The Juan Williams thing is exactly what I was talking about in an earlier post concerning bringing back Thai social attitudes. Here, in a collective culture, it's perfectly legitimate to say, "You're one of X" and let it go. In that vein, I am tempted to characterize a number of uncomfortable situations based upon the groups of individuals involved: it's late at night and I've just walked into the far end of a dead end alley where a group of very large males is kicking a soccer ball around and speaking in a language I don't recognize, but to say "X guys make me nervous" goes too far. Certain women, identifiable by their dress, frequently cover their faces when passing near me; this is an individual choice but identified by a collective marker.
Here, holding the collective as representative of the individual is fine. But that just won't fly back stateside, where the individual and his or her intention supersedes the external characterizations (yet we can still characterize young people based upon the voluntary signifiers of clothing: "Punk/emo/gangsta/preppy kids" is okay to identify an individual or group and justify characteristic habits, but race or religion must be avoided).
Interesting
Dad is really concerned about you. I thought of a way you may be able to get some really helpful information on getting into the medical system there. The LDS mission home is in Bangkok. Chances are the president is a gringo. If not, one of his assistants is and should be able to help. The telephone number at the office is 011-662-503-3422. You can find their address at mission.net/thailand. I don't know any organization or person who knows the local country's health system better than our church or, more specifically, the mission president's wife. Bottom line, she's a real Mommy and knows how to take care of everyone. On that web site, you might also be able to find the names of the Elders serving in your area. Chances are one or both is a gringo and might be able to help.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Linda