The following was inspired by a recent comment by Alan Reid on Racism in Thailand: A Day in the Life of a White Woman in Buriram. Alan describes instances of discrimination he has encountered in The Land Of Smiles then concludes with: I try to smile and be friendly to the Thais everyday, however I have this bitterness and hatred built up inside, the same as you. This struck me deeply, not only out of empathy but also due to the fact that eleven weeks after leaving Thailand, what remains and what I continue to combat is negativity within. Negativity towards other people. Negativity towards myself. The forms of this corruption were not in my heart before leaving Canadian soil in … [Read more...]
Racism in Thailand – a Day in the Life of a White Woman in Buriram
There is racism that is intended and there is the innocent racism that arises out of ignorance. Let me give you an example of the latter... Hmm....scratch that first draft. I'm conjuring numerous instances of racism I've faced in Thailand, most notably in Buriram, and with each instance that currently comes to mind, there is the ever pervasive thought....I don't know if that's innocent, but I do know it wasn't intended to harm, at least not overtly (in the way many of us Westerners have come to expect of racist remarks and/or actions). Rather, the intent was to remind me of my place. In the Thailand I know, someone in a position of esteem and/or power reminding someone … [Read more...]