's a global village now, and any form of racism, even the careless use of one word, isn't a good idea. Sparks can turn into flames in half a second.

Having said all that, my most hated word referring to the expat community here is 'guest', used frequently in TV forums by those whose perceptions are slightly skewed! Call me a farang if you wish, but a guest I'm not.

Absolutely wrong.

There isn't anything morally wrong with offending people, and making it illegal is the height of ridiculous Orwellian "thought police" fascist interference with individual rights.

In fact it's not even POSSIBLE to give offense, the fault lies with those who choose to take offense.

And what makes you a guest here is - unless you've got your citizenship, or (less secure) your "permanent" residency - the Thais can kick you out anytime they like. And you're not welcome to try to impose your parochial views on how they choose to structure their own laws and society.

The whole process of "globalization" from a cultural POV is just as much a disaster as the economic and environmental one, the day every place tries to live by the same fascist rules the world really won't be worth living in.

True racism - where people are denied work opportunities, decent housing, political rights etc on that basis is of course a serious problem. Don't belittle it by pretending the ordinary use of normal language is just as bad, that's like saying all sex workers are exploited victims of trafficking. . .

[mimithewoof]

Having lived here for some years, I'm aware that 'farang' can be used with a negative connotation - although, to the best of my knowledge, this hasn't happened to me and wouldn't bother me if it did.

.If I were to call a coloured person in my home country a 'nigger' I could be arrested and charged, as that word also has a strong negative implication. These days, I believe, it's best to avoid any word which just might imply a lack of respect for another's racial origin or colour.

The dictionary definition of 'expatriate' is 'a person who lives abroad permanently for financial or other reasons, including working' , therefore 'expat' would seem to be the correct, non-offensive term for the majority of foreigners living in Thailand.

The world's a global village now, and any form of racism, even the careless use of one word, isn't a good idea. Sparks can turn into flames in half a second.

Having said all that, my most hated word referring to the expat community here is 'guest', used frequently in TV forums by those whose perceptions are slightly skewed! Call me a farang if you wish, but a guest I'm not.

Absolutely wrong.

There isn't anything morally wrong with offending people, and making it illegal is the height of ridiculous Orwellian "thought police" fascist interference with individual rights.

In fact it's not even POSSIBLE to give offense, the fault lies with those who choose to take offense.

And what makes you a guest here is - unless you've got your citizenship, or (less secure) your "permanent" residency - the Thais can kick you out anytime they like. And you're not welcome to try to impose your parochial views on how they choose to structure their own laws and society.

The whole process of "globalization" from a cultural POV is just as much a disaster as the economic and environmental one, the day every place tries to live by the same fascist rules the world really won't be worth living in.

True racism - where people are denied work opportunities, decent housing, political rights etc on that basis is of course a serious problem. Don't belittle it by pretending the ordinary use of normal language is just as bad, that's like saying all sex workers are exploited victims of trafficking. . .

All big things have little beginnings - I'm so sorry that you think it's not morally wrong to cause offence. The ultimate offence, of course, is violence and murder , whether in the home or on the streets.

Where I come from, sexism and racialism is considered either just wrong, or actually illegal, dependent on the degree of what was said. I'm aware that, on this forum, almost anything can be said, and often is, with many replying in kind. Fine by me - we are all what we've become over the years - the sum of our experiences. .

That's the first time in my life I've been called parochial - usually it's just the opposite - what fun!

By the way, I note that retirees here are denied the opportunity to work - I know many who could be of real use - is that what you meant by 'true racism'?

Sorry, can't comment on your point about sex workers - although better-informed people than am I believe with good cause that many millions of women across the world have been trafficked into that industry.

[mjj]

If someone calls me farang, I have no problem. If someone started calling me New Thai, I will have a problem.

I enjoy living here, but have no interest in being Thai, New Thai, Old Thai, White Thai or any other form of Thai.

[wym]

Absolutely wrong.

There isn't anything morally wrong with offending people, and making it illegal is the height of ridiculous Orwellian "thought police" fascist interference with individual rights.

In fact it's not even POSSIBLE to give offense, the fault lies with those who choose to take offense.

And what makes you a guest here is - unless you've got your citizenship, or (less secure) your "permanent" residency - the Thais can kick you out anytime they like. And you're not welcome to try to impose your parochial views on how they choose to structure their own laws and society.

The whole process of "globalization" from a cultural POV is just as much a disaster as the economic and environmental one, the day every place tries to live by the same fascist rules the world really won't be worth living in.

True racism - where people are denied work opportunities, decent housing, political rights etc on that basis is of course a serious problem. Don't belittle it by pretending the ordinary use of normal language is just as bad, that's like saying all sex workers are exploited victims of trafficking. . .

All big things have little beginnings - I'm so sorry that you think it's not morally wrong to cause offence. The ultimate offence, of course, is violence and murder , whether in the home or on the streets.

No connection there that I can see, you might as well say that feeling and expressing any negative emotion is a "gateway drug" to violence and murder.

Where I come from, sexism and racialism is considered either just wrong, or actually illegal, dependent on the degree of what was said. I'm aware that, on this forum, almost anything can be said, and often is, with many replying in kind. Fine by me - we are all what we've become over the years - the sum of our experiences. .

From a moral POV, active intent to hurt someone is of course wrong. But believing that some other arbitrary group is inherently of less value or has bad characteristics is ignorant, and ignorant people often say things that may "cause" others to feel bad. Best course is to simply ignore them, getting aggro or trying to force them to think all PC is just escalating conflict in the world.

I know perfectly well these things are considered "wrong" and in extreme cases may even be illegal, but that's over there back home, not here, and who are we to say the back-home way is better? Let's not impose our views on local culture - hence the "parochial" comment - let them decide for themselves what's right and wrong.

[wym]

By the way, I note that retirees here are denied the opportunity to work - I know many who could be of real use - is that what you meant by 'true racism'?

Nothing to do with race but nationality, protectionism, xenophobia. We are just guests after all, granted the privilege of temporarily visiting, that being subject to being withdrawn anytime they like.

I happen to believe idealistically that everyone should be free to migrate and work wherever they like, am opposed to the whole concept of nationhood myself, but of course the consequences of such freedom would be a very quick leveling of all places to the lowest common denominator, everybody would be third-world.

Sorry, can't comment on your point about sex workers - although better-informed people than am I believe with good cause that many millions of women across the world have been trafficked into that industry.

A very small fraction if you use the term properly. And almost negligible in all areas patronized by westerners.

And a very tiny fraction of the numbers actually trafficked into mainstream industries, prime example here in Thailand being fishing and manufacturing.

Just like substance prohibition the negative side-effects largely disappear in locations where the trade is legalized and properly regulated, especially where the workers themselves are allowed to run the show.