Which is why we all know that culture is very subjective. "it's learned, shared, dynamic, multifaceted and cultural identities are overlapping" (Trenholm 2004).
The values we uphold are more often than not, shaped by the culture we are in. These cultural values provide the context within which a society's norms are established and justified.
Yet sometimes, is it okay to carry out certain activities or do certain acts just because its part of your culture and people of your society are doing it? Well the issue of the 'red shirts' in Thailand would definitely explain more.
We all should be aware of the current situation in Bangkok, Thailand where the 'red shirts' of the United Front for Democracy against the Dictatorship (UDD) are protesting against the Prime Minister to dissolve the parliament and have another election. They gathered at the shopping district of Ratchaprasong and striked which caused a downfall for the buisnesses there as people could not visit the malls.
Through this issue, the idea of culture is further tackled as we can see that the politics of different countries is also affected by their culture. In Bangkok, this politial scence might be part common and normal of people to particpate in politics but the case might not be so for Singapore's culture, would it? Especially in Singapore's political system whereby the culture isnt to participate much in it as the government is trusted greatly.
Yet in Bangkok, the people have grown up in a culture whereby the 'red shirts' only believe what their leader Jatuporn Prompan and the former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Sinawatra say and they have a certain manner of thinking as they think that Thailand will only improve with their leader being incharge of it and they all have an anti-government sentiment since they think the their government is pro-elitist.
This proves to us that the 'red shirts' are actually part of a collectivist culture and due to this they have a common identity since they rely on one another for opinions and do whatever each of them does so they depend on the UDD, plus they share a common colour as well to identify themselves.
So what do you think about culture playing a part in a country's politics and if it were you would you agree with the red shirts and follow their culture blindly or would you take a step back and form your own opinions. Please do comment, thanks!
In my opinion the red shirts simply prefered it when thaksin was in charge, and are extremely unhappy when he was taken out of office and for the way he was treated. there are defintely ppl in thailand wo do not agree with what the red shirts are doing, but looking at how rowdily the red shirts are acting, would you want to be the initiator of a new revolution, let alone go against the red shirts.so for this situation, i think that its not thai's culture to be the way they are. more like thaksin has masterminded the cultivation of the red shirts and the situation the whole nation is currently in.
ReplyDeleteI guess thinking deeper, with the riot, it really affect the whole of Thailand's economy. With the withdrawal of business groups & tourist, business might collapse. It should be cultivated to think logically and not to just to go riot and do not of the consequences.
ReplyDeleteI certainly do agree that it is Thailand's culture to step in and change the face of their country's government as and when they like it. For us who have knowledge of South-east Asian history would know that Thailand has had a row of prime ministers since the World War 2 ended.
ReplyDeleteIt would be idealistic for us to say that these people should think about their actions and not just carry on rioting just because it was how they were programmed to function. However, that is the way of life of the people of Thailand and our views of non-consequence.
i did the exact same topic as you.but i do think culture plays a part in a country's politics, and the politics in the country too do play a part in the country's system.take for example,Singapore,if the leading political party of Singapore behaves exactly like the UDD,im sure that the culture of Singapore will be based more on demostrations and protest.
ReplyDeleteDemocracy is system designed to make the people happy though the rule of the majority. By having everyone vote to choose the leadership, they feel like they have control, were given a choice in the matter, rather than a dictatorship, where other people choose for you. More than just culture, I thought this whole incident was more a product of the red shirts feeling like they "lost control" when Thaksin was ousted and the military took control.
ReplyDeleteThaksin was not ousted by democratic vote, and his party was banned, without the Red Shirts being able to vote for any of this.
Its sort of similar to a person being robbed in their own house. They have no control over the situation, and because of this they feel more outraged or violated than scared.
As such, without the feeling of them having lost to a majority, without the feeling of having some form of control, they feel violated and thus the immense outrage.
Oh and personally I abhor democracy.
Different cultures brought up different kind of people. Ultimately, people should try to solve problem in a manner that will benefit the country.
ReplyDeleteThey (thai's) cut themselves and spill their blood in a mean of protest or rather they say "culture". Hey, but i thought blood should be use to save life not use in this way.
ReplyDeleteYes, i agree that we all grow up in a society where culture play a huge role in our life but sometimes you must think what is reasonable what is not. I'm not saying following our culture is right nor wrong. I'm just trying to say, follow your heart but not blindly.
There is nothing wrong with mixing culture with politics, because the latter is basically shaped by the former. For example, pragmatism is the accepted 'culture' that Singaporeans embrace which brings about the hegemony nature of our political scene.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Red Shirts, in terms of political freedom, they have every rights to voice their opinions and in a way, 'follow their culture blindly'. However, when their actions are detrimental to the country's progress, such as protests against their actions by fellow countrymen from the tourism industry (and not for political reasons), then such acts by the Red Shirt would be condone.
Only 'opposition' that will bring the country forward will be desirable.
yiling said...
ReplyDeleteOf course culture plays a part in a country's politics. Singapore's culture will be, with everyone being busy with their own lives and wanting the least trouble to themselves, they wouldn't care less for others'. So even if they do not agree with the red shirts, I bet they will not form their own opinions yet I think they will take that step back. However, this may not be a bad thing because at the very least, we are safe.
from what I just read from your blog, it seems the population who support Thaksin are very much influenced by him and while he may bring some advantages to that group of people who support him, i think these people who go on to fight and stuff are definitely influenced by culture and peer influence! i mean, are there that many people who are willing to get hurt and possibly die just because of their leader nowadays?
ReplyDeleteWell societal norms are shaped by people's cultures and what they perceive as ethically right in their eyes. These Red Shirts are majorly made up of farmers and well, mostly the poorer side of the community so it makes sense that they are against the elites and their vested interests.
ReplyDeleteI feel that this culture in Bangkok is mainly based on the Red Shirts' reluctance to accept change. They are so comfortable with the way things are usually runned that they are unable to accept something fresh. Hence they feel confused, distressed and threatened, translating to the the need to take action. In addition, there may also be the lack of education. Because of this, these Red Shirts are unable to make wise choices for themselves and under influence, merely follow the crowd whenever they stage a demonstration, or waste their blood just to prove a point.
Culture do play a part in a country's political system. But if everything is based solely on culture and no rational thinking, it may lead to detrimental effects, just like the issue you've raised.
ReplyDeleteMany people of rwanda died from the lack of a proper government. In this case, the economy of Thailand is suffering due to these kind of acts. Though we can blame culture for their acts, why cant culture be the solution to their problem too?
ReplyDeletei would not take part in such activities though its part of my culture. I believe in more peaceful solutions and this is definitely not the way. As Gandhi once said, you must be the change you want to see in the world.
ReplyDeleteThe UN should step in before this country plummets itself further into the ground. Isnt it contradictory that their actions are causing so much chaos when they want to enlist a better prime minister to bring a positive change to their country? If culture is the root of their evil, its about time that their culture changes.
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