stfranalum

gotta be joking that you think youd see the same kind of "THE KING THE KING" kind of talk from 99% of most americans.

most thais i reckon, wouldnt DREAM of sitting for the anthem. there are americnas who opt out of anthems. there are court cases where people have challenged the practice of even doing it in schools. how do you think a court case like that would go over here?

champagne charlie

Don't get worked up about it, 'cause we've got similar rituals back in the good ole US of A. Stand up for the National Anthem before sports events and pay your respect to Old Glory - a simple gesture of pride, patriotism and appreciation.

And back in my day we started each and every school day by standing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, all the way from primary through high school.

I reckon this is what standing for the Thai National anthem is all about, just a simple gesture of respect.

Eric C

It would never make it in front of a Thai judge of course.

It's not the legality of not standing in the US, it's the social stigma.

__________________
"It is anti-pedagogical to expect campesino students to be educated [in a schoolhouse in such poor condition], while government officials drive Mercedes cars. That is what we are fighting against."
--Ernesto "El Che" Guevara (hours before his execution)

"I don't believe that drug addiction is an occupational hazard."
-- Duke Ellington (Playboy's "Narcotics and Jazz Musicians" panel discussion)

stfranalum

ok, but the ability to present a case in court, in itself, shows that the stigma is much much much lower, no?

Matthew

That's a good point to. If nothing else, I'll go through all the motions simply because, yeah, it is kind of 'neat' to participate, however uncritically, in another culture's public displays and routines.

Now I've only been living in Thailand for a couple years. Maybe the 'wow this is neat' thing will die out eventually. But for now, I enjoy it. I think it's kind of beautiful to see everyone stop and stand there during there busy rush home, and those tributes at the movies are sort of moving...great music, pristine rice paddies, and benevolent monarchs. Ahhhhh.

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Nickyboy

I love Thais who stick up for themselves and don't tow the line. Challenging the system is healthy. Asking tricky questions of authority is a good thing.

Or you could be a drone......

Eric C

You and I would think so but, we also know that you can't teach the people that would hassle you back home (hyper-patriotic rednecks) anything.

__________________
"It is anti-pedagogical to expect campesino students to be educated [in a schoolhouse in such poor condition], while government officials drive Mercedes cars. That is what we are fighting against."
--Ernesto "El Che" Guevara (hours before his execution)

"I don't believe that drug addiction is an occupational hazard."
-- Duke Ellington (Playboy's "Narcotics and Jazz Musicians" panel discussion)

Matthew

I don't think anyone is arguing that this stuff is taken more seriously in Thailand than in the states, Franny.

Does that make it so bad?

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stfranalum

it is neat.

and not to sound like a total dick...BUT

isnt its "neatness" actually in part of what makes one feel truly disrespectful towards it?

awwww..thats cute! i like when they do their little monarchy thing! awwww.

...i have a hard time not considering that, at least a tad bit, disrespectful, although i dont make that known. in other words, its "neatness" means that its not close to home. it doesnt hit in my heart. its distant and novel. i dont have the appreciation in my heart, and although its fun to participate, its ultimately participating and the feeling is "neat" because its not genuine. not authentic. things thats are authentic arent neat. they are called feelings and beliefs. "neat" is something different

kingwilly

^ agreed wiv dat!

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stfranalum

id say, that kind of intellectual rigor is RESPECTFUL to the country.

ironic mak mak.

i thought eric was saying that one would get an equal reaction at a ballgame back home. i honestly dont think so. people might look at you. but the fervor and mindset is quite different in practice. in theory, nationalism is nationalism but we are a gillion times more tolerant of dissenting views.

anyone want to start a thread on "X" subject (and you know THAT subject)....go ahead. begin an opinion thread about X person. lets see "dissenting views" in practice here.

Eric C

It's true that the intended respect would more genuine (and thus greater) if the standing was voluntary. Nothing new here though, societies have had rituals that people are expected to perform, genuine or not, since forever.

__________________
"It is anti-pedagogical to expect campesino students to be educated [in a schoolhouse in such poor condition], while government officials drive Mercedes cars. That is what we are fighting against."
--Ernesto "El Che" Guevara (hours before his execution)

"I don't believe that drug addiction is an occupational hazard."
-- Duke Ellington (Playboy's "Narcotics and Jazz Musicians" panel discussion)

pumpkin

Oi Nick! You're talking about me??? You want some or wot??? My boyfriend will beat you up!!!

(shouldn't you be on the plane by now honey bunny?? )

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jimbo

I like facing the other way in the elevator. It really freaks people out.
-----
I'm blocking his departure gate!

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