You’re just proving my point. Burmese are very good at keeping track of “who’s your big daddy” (ok, sometimes it’s your father-in-law or brother-in-law (yaukpha)). I am descended form wretched stupid Burmese peasants and I am sick and tired of this patronage, “appanage”, nepotism, hero-worshiping, etc. that’s rampant in Burma and a lot of other Asian countries.
Maybe Mao Tsetung was right. Burma needs a Cultural Revolution LOL
It is great to learn again about the tolerance of Islam, when you write: “no culture or races is better than the other. no malay is better than the chinese or the chinese over malay. no whites better than the black or the black over the white. The closeness to Allah is the only mesurement. In islam, whatever culture we are as long as it is not againts the fundamental teaching and believe in Islam”. But, what about those who do not endorse or follow Islam? Folowing the aboe argument it implies that they are on a lower status. There goes the tolerance of Islam. I am fully convinced that Islam is in fact hghly tolerant. However, it seems that many Muslims find such a tolerance only for those, who follow their believe and their interpretation.
Sorry, my spelling mistake, “Legacy Candidate”, not “Lagacy Candidate:.
Dr. Tin Myint Oo the father of Burmese-American historian Dr. Thant Myint Oo is a son-in-law of U Thant, not a son.
As far as I know, U Thant is acknowledged as the best UNSG for his peace-making role in the Cuban Missile Crisis.
He was also the only UNSG who was offered a third term by UNGA and UNSC but refused to serve a third term despite the UNSC’s repeated requests to continue on as the UNSG.
hi, thank you for your interest and writing by looking deep into what Islamic dakwah in Malaysia is doing. Not so many writers actually really write about it. i personally appreciate yourself trying to write about it. any way, the presentation of this article is quite inadequate in picturing what really Islam is, and what dakwah emphasizes in Islam. i would suggest that you get advised from the islamic scholar before write something you are not familiar of. Islam is universal. As a Muslim ,no culture or races is better than the other. no malay is better than the chinese or the chinese over malay. no whites better than the black or the black over the white. The closeness to Allah is the only mesurement. In islam, whatever culture we are as long as it is not againts the fundamental teaching and believe in Islam, it is not a problem. this is why they do the cultural association in dakwah so that people understand . dakwah is to give true message of Islam in whatever way , be it cultural, education, our way of social communication, our good lifestyle that could be example to others, etc. The acceptance of people towards ISlam is their own decision ,there is no compulsion , muslim duty is only to deliver the truth . as long as the message is true That :there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger , so whatever communication way of dakwah which is not against this basic, then it shouldnt be a problem.
p.s : yoga do consist of something againts the core Islamic faith , but for the rest is fine, then it s fine
So what’s a “Lagacy Candidate”? Someone who lags behind? You’re right I should read more! Tin Myint-U has a doctorate in Mathematics, but was not very successful in his chosen profession so he went into politics using his Dad’s (a rather incompetent UN secretary general) name to claim his “legacy(sic) status” as “Min-Laung” (future king) to the Burmese peacock throne just like what Suu Kyi is doing now. So what about Wirathu, another Min-Laung? ha ha ha!
What Burma needs is a French Revolution of sorts!
Tocharian doesn’t seem to know the political term “Lagacy Candidate”. He should read more often.
Hasn’t he ever heard of “Ghandis”, “Kennedys”, “Bushes”, and “Clintons”? Or current South Korean President “Park Geun-Hye” the daughter of former president “Park Chung-hee”.
Singapore seemingly run forever by Lee Quan Yu and his family and cohorts is as artificial and fake as possibly can for a tiny island nation at one of the most geopolitically important locations on this planet.
Singapore will stay that (peaceful and prospective) way as long as Lee Quan Yu’s Secret-Population-Ratio (not allowed to speak of it but it actually exists) of 70% Buddhists, 15% Muslims, and others the rest in Singapore is strictly maintained even after the eventual passing away of Lee Quan Yu.
I wonder if the television series led to the recent student protests at Thammasat University which led to the authorities relenting on the strict uniform codes? If so perhaps this may be the thin end of the wedge and other institutions may follow.
As someone who was intrigued by the web highlight of this series, I am thankful that I had the opportunity to see the series.
I have to admire Thai TV station for being so progressive and able to market a product with young cast members and yet attracted the attention of many, and perhaps this would be a healthy way to persuade youngster to consider the media and art world.
However, I personally think the show could have taken care of a few details in order to be a better series.
1) I got the impression that all Thai families were well-to-do. None of them was actually portrayed in a below than average income home – even for one whose mother was merely selling cakes.
2) I did not understand how Toei could end up being labelled so negatively and yet Sprit got away with the sleeping-around.
3) The homosexual issue could have been dealt with better. It gave the bad impression that a gay boy remained so because he had no experience of being with a girl. If he had so, he would be like Phoo, who could be ‘changed’. This gave the poor impression of real struggle among many gay boys.
4) Which teacher would allow kids to alcohol to her organised gathering? That made no sense.
5) It made no sense too that Khwan would be unprepared for exam? A good student would not prepare for exam only the night before. If she was the good student as claimed, she would have been reading weeks before. One night of not studying properly could not have made her into such state. And moreover, as a smart student, I could not believe that among all the exam cheating techniques, that option was the best she could come up with.
6) Toei played basketball. I imagined she would be strong enough to defend herself against Bee.
7) When Toei was beaten so badly, and her friends cared so much, why not just visit her home?
8) There was no mention of the English class after the Din and Dow incident. Why?
9) Episode 13 was a waste of time. It was just an episode with much time wasted on listening to rock songs…
10) Nice that Mhog could snap photos without flash at night.
The squeaky clean “City State” (no chewing gum please, we’re Singaporeans!) is also infamous as a money-laundering haven for all kinds of dictators, despots, princelings, drug warlords, etc. etc. from the neighbourhood (Burma and China are not that far away!). Please come and clean your dirty money at the Money-Laundromat-Banks of the Lion City, part of the Colonial British Commonwealth (common wealth indeed LOL)
Thanks for this very interesting post! I have not watched the series but was wondering whether the interesting analysis should not also have addressed the issue of the title. Does the title ‘Hormones’ not effectively suggest that any of the apparently ‘rebellious behaviour’ displayed by these teenagers should not be interpreted as political, because the title suggests this is simply the result of the condition of the adolescent brain?
Briefly, I can tell you this. There won’t be any problem!
The City State is so well managed & fortified with first tier & second tier
of well qualified personnel . . . all top notch scholars with First Class degrees from reputable universities (CERTAINLY NOT FROM MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITIES) . . . sourced out & manhunted well before time . . . put through the mills . . . rigorous training . . . apprenticeship . . . tested etc.
With the whole administration, completely uncorrupted (Not like the UMNOputras of Malaysia or elsewhere), it will be difficult & unimaginable to replace it with anything better! Apart from the fact, the Government is absolutely unmatched by any other.
Great statesman breeds even greater statesmen . . . an inevitable format for further prospect & growth.
Just think why is CHINA so willing to join projects with Singapore. If you haver never been to China, you should go there for first hand experience.
All pretty trivial stuff, not least with its obligatory reference to Jacksonian pontification, but good to know about the series. Anyone know if is available on DVD yet?
1) The possibility of a version of the site in Bahasa.
2) A question about the public that I intend to address, a question about audience?
For now, I haven’t the resources to produce the site in Bahasa but that is something I will look into.
As for the second question of audience, I hope to supply resources to those who are politically engaged, democratically inclined, and willing to do something to advance the ideals of democracy and legality in Malaysia. These may be “activist” lawyers or judges as well as citizens, NGO types etc.
While I am fine with other theorists taking notice of the site, you will note that the content is not especially theoretical in the sense that it is not written in a strictly rigorous philosophical mode. It is also shorn of references and such to keep things simple. It is not a repository of primary or secondary scholarly material. In short, JMI is not an alternative venue for putting up standard academic analysis that is intended for other scholars.
To be clear, I do not believe that the audience must be trained in theory or the particulars of this or that theory to appreciate what is going on (also I use Rawls and Dworkin as examples of theorists within a particular tradition and do not claim that I am simply applying their theories. Indeed, I expressly resist the application of Rawls to Malaysia, as I explained during the Malaysia-Singapore report during the question and answer period.)
I am also wary of too much dumbing down. Part of the problem with popular discourse on Malaysian law and politics is that it is too simplistic; it borders often on pure bullshit i.e. indifference to truth. Part of the aim of the site is to elevate the quality of popular discourse.
At any rate, if you have suggestions as to how to make the content more accessible, then I would love to hear them.
Finally, it is too bad that you are very pessimistic about the public i.e.citizens who are trying hard to improve Malaysian law and politics, where I think the meaning of “improvement” is apparent in context. We would not now have legitimate two party politics if not for these citizens. And the theme of democratic change would not have risen to prominence if not for them either. I have not given up on them. Nor should you.
Thank you so much for the nice summary. A lot of people including me do not have an opportunity to watch “Hormones” and thought that it was just another film like The Love of Siam (2007) where it touches upon the issue of teen sex.
I had always thought that Thai people should be exposed more to international films like:
where oppressed and abused students, peasants and citizens rebel against their respective headmaster, feudal lord or government.
I thought that it would be too costly and risky to make films like these in Thailand. Just translation and distribution of these famous films are difficult enough.
But my thought has changed…
People are wearing Guy Fawkes mask in Thailand. This is an indication that they are exposed to V for Vendetta in one way or another.
And there is “Hormones” discussed here – made by Thai producer, watched and debated by millions of people both inside and outside Thailand.
It is worth noting though – “Hormones” is broadcasted via satellite channel. The censorship practice is fairly different from that of free TV and internet TV. The target audience and accessibility are debatable too.
Vichai – what are you even talking about? I may be dense, but I honestly can’t understand your reply. Forget the two Yinglucks nonsense – without resorting to any sarcasm, what is your point about Yingluck? Unfortunately with most of your posts, it is quite difficult to tell when you are being sarcastic and when you are making an actual argument. Too bad, I wish you would engage in serious debate because this forum can often feel like an echo chamber with so many readers having quite similar views.
Not only that, you distorted my point. I am not “alarmed” that either Abhisit will be PM or the army will stage a coup. If Yingluck is such a terrible PM, who, if not Abhisit, could you possibly be supporting? Imagine I said “Barak Obama is a terrible president, his character is highly suspect, and the Democrats equally bad.” Whether I intend it or not, how could I not be implicitly supporting the Republicans since there are only two realistic choices?
My point is this: You consistently make inflammatory remarks about Yingluck, but do you believe that right now there is viable alternative to her? If so, who or what is that alternative ? What would that alternative do that Yingluck isn’t doing? And why would they be able to do whatever that is, if Yingluck cannot or will not do it now?
Burmese society is based on very simple principles such as : “bully the people beneath you and suck up to the people above you”. Most people living in Burma do not have a broader view of what’s happening elsewhere in the modern world and therefore are unable to see their own personal political actions in the right perspective. Even for ex-pat Burmese dissidents living in the West like Hla Oo or Maung Zarni (I name these two because they have diametrical views about Muslims) their views are heavily tainted by their “agendas” (mainly related to funding and/or political refugee/asylum or even getting a Ph.D. on a topic about Burmese politics/history in a Western University lol).
Finally, I can’t stand this hero-worshipping thing that Burmese like to engage in: from Aung San (and his daughter) to U Thant (and his son/grandson) to Lo Hsinghan (and his son Steven Lo), …
U Thant was just a (compromise) UN secretary general. What’s the big deal? Was he really good at what he did? Better than Ban Ki Moon or Boutros Boutros Ghali or Kofi Annan (definitely a loser!) or Kurt Waldheim (an ex-Nazi?) or whoever? These other guys (let alone their family) don’t get this “heroic status” in their respective countries: South Korea, Egypt, Ghana, Austria, …
What’s with Burmese society? It’s not just the pecking order. It’s all about “who’s your daddy or even grand-daddy?” LOL
You are indeed more optimistic than I had supposed.
I have a few brief comments before I must return to work.
You write of your worry…
This is a real worry for the work that I do because my intention is to construct a theory of law and politics capable of motivating practical action for the improvement of Malaysian law and society
Aspirations for constructing a realistic utopia are admirable. But for anyone not familiar with Rawls’ ideal theory who reads this plug, a realistic utopia may seem to be an oxymoron, and subsequently your site may be too easily passed over.
So, how do you turn what you’ve got into something digestible for citizens who’re not enthused with serious political theory but are not incapable of being intellectuals? The ones, I think, who may aid you in your construction efforts?
Why is your website, which is wonderfully constructed, not written in Bahasa Melayu? What public are you targeting? Me? I don’t like the public. They turned me grey.
Are discussants of liberalism and cultures of domination the only sort of intellectuals worth engaging with?
If so, I fear the size of your public requiring motivation (not very optimistic if the initial assumption is the public is unmotivated) for practical action towards improvement (whatever you mean by that – everyone wants to improve, don’t they?) may be rather limited.
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1974 U Thant uprising – a first hand account
You’re just proving my point. Burmese are very good at keeping track of “who’s your big daddy” (ok, sometimes it’s your father-in-law or brother-in-law (yaukpha)). I am descended form wretched stupid Burmese peasants and I am sick and tired of this patronage, “appanage”, nepotism, hero-worshiping, etc. that’s rampant in Burma and a lot of other Asian countries.
Maybe Mao Tsetung was right. Burma needs a Cultural Revolution LOL
Universalising Islam in Malaysia
It is great to learn again about the tolerance of Islam, when you write: “no culture or races is better than the other. no malay is better than the chinese or the chinese over malay. no whites better than the black or the black over the white. The closeness to Allah is the only mesurement. In islam, whatever culture we are as long as it is not againts the fundamental teaching and believe in Islam”. But, what about those who do not endorse or follow Islam? Folowing the aboe argument it implies that they are on a lower status. There goes the tolerance of Islam. I am fully convinced that Islam is in fact hghly tolerant. However, it seems that many Muslims find such a tolerance only for those, who follow their believe and their interpretation.
Universalising Islam in Malaysia
Very interesting observation Zye — the closeness to Allah is the only measurement.
I was just wondering, in practical terms, who, in your view is closer to Allah — Najib Razak or Lim Guan Eng?, and why.
Thanks
Greg
1974 U Thant uprising – a first hand account
Sorry, my spelling mistake, “Legacy Candidate”, not “Lagacy Candidate:.
Dr. Tin Myint Oo the father of Burmese-American historian Dr. Thant Myint Oo is a son-in-law of U Thant, not a son.
As far as I know, U Thant is acknowledged as the best UNSG for his peace-making role in the Cuban Missile Crisis.
He was also the only UNSG who was offered a third term by UNGA and UNSC but refused to serve a third term despite the UNSC’s repeated requests to continue on as the UNSG.
Universalising Islam in Malaysia
hi, thank you for your interest and writing by looking deep into what Islamic dakwah in Malaysia is doing. Not so many writers actually really write about it. i personally appreciate yourself trying to write about it. any way, the presentation of this article is quite inadequate in picturing what really Islam is, and what dakwah emphasizes in Islam. i would suggest that you get advised from the islamic scholar before write something you are not familiar of. Islam is universal. As a Muslim ,no culture or races is better than the other. no malay is better than the chinese or the chinese over malay. no whites better than the black or the black over the white. The closeness to Allah is the only mesurement. In islam, whatever culture we are as long as it is not againts the fundamental teaching and believe in Islam, it is not a problem. this is why they do the cultural association in dakwah so that people understand . dakwah is to give true message of Islam in whatever way , be it cultural, education, our way of social communication, our good lifestyle that could be example to others, etc. The acceptance of people towards ISlam is their own decision ,there is no compulsion , muslim duty is only to deliver the truth . as long as the message is true That :there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger , so whatever communication way of dakwah which is not against this basic, then it shouldnt be a problem.
p.s : yoga do consist of something againts the core Islamic faith , but for the rest is fine, then it s fine
1974 U Thant uprising – a first hand account
So what’s a “Lagacy Candidate”? Someone who lags behind? You’re right I should read more! Tin Myint-U has a doctorate in Mathematics, but was not very successful in his chosen profession so he went into politics using his Dad’s (a rather incompetent UN secretary general) name to claim his “legacy(sic) status” as “Min-Laung” (future king) to the Burmese peacock throne just like what Suu Kyi is doing now. So what about Wirathu, another Min-Laung? ha ha ha!
What Burma needs is a French Revolution of sorts!
1974 U Thant uprising – a first hand account
Tocharian doesn’t seem to know the political term “Lagacy Candidate”. He should read more often.
Hasn’t he ever heard of “Ghandis”, “Kennedys”, “Bushes”, and “Clintons”? Or current South Korean President “Park Geun-Hye” the daughter of former president “Park Chung-hee”.
We Burmese are just catching up, ha ha ha!
When Lee Kuan Yew dies…
Singapore seemingly run forever by Lee Quan Yu and his family and cohorts is as artificial and fake as possibly can for a tiny island nation at one of the most geopolitically important locations on this planet.
Singapore will stay that (peaceful and prospective) way as long as Lee Quan Yu’s Secret-Population-Ratio (not allowed to speak of it but it actually exists) of 70% Buddhists, 15% Muslims, and others the rest in Singapore is strictly maintained even after the eventual passing away of Lee Quan Yu.
Hormones: Temporary chemistry of rebellion
I wonder if the television series led to the recent student protests at Thammasat University which led to the authorities relenting on the strict uniform codes? If so perhaps this may be the thin end of the wedge and other institutions may follow.
Hormones: Temporary chemistry of rebellion
As someone who was intrigued by the web highlight of this series, I am thankful that I had the opportunity to see the series.
I have to admire Thai TV station for being so progressive and able to market a product with young cast members and yet attracted the attention of many, and perhaps this would be a healthy way to persuade youngster to consider the media and art world.
However, I personally think the show could have taken care of a few details in order to be a better series.
1) I got the impression that all Thai families were well-to-do. None of them was actually portrayed in a below than average income home – even for one whose mother was merely selling cakes.
2) I did not understand how Toei could end up being labelled so negatively and yet Sprit got away with the sleeping-around.
3) The homosexual issue could have been dealt with better. It gave the bad impression that a gay boy remained so because he had no experience of being with a girl. If he had so, he would be like Phoo, who could be ‘changed’. This gave the poor impression of real struggle among many gay boys.
4) Which teacher would allow kids to alcohol to her organised gathering? That made no sense.
5) It made no sense too that Khwan would be unprepared for exam? A good student would not prepare for exam only the night before. If she was the good student as claimed, she would have been reading weeks before. One night of not studying properly could not have made her into such state. And moreover, as a smart student, I could not believe that among all the exam cheating techniques, that option was the best she could come up with.
6) Toei played basketball. I imagined she would be strong enough to defend herself against Bee.
7) When Toei was beaten so badly, and her friends cared so much, why not just visit her home?
8) There was no mention of the English class after the Din and Dow incident. Why?
9) Episode 13 was a waste of time. It was just an episode with much time wasted on listening to rock songs…
10) Nice that Mhog could snap photos without flash at night.
When Lee Kuan Yew dies…
The squeaky clean “City State” (no chewing gum please, we’re Singaporeans!) is also infamous as a money-laundering haven for all kinds of dictators, despots, princelings, drug warlords, etc. etc. from the neighbourhood (Burma and China are not that far away!). Please come and clean your dirty money at the Money-Laundromat-Banks of the Lion City, part of the Colonial British Commonwealth (common wealth indeed LOL)
Hormones: Temporary chemistry of rebellion
Thanks for this very interesting post! I have not watched the series but was wondering whether the interesting analysis should not also have addressed the issue of the title. Does the title ‘Hormones’ not effectively suggest that any of the apparently ‘rebellious behaviour’ displayed by these teenagers should not be interpreted as political, because the title suggests this is simply the result of the condition of the adolescent brain?
When Lee Kuan Yew dies…
Briefly, I can tell you this. There won’t be any problem!
The City State is so well managed & fortified with first tier & second tier
of well qualified personnel . . . all top notch scholars with First Class degrees from reputable universities (CERTAINLY NOT FROM MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITIES) . . . sourced out & manhunted well before time . . . put through the mills . . . rigorous training . . . apprenticeship . . . tested etc.
With the whole administration, completely uncorrupted (Not like the UMNOputras of Malaysia or elsewhere), it will be difficult & unimaginable to replace it with anything better! Apart from the fact, the Government is absolutely unmatched by any other.
Great statesman breeds even greater statesmen . . . an inevitable format for further prospect & growth.
Just think why is CHINA so willing to join projects with Singapore. If you haver never been to China, you should go there for first hand experience.
By Paul Chong
http://paulchong.net
[email protected]
FaceBook.com/paul.chong.3726
Dated: Sunday, 15 September 20134
Hormones: Temporary chemistry of rebellion
All pretty trivial stuff, not least with its obligatory reference to Jacksonian pontification, but good to know about the series. Anyone know if is available on DVD yet?
Realistic Utopia and a reply to Angry Grey Man
Hi,
Thanks for your input.
You raise two good points to consider:
1) The possibility of a version of the site in Bahasa.
2) A question about the public that I intend to address, a question about audience?
For now, I haven’t the resources to produce the site in Bahasa but that is something I will look into.
As for the second question of audience, I hope to supply resources to those who are politically engaged, democratically inclined, and willing to do something to advance the ideals of democracy and legality in Malaysia. These may be “activist” lawyers or judges as well as citizens, NGO types etc.
While I am fine with other theorists taking notice of the site, you will note that the content is not especially theoretical in the sense that it is not written in a strictly rigorous philosophical mode. It is also shorn of references and such to keep things simple. It is not a repository of primary or secondary scholarly material. In short, JMI is not an alternative venue for putting up standard academic analysis that is intended for other scholars.
To be clear, I do not believe that the audience must be trained in theory or the particulars of this or that theory to appreciate what is going on (also I use Rawls and Dworkin as examples of theorists within a particular tradition and do not claim that I am simply applying their theories. Indeed, I expressly resist the application of Rawls to Malaysia, as I explained during the Malaysia-Singapore report during the question and answer period.)
I am also wary of too much dumbing down. Part of the problem with popular discourse on Malaysian law and politics is that it is too simplistic; it borders often on pure bullshit i.e. indifference to truth. Part of the aim of the site is to elevate the quality of popular discourse.
At any rate, if you have suggestions as to how to make the content more accessible, then I would love to hear them.
Finally, it is too bad that you are very pessimistic about the public i.e.citizens who are trying hard to improve Malaysian law and politics, where I think the meaning of “improvement” is apparent in context. We would not now have legitimate two party politics if not for these citizens. And the theme of democratic change would not have risen to prominence if not for them either. I have not given up on them. Nor should you.
Hormones: Temporary chemistry of rebellion
Thank you so much for the nice summary. A lot of people including me do not have an opportunity to watch “Hormones” and thought that it was just another film like The Love of Siam (2007) where it touches upon the issue of teen sex.
I had always thought that Thai people should be exposed more to international films like:
We Shall Overcome (2006) (original title = “Dr├╕mmen”)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0425235/
https://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr%C3%B8mmen
V for Vendetta (2005)
Jacquou le Croquant (2007)
where oppressed and abused students, peasants and citizens rebel against their respective headmaster, feudal lord or government.
I thought that it would be too costly and risky to make films like these in Thailand. Just translation and distribution of these famous films are difficult enough.
But my thought has changed…
People are wearing Guy Fawkes mask in Thailand. This is an indication that they are exposed to V for Vendetta in one way or another.
And there is “Hormones” discussed here – made by Thai producer, watched and debated by millions of people both inside and outside Thailand.
It is worth noting though – “Hormones” is broadcasted via satellite channel. The censorship practice is fairly different from that of free TV and internet TV. The target audience and accessibility are debatable too.
Left out of reconciliation?
Vichai – what are you even talking about? I may be dense, but I honestly can’t understand your reply. Forget the two Yinglucks nonsense – without resorting to any sarcasm, what is your point about Yingluck? Unfortunately with most of your posts, it is quite difficult to tell when you are being sarcastic and when you are making an actual argument. Too bad, I wish you would engage in serious debate because this forum can often feel like an echo chamber with so many readers having quite similar views.
Not only that, you distorted my point. I am not “alarmed” that either Abhisit will be PM or the army will stage a coup. If Yingluck is such a terrible PM, who, if not Abhisit, could you possibly be supporting? Imagine I said “Barak Obama is a terrible president, his character is highly suspect, and the Democrats equally bad.” Whether I intend it or not, how could I not be implicitly supporting the Republicans since there are only two realistic choices?
My point is this: You consistently make inflammatory remarks about Yingluck, but do you believe that right now there is viable alternative to her? If so, who or what is that alternative ? What would that alternative do that Yingluck isn’t doing? And why would they be able to do whatever that is, if Yingluck cannot or will not do it now?
1974 U Thant uprising – a first hand account
Burmese society is based on very simple principles such as : “bully the people beneath you and suck up to the people above you”. Most people living in Burma do not have a broader view of what’s happening elsewhere in the modern world and therefore are unable to see their own personal political actions in the right perspective. Even for ex-pat Burmese dissidents living in the West like Hla Oo or Maung Zarni (I name these two because they have diametrical views about Muslims) their views are heavily tainted by their “agendas” (mainly related to funding and/or political refugee/asylum or even getting a Ph.D. on a topic about Burmese politics/history in a Western University lol).
Finally, I can’t stand this hero-worshipping thing that Burmese like to engage in: from Aung San (and his daughter) to U Thant (and his son/grandson) to Lo Hsinghan (and his son Steven Lo), …
U Thant was just a (compromise) UN secretary general. What’s the big deal? Was he really good at what he did? Better than Ban Ki Moon or Boutros Boutros Ghali or Kofi Annan (definitely a loser!) or Kurt Waldheim (an ex-Nazi?) or whoever? These other guys (let alone their family) don’t get this “heroic status” in their respective countries: South Korea, Egypt, Ghana, Austria, …
What’s with Burmese society? It’s not just the pecking order. It’s all about “who’s your daddy or even grand-daddy?” LOL
Realistic Utopia and a reply to Angry Grey Man
This plug is far better.
You are indeed more optimistic than I had supposed.
I have a few brief comments before I must return to work.
You write of your worry…
This is a real worry for the work that I do because my intention is to construct a theory of law and politics capable of motivating practical action for the improvement of Malaysian law and society
Aspirations for constructing a realistic utopia are admirable. But for anyone not familiar with Rawls’ ideal theory who reads this plug, a realistic utopia may seem to be an oxymoron, and subsequently your site may be too easily passed over.
So, how do you turn what you’ve got into something digestible for citizens who’re not enthused with serious political theory but are not incapable of being intellectuals? The ones, I think, who may aid you in your construction efforts?
Why is your website, which is wonderfully constructed, not written in Bahasa Melayu? What public are you targeting? Me? I don’t like the public. They turned me grey.
Are discussants of liberalism and cultures of domination the only sort of intellectuals worth engaging with?
If so, I fear the size of your public requiring motivation (not very optimistic if the initial assumption is the public is unmotivated) for practical action towards improvement (whatever you mean by that – everyone wants to improve, don’t they?) may be rather limited.
Forced relocation and impoverishment of ethnic communities: Myanmar’s Tamanthi Dam
I’m writing on this and was wondering if you would be so kind as to give me links to the information you are providing. Thank you!