Thread: To remain western or not

Travel broadens the mind and opens more horizons.. sure.

Yesterday, on a different thread I was criticized for my western views. Now as 95% of ajarners are from western countries, i dont just mean geographically here, how do you feel about having western views.

For me I find it sickening when a foreigner embraces Thai culture too much, as for example the way a ladyboy embraces femininity.
Ok, tolerate thai culture, accept and respect it but please dont start wishing you'd been born a Thai.
Examples, Why the need speak Thai to another native speaker.
Why the need to wear yellow if your school hasn't ordered you to.
Deride everything western.

I love living in Thailand and i love many things about the country. However I am English and proud of it (there i said it). I am proud of my culture and what it gave to the world, of course thereare negative connotations in this. I shall not apologize having a western perspective, it is who and what I am. Indeed, the vast majority of us would not have employment if it wasn't for the fact that our mother tongue and therefore our western culture was in such demand. (i'm aware of the responsibility that western corporations have played in this, as i said there are negativities.)
So basically for all the Thai wanabees, look in the mirror, you will never be a Thai. If you dont know that yourself, the Thai people themselves will always remind you coz they will never ever accept you as an equal. We are visitors and outsiders, you will always be western. So before you criticize people for having a western view, please consider the above.

Originally Posted by munkijism

Yesterday, on a different thread I was criticized for my western views. Now as 95% of ajarners are from western countries, i dont just mean geographically here, how do you feel about having western views.

I think you were mainly criticized for thinking that even rich Thais are jealous at the vast amount of opportunities afforded to you, the only one of which you seem to have taken advantage of, is to come to their country and live here.

I hate Westerers who speak Thai to each other personally, would never wish to be born a Thai, and obviously never will become one.

i think the phrase is called "going native"

Originally Posted by munkijism

So before you criticize people for having a western view, please consider the above.

I don't think people really get criticized for having a western view, but for constantly contrasting the negative aspects of living Thailand with the west.

What gets up my nose is when westerners continually bleat on in the ilk 'but in **insert western nation**, you can **insert mundane comment**'.

Also, those people that think they've got a god given right to be here, as they've been here doing sod-all for years, and are now all shirty with the new visa regs. But that's not on this forum

Originally Posted by columbia

As a mark of respect for the country you've chosen to live in perhaps?

should everyone in briatain wear the union jack
americans don the star spangled banner etc etc

of course not.... tolerance my friend. I can respect Thailand without wearing a yellow shirt

Quote:
Originally Posted by SageAndOnion
I hate Westerers who speak Thai to each other personally


Bizarre isn't it? What are they thinking?

i dunno - trying to practise and learn a new language perhaps?

how dare they! its much better when farang cannot understand thai!

do foreigners speak spanish in spain? i guess not. french in france - no cant have that!


i think the phrase for that is (excuse my poor attempt at transliteration and using thai langauge - i must be one of those visa running sod-all doing bludger's on the thai economy.)

"farang roo mak, mai dee"

- but i suspect that this phrase and opinion is one mainly held by bar-whores, tourist vendors and Thaksin...... :D

Originally Posted by blackjack

I'm afraid I missed the bit where anyone suggested that Westerners in Thailand should wear yellow as a mark of respect.

My point was why at all, i know it shows respect but to me it seems a little bit too much like brainwashing (for this i will doubtlessly be condemed)

Originally Posted by blackjack

It's up to the individual mate. Although I personally reckon we should bash anyone who disagrees with any opinion of yours, I mean those pricks are just asking for trouble.....

Sorry, didnt realise I was coming over that aggressive, you must be a sensitive gentleman. Either that or would you like to join my newly formed SS dividion in Thailand.

Originally Posted by blackjack

Just a thought, but if you're in Thailand and surrounded by Thais, it might be a little more fruitful to practice on them rather than someone else who doesn't speak the language properly...

wasnt saying one couldn't, but i find it a bit silly to say that farang shouldn't speak thai to each other.

Reg the Wedge and I even wai each other when we meet in the bar to play pool!