Thai opinion: Teaching a kid to love the Americans

[webfact]

STOPPAGE TIME
Teaching a kid to love the Americans
Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- The same boy who had fought with his English teacher over the word "xenophobia" (Stoppage Time, June 18, 2014) came home yesterday looking totally depressed again. The father, now familiar with his son's habit of never letting go a classroom argument, asked what it was this time. "America", the kid replied tersely, and the old man knew immediately.

The following conversation reflects, you may say, a boy's innocent curiosity over the complexities of America's action and principles, and a grown man's understanding of the "grey" world:

The father: Don't get too stressed over diplomacy, son. It's just a charade materialising on an international stage. Everyone will perform his rhetoric and then go home to do the dishes. It's a diplomat's job to say something and it's the government's job to say something back.

The boy: That's exactly my point, Dad. I asked my pro-America teacher if America really cared. I mean, for a country that should focus on its own bankers and fund managers, why is a former third-world leader's impeachment such a big deal?

The father: I'm not defending America, but the impeached person was elected by the people. What happened to her was "undemocratic" and the US, you know, is supposed to defend democracy.

The boy: I wonder how many Americans know the name Yingluck Shinawatra.

The father: I know what you're getting at, son, but democracy is all about entrusting your representatives to take care of things for you. Once you cast your vote for Barack Obama, you accept the possibility that one day, an aide of an aide of his aide might travel half the world to deplore a martial law that he knows little about.

The boy: I appreciate that empowerment-by-the-majority stuff. But if majority voices really matter, why does America need that power of veto at the United Nations? Why did it invade Iraq when most of the world said it shouldn't?

The father: You are asking ancient questions. The answer is, if you want police to protect your neighbourhood, you give them some rights that you don't normally give others.

The boy: Don't we have rights to police ourselves? Don't we have rights to say what's right and what's wrong in our own home? We are supposed to know more of the details than the Americans, aren't we? And who made America the world's policeman anyway?

The father: They have the firepower. And they have the money to buy your goods, sometimes at unusually high prices and sometimes when they don't really need them.

The boy: Now I understand why the rich kids at school have so many sidekicks.

The father: Don't be so negative. Democracy is good for the world. It provides the best environment for creativity and innovation. It's no coincidence that that iPhone of yours originated from America. And there are your favourite Jason Bourne movies. They can't make films like that in China.

The boy: If expansion of knowledge is the spirit of democracy, why are they going after copyright thieves all over the world? Why are drug patents so important to the democratic superpowers?

The father: Because pirated Jason Bourne movies will land money elsewhere and, in the end, the creative Jason Bourne makers will have no funds to produce a new film. The same goes for all the expensive drugs.

The boy: Wouldn't it be better if pirated Jason Bourne films inspired new filmmakers in the third world? The same goes for all the drugs.

The father: What would you say if someone stole your creation or idea?

The boy: I would be flattered. If the idea is having as many people benefit from my creation as possible, that is.

The father: That might be what Daniel Russel (US assistant secretary of state) was trying to do. He probably wanted to promote democratic values as much and as far away as he could.

The boy: I don't know, Dad. Something doesn't feel right. Democracy is supposed to open our minds, right? It's not as if the secret police are knocking down doors and water-boarding suspected dissidents for fun over here. Don't get me wrong. I'm all for democracy in Thailand. My point is, are we supposed to be lectured by those who have colonised many countries, who sent Edward Snowden and Julian Assange running for their lives, and allow police to kill an unarmed black man during a period of political peace?

The father: The Americans have got their reasons, kiddo. Each country has its own complexities. And most importantly, son, you're talking as if all Americans are the same. Never ever generalise. Never ever use a stereotype on a country or a people. Never ever simplify other people's or other countries' situations. Don't ever do that again.

The boy: I'll try to understand America more, Dad. Thank you for listening, and be patient with me.

The father: Anytime, son.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Teaching-a-kid-to-love-the-Americans-30253334.html


-- The Nation 2015-02-04

[MJP]

[NongKhaiKid]

Yes this is just the sort of conversation to be expected in the average Thai household.

[cloudhopper]

"Democracy is supposed to open our minds right?"

No son, education is - too bad you are getting a cultural indoctrination instead.

[Robby nz]

No need to teach Thai kids or kids anywhere to love Americans, Americans love themselves enough for the rest of the world.

[willyumiii]

This conversation never happened.

This child does not exist.

This is an almost clever and very transparent way to present some writer's views of the relationship of Thailand with the U.S.

Most Thai students and adults only have a vague idea that any other countries exist outside of Thailand.

Many have no idea of what is going on inside of or with their own country.

Does this writer really think anyone will buy this story?

[Bluespunk]

Deleted.

My New Year's resolution is not to allow xenophobic nationalistic chauvinism and narrow minded intolerance BS annoy me.

Stories like this make it difficult though.

Edited February 3, 2015 by Bluespunk

[chooka]

This sounds like the product of the propaganda department trying to incite anti American feelings in retaliation of Mr Russell opinion. Is there some sort of anti farang campaign being rolled out? You have this sort of rubbish and calls to increase dual pricing 10 fold.

[Crazy chef 1]

This conversation never happened.

This child does not exist.

This is an almost clever and very transparent way to present some writer's views of the relationship of Thailand with the U.S.

Most Thai students and adults only have a vague idea that any other countries exist outside of Thailand.

Many have no idea of what is going on inside of or with their own country.

Does this writer really think anyone will buy this story?

You bought it...or at least you replied to it....

[baboon]

Repackaged, repetitive and boring anti-American flapdoodle designed to cater to simpletons.

You know it has to be bad when even the poster whose avatar is the flag of the DPRK is standing up for the US...

[canuckamuck]

I immediately saw what I was reading there was total crap, but I read the whole article realizing I was seeing the bar on crap dropping to a new low. I thought I should be aware of the new parameters.

[Jeremy50]

If I hold up a picture of Barak Obama or Usain Bolt in class, Thai students only see the colour of their skin, often shouting out 'negro',and usually worse. The fact that one man is the most powerful in the world, the other the fastest, is lost on them. It's like there is a huge wall there. Very sad.

[chooka]

I think the government should be clamping down on all this anti American propaganda that is being released. Someone is trying incite thais against Americans and it is dangerous. There are a lot of crazy thais out there with hot heads and every farang probably looks like an American to them. A few drinks and a bit of inciting and farangs could get hurt which in turn will make huge international media coverage and damage Thailand's image and tourism. They will have to increase thier dual pricing 50 fold to cover losses, if there are any tourists left that is.

Edited February 4, 2015 by chooka

[Lunchbob]

Please stop confusing average Americans with greedy, manipulatice oligarchs.

[robblok]

This is crap a fantasy, but to think that Americans are honest and dont have ulterior motives is crap too.

America is not that trustworthy plenty of proof for that. They look out for themselves and bully and push others around.

They are better as Russia and China but certainly not angels without ulterior motives in what they do.

[Loptr]

but democracy is all about entrusting your representatives to take care of things for you

Therein lies the rub when they say one thing to get elected, then reverse course immediately upon getting into office...

Agree that the article is BS and likely never happened...

[NongKhaiKid]

I think the government should be clamping down on all this anti American propaganda that is being released. Someone is trying incite thais against Americans and it is dangerous. There are a lot of crazy thais out there with hot heads and every farang probably looks like an American to them. A few drinks and a bit of inciting and farangs could get hurt which in turn will make huge international media coverage and damage Thailand's image and tourism. They will have to increase thier dual pricing 50 fold to cover losses, if there are any tourists left that is.

Remember last year in Udon Thani some young drunks, or at least they claimed they were, decided to copy KT and attacked a foreigner inflicting very serious injury.

Does anyone have a follow up as he was beaten unconscious but i haven't seen or heard anything since ?

[slipperylobster]

What is this irritating garbage post doing here..?

Makes not a lick of sense... stooopid.

[slipperylobster]

This is crap a fantasy, but to think that Americans are honest and dont have ulterior motives is crap too.

America is not that trustworthy plenty of proof for that. They look out for themselves and bully and push others around.

They are better as Russia and China but certainly not angels without ulterior motives in what they do.

Same goes for every Nation in the world...two times?

What does anyone else do that is so unselfish. America goes out and tries...often fails...but tries.

Other nations hide like poosies....turn tails....

[losgrad]

When we see a similar conversation about China, hopefully it won't be too late.

[slipperylobster]

What you really get on Thai Visa...is some malcontent who has a hard on for some other Nation..

and starts posting irritating crap, that just leads to a lot of bickering.

Idiots......are always trying to bring America down, and put the bad guys up.

[slipperylobster]

This conversation never happened.

This child does not exist.

This is an almost clever and very transparent way to present some writer's views of the relationship of Thailand with the U.S.

Most Thai students and adults only have a vague idea that any other countries exist outside of Thailand.

Many have no idea of what is going on inside of or with their own country.

Does this writer really think anyone will buy this story?

You are so correct. The article is a feeble attempt at Psychology 101. Thai's dote on their children. In a naive manner, reverse psychology is introduced in the guise of a parable. The innocent Thai and complicated American Policies.

What it actually infers is that Thai's are victims...that they are children...not capable of understanding complex relationships. Very self deprecating....and shameful.

I am shocked they would use this at all..........

stooooooopid

[slipperylobster]

No need to teach Thai kids or kids anywhere to love Americans, Americans love themselves enough for the rest of the world.

Have to. Nobody else is on the same level.

Edited February 4, 2015 by slipperylobster

[lildragon]

The boy: Don't we have rights to police ourselves? Don't we have rights to say what's right and what's wrong in our own home? We are supposed to know more of the details than the Americans, aren't we? And who made America the world's policeman anyway?

Well no the Thai people do NOT Have The right to say do they? Under martial law protests are banned And you Can be arrested and court martialed for daring to speak out against the regime. Thai people should of Had The right to vote Yingkuck out.

Lord knows I'm no fan of the American governments shady foreign policy and meddling, but all this nationalist bull crap To deflect away any scrutiny or criticism is getting quite worrisome.

Edited February 4, 2015 by lildragon

[rijb]

No need to teach Thai kids or kids anywhere to love Americans, Americans love themselves enough for the rest of the world.

You missed the point of the op, sunshine. But, propaganda and missing the point seems to be your specialty.

[uptheos]

Nothing at all wrong with Americans, they are much maligned.

I think it's their current government that needs eggs throwing at it.

[mca]

It must be a laugh minute in that household

[slipperylobster]

American economy is doing quite well...so current government is getting better ratings than before.

Nothing is perfect, in an imperfect world.

Compare it with garbage policies in Europe, Australia and UK.... where your money is worth not a fish bone.

[robblok]

This is crap a fantasy, but to think that Americans are honest and dont have ulterior motives is crap too.

America is not that trustworthy plenty of proof for that. They look out for themselves and bully and push others around.

They are better as Russia and China but certainly not angels without ulterior motives in what they do.

Same goes for every Nation in the world...two times?

What does anyone else do that is so unselfish. America goes out and tries...often fails...but tries.

Other nations hide like poosies....turn tails....

Often the USA pushes smaller countries around. I can still remember how they kept complaining about our drug policies in the Netherlands not accepting them. Forcing us to change and so on. Was not their business but they pushed and bullied quite often. This was an internal affair, and now they are legalizing weed too in many states.

They have supported their fair share of dictators as long as they were not communist. They have sold weapons incited war ect ect. They cannot claim the high ground here. They invaded countries on evidence that has been fabricated (Irak) just because of oil. I can't say that countries like Sweden / Holland / Belgium ever did like that.

So they are just a bully, just like Russia and China.. just a bit better and id choose them over those others any time. However that does not make them good. just less bad. They can't compare to countries like Sweden Holland ect in honesty.

[robblok]

American economy is doing quite well...so current government is getting better ratings than before.

Nothing is perfect, in an imperfect world.

Compare it with garbage policies in Europe, Australia and UK.... where your money is worth not a fish bone.

At the moment this is the case.. but there was a time this was different. Things change all the time don't expect this to be forever. I can still remember the Americans complain when their dollar was low.

But you are 100% right currently they are doing a good job.