I have to chime in. I really need to add balance. I have been to Thailand twice. Once with the military and then later for about a month for holiday/vacation (I extended my stay). As a young, sociable, *very*attractive, well spoken, well dressed, well groomed, intelligent African American male….. OMG, I had the time of my life. Locals invited me to their houses, apartments, parties, clubs etc. I went every where. I even visited several temples. I displayed and was given the utmost respect. I was the center of attraction and made it work for me. I rode Motorcycles (I’m a rider) almost everywhere, always had cool Thai friends and just socialized (you should see me work). THAT was the experience that I was looking for. I wanted to BE with and AMONG the Thai people. I didn’t approach them as a tourist but as a person that was happy to be living in the same space as them. And this is in both BKK and Pattaya.
It really all depends on how you network and what vibe you put out. People can see how GENUINE and comfortable you really are.
I still have friends that I network with to this day. Thailand wasn’t racist to me AT ALL. I may go back and live there one day.
..... just my 2 Bhat : )
David,
While I realize I asked for suggestions on information about Thailand; it is apparent that you have completely misread my response. It is my belief that my response did not have any form of cynicism. On the contrary, I wrote and expressed myself to ensure that my inquiries were well received in hopes of ACTUALLY learning about a potential place of residence. Furthermore, I don’t believe anything I said related to my placing blame on other people and cultures for actions of prejudice, injustice, or any of the other global concerns described in this post. My statements were quite the opposite; as I stated the images people allow to be public domain and the persona one upholds can go out and cause damage as people across the globe view entertainers and their behavior as the norm for an entire cultural and so on and so forth. Lastly, I simply stated that the VERY things you are personifying in your response; stereotyping and ignorance (lack of knowledge about a person, people, or culture) lead to and cause such damage from the fear and misguided beliefs left unchecked or corrected). At any rate, no further advisory is necessary so thanks.
Shanna
To Persons of Concern,
Whenever you are contemplating the plethora of relocation, it would not be a good idea to bring the self-inflicted attitude to where it is that you go. On this thing called the globe, it is not so much prejudice. It is more concerning about meme of what people are about. Abrogating what predecessors have done makes it extremely hard for successors. The mosaic of people globally has separate cultures as you mentioned that you have been exposed to and education is the answer of the panorama of knowing of other nations. But people when traveling who bring a paralysis of blaming other people for their actions create a catastrophic gulf of problems to divert the attentions for themselves, but people can think for themselves. People need to cease with having the self-inflicted attitude.
David
I wanted to write and thank Douglas Ashby and the other educators (Melissa Jones and Don Johnson) as well as the other posters. This is article was amazing, thought provoking, and insightful am considering a move to Thailand and had been searching for a plethora of information about the country, culture, job opportunities, and possible issues with my potential relocation when I came across this article.
I am in agreement with Don, Melissa, and several other posters about racism and prejudice being a global problem and definitely agree about the need to educate those ignorant to the existing stereotypes and poor media images. The incidents and attitudes described in many of your personal experiences and views further supports that one’s reputation can succeed them and cause much damage. I will not be alone should I choose to relocate (my 14 year old daughter will accompany me and it is a GRIEVE concern as to how some of these issues in Thailand will affect she and I both being black females).
I am a former Navy-brat and travelled all over the US for most of my childhood. It was commonplace in my childhood being amongst people of various cultures and backgrounds; as a result, I have a very broad my scope of thinking and outlook on life. Having been afforded such a rearing, racism and prejudice were not apparent for me until I moved to Houston, Texas as an adult. Racism and prejudice continues to be a life experience in which I learn to LIVE through, TRY to educate, and LEARN from.
I have mixed emotions after reading this article; on one hand I am sadden at the influence of ignorance and moved at the challenge to educate. Nonetheless, I have a ton of questions and many thoughts on this matter and before I write a book; I will opt to end here. Should anyone have any suggestions for me with regards to jobs, location, and helpful tips about Thailand; I can be reached at:
Thank you Mr. Real Deal, Earth ....your added balance and 2 Bahts were GREATLY appreciated. I have opted to vacation in Thailand and actually turned down the job offer I was considering for a number of reasons. Nonetheless, I am intrigued and love what I’ve learned of the Thai Culture and I am eager to visit. Who knows what the future may hold.
Shanna
By Shanna, Katy, Texas on 2011-09-19