Respect vs Deference and Why It Matters: Mandated "Respect" in my Thai World
View this post on Hive: Respect vs Deference and Why It Matters: Mandated "Respect" in my Thai World
View this post on Hive: Respect vs Deference and Why It Matters: Mandated "Respect" in my Thai World
Despite any offence that might be taken by traditional and conservative Thai people about this custom, it is a post that they need to read and reflect upon, considering the loving intention behind it.
In fact it is appropriate for any culture to read this, or any person, as it outlines the hypocrisy of traditions that do not actually fulfill what they promise with their tradition in the first place. There is nothing wrong with showing respect to everybody in a symbolic way , but this absolutely must extend to everybody in non symbolic ways.
Cultures must realise the difference between disrespect and honest criticism from places of good intention and be willing to change if there is something woefully wrong with it. The difference between DEFERENCE and RESPECT is so beautifully outlined.
Much, much respect to a woman who practices what she preaches. Every day.
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We speak of "cultures" as if they are solid, tangible things instead of loose, gelatinous expressions of our collective selves. Just having the discussion about respect (thanks to @eco-alex!) has already somehow changed a tiny weeny bit of our global culture.
It sounds very hierarchical there. I guess like a caste system. It seems awful to me, that this wouldn't extend to the Karen people, but I guess at one point western countries were that way to. You wouldn't have dared disrespect the aristocracy by not paying deference to them.
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It's OVERTLY hierarchical here, as opposed to SUBVERSIVELY hierarchical in Australia.. I say that as someone who experienced much discrimination as a migrant child growing up in Australia. I'm 55 years old and knew several "stolen children" personally - no need to look very far back. If you're Indian in Australia no, or Somali living in Launceston, it's still real and happening today. Sadly.
woo I did not know about this culture in Thailand. So weird that it is socially mandated and how people can just label you disrespectful even when you have good respectful feelings deep in your heart.
Thailand learned this culture form its Indian heritage, I think. Where it's far worse. Lots to change in the world, starting right where we are. :)
In India, the Namaste culture is prevalent but its not mandatory at all.
But yeah lets change whatever we can :) and make the world a better place.
oh YEAH, what a response.. so many great stories, and that picture of Ronald McDonals makes me laugh, i remember the first time is saw it,, uGh!
I hear you, keepin it real is pretty damn important, esp. if its your daughter! I think personally, whilst i dont really dig Respect that much when it comes from a place of requirement without feeling.. but at the same time i think it is still good for people to demonstrate it even if they dont feel it.. i guess its better than nothing!.
Super job as always! <3 braveheart!
I've also come to the place where I think it's better to show 'respect', even when I don't feel it... cos what I'm really doing is showing self respect and recognizing our collective oneness. Braveheart haha... I like that. x
Oh my that is quite a different country and culture you live in and it is wonderful if kids can be taught actual respect at a young age but I see how it can be frustrating if it is not respect but rituals of deference.
I am so sorry to hear that the indigenous peoples are treated so poorly. Why could they nor express the same to everyone, it is hard to understand.
Thanks for sharing, I love to learn about different cultures!