• Tawan
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Thailand News & Views
To Bring the World to Thailand and Thailand to the World in English.
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Thursday , January 17 , 2008
What does America mean to me?
Posted by Tawan , Reader : 750 , 14:57:26  
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With the American elections coming up, I thought it would be a good time to think about not just candidates or policies but to go back to the simple but difficult question of what is America. What is so great about America? What is the American dream? What does America mean to me? I would like to try to answer. My answer is immigration and Hollywood.

America is made up of people from every single country in the world. I still have an inner laugh when I hear people in Thailand say “that person does not look like an American” because I also had the same Hollywood image of clean cut W.A.S.P. faces living in beautiful white picketed fence houses before my limited stay in America. America is like the United Nations but with one big difference. After all of the socializing and ideology discussions at the UN they can pat each other on the back and go home. Not so for America, America is one large living breathing laboratory where every race, nationality, creed, colour. Philosophies and religions learn to live together in this world of ours. Through trial and error, success and failure all of mankind is living in the great laboratory called America.

America attracts talent and dreams from people in every corner of the world. Children are taught that they are unique. Science teaches them that from all the DNA genetic code sequence and human genome switches can offer amazing combinations through the sum of mankind’s history and future all available in one laboratory America and every life is special and everything is up to you, and yes, you can be a bum or a president, up to you, does not depend on the way you were born.

You really do not need to understand all the zillions of laws created in modern times to explain America. The founding fathers said it best all men are free and all men are created equal that is the attraction that brought mankind to America. Maybe America’s isolation period and being so far away from the troubles in Asia and Europe or the escaping of destruction from two world wars gave time for the basic freedom of mankind to incubate and grow in the great laboratory America. I am sure there are other reasons but to understand America you would have to understand her Mother England and that part of the puzzle I do not have.

In my life time two great influences were Hollywood and Bollywood. Bollywood, there is nothing better to explain human nature, but for the dreams of mankind nothing better than Hollywood. Hollywood can be seen in every adventure of mankind all the way to the moon where man first set foot on the moon we came in peace for all of mankind to the messages of the Voyager space craft’s or Hollywood’s  “to boldly go where no man has gone before”. Nothing sparks the imagination of mankind than Hollywood.

So what is the American Dream? It is the words from the Founding Fathers that gave birth to a safe and stable environment for Mankind to incubate and grow. What is so great about America? It is a place to meet and learn from Mankind from every corner of the globe. What is America? Look in the mirror it is you.

Thailand will always be Thailand, China will always be China, Japan will always be Japan and India will always be India. But America will always be Mankind.

What does America mean to me? America is Mankind.

Read comment

comment 21
Tawan date : 21/01/2008 time : 10.42
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/tawan3

I am not familiar with Indianapolis just passing through. I did spend a little bit of time in St. Loius the Gateway to the American West.

I spent all of my time at or near major universities where I found the diversity as America's strength. I do not believe I could have survived outside that type of enviroment as you know every country has its share of rednecks. But as I said America is a big , living breathing laboratoy and the experment continues.

As you said all the resources are available in America but from people that come from a group culture it is sometimes hard to get used to an individual culture. I found my mouth not big enough in America and too big in Thailand.

It was my unlucky experience but I never found any support from the Thai community in America except for the once a year New Years celebration at the temple.

You are totally on your own to recieve or not to recieve the resources in America. And the communication style is a direct opposite to Thailand.

Good luck in your experience in America it was just too lonely for me.
comment 20
Pondering date : 21/01/2008 time : 00.38
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/pondering

KhonDearnDin:

I've been living and working here in Indianapolist-midwestern of America. There are probably less than 20 Thais living here and we don't have Thai community or get-together. Anyhow, equal opportunity--I may be lucky to never really have any concern about this. Citizens are aware of the basic law. Of course, if ones want to go deap, there are plenty of resourceful materials.

You know, any regulation has its own flaws, especially with such a diversed country like America. Equal opportunity is a big word. I'm pretty sure there are many who compain about not being treated fairly based on races, educations etc.
comment 19
Tawan date : 19/01/2008 time : 13.42
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/tawan3

Thank you Khun Ian,. I look forward to your next Blog. Have a good weekend.
comment 18
Ian date : 19/01/2008 time : 12.50
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

Tawan, You wrote, "I try to develop critical analysis from my experience living in America for the same reason as Foreignors on the Nation's Blog compain so much about Thailand. It is not because they hate Thailand but because they love Thailand and wish Thailand to be better."
It is nice to know that at least one Thai understands us and does not get involved in pointless arguments defending Thailand.
comment 17
Tawan date : 19/01/2008 time : 12.45
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/tawan3

Hi KhonDearnDin

Thank you so much for your comment I appreciate your comment very much.

I agree 100% percent on your comment. I am not qualified to talk about many countries. I blog mostly only about Thailand and America because these are the only two countries I have lived.

I first went to America as a student and then after graduation went to work for a total time of 12 years.

As far as hugs and kisses from Americans, I do not think I will be getting many because most of my blogs complain about America. In fact so much so that I had to step back and write this blog to keep my mind on what is good about America and I really believe everything I wrote.

I try to develop critical analysis from my experience living in America for the same reason as Foreignors on the Nation's Blog compain so much about Thailand. It is not because they hate Thailand but because they love Thailand and wish Thailand to be better.

Critical Analysis is how foreignors make change for the better and I try to learn this skill.

By the way Hollywood was only meant as a metaphor from the book soft powers.
comment 16
KhonDearnDin date : 19/01/2008 time : 12.15

Tawan, I think all Americans would want to give you a hug and kiss three times a day because your impression helps them improving their images around the world. It’s so cute.

I don’t think I am qualified of defining what America is. However, your impression is worrisome because it is misleading. First, pls. be sure that I am not pro or against America or any farang. You can find good and bad in America or any other country depending where and what you take into account for reasoning.

I never lived in Hollywood area, but some friends told me that it was like the 76th Changwad of the Kingdom of Thailand. Is it true that you could live there without speaking English?

If one wants to know “What is America” I would suggest him/her to spend enough time outside of Thai communities in America. For example, visit downtowns both at night and daytime in LA, Chicago, New York, D.C, Detroit etc. (don’t go alone and MUST study where the red, green, black, or yellow zones are); spend the night at some community/homeless shelters; living in the rural and urban communities after graduated; turn off TV sport/entertainment channels, then watch more local and national news; go to church, work, & socialize with ordinary Americans, etc. Hang out with American families without any Thai other than yourself and exchange opinions with them, and learn what they think and believe and how they live their lives.

It would be a good idea to stay with an American host family while studying if you can find/afford one.

If one does not experience such real life, an expression of America is partial, misleading. It sounds like one who claims him/herself a Thai, but never set foot in Bangkok slums, walked in the paddy fields, stayed in rural villages, etc. An expression of Thailand is partially of Bangkok!

I truly believe if you experience in both sides, you will be very proud of being a good, decent Thai. Be sure I am NOT suggesting being Thai is superior to Americans or others. If you are an American, be proud of being a good, decent American (or others). It’s just simply being a Thai or American, so on; not comparable for many reasons. “Thailand will always be Thailand”

It is worrisome if Thai kids go to school there 2-4 yrs, spend luxury life on campus, and return home to assume “Managing Director” title, a professor, or etc. Then preaching the good of America.

It is pretty scary to think of the future of Thailand. Thailand was never colonized by the western; it is scary if Thailand has been gradually colonized by a new form.

Pondering: your impression of “Equal opportunity,” law and rights of citizens is like an impression of those words in a bible. The practice is another thing. Did you actually work and live in the US long enough? Or you might be the lucky one.
comment 15
Tawan date : 18/01/2008 time : 12.51
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/tawan3

Awareness of the law is a requirement. Ignorance of the law is no exception. One can not claim I did not know.
comment 14
Pondering date : 18/01/2008 time : 08.53
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/pondering

Equal opportunity is big in America and I find it very fascinating.

.......and how the US laws have been made available to its citizen and that its citizen are encouraged to be aware of the law and their rights. I find these very admiring.
comment 13
Tawan date : 17/01/2008 time : 20.15
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/tawan3

Could be a cultural generation gap. I guess it took brash to go to a new world.
comment 12
Ian date : 17/01/2008 time : 19.03
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

I think part of the mutual disfavour that America and Europe have for each other is similar to the often disapproval of the older generation for the new generation. There is a cultural generation gap between the Old World and the New World. We tend to see Americans as brash, cocky and impetuous: I think they see us as staid, pompous and conservatively old fashioned. Having made this sweeping generalisation , I think it breaks down in areas such as entertainment and the pop music, the cinema scene, literature etc.
comment 11
Tawan date : 17/01/2008 time : 16.49
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/tawan3

Just when I thought my English was getting better.

I meant Hollywood from the book soft powers.
comment 10
Hair date : 17/01/2008 time : 16.45
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/1432
Still is his mind -  Inclusive his heart - Compassionate his actions - And free is his soul.  Ooooohhhh, I got such a long way to go.

Tawan....Hollywood. Yes I can imagine it must have been fascinating. What did you do there? Are you an actress?
comment 9
Tawan date : 17/01/2008 time : 16.38
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/tawan3

juxtaposed - How close are we?

My reason for going to America was probably the same as the person from Costa Rica, Hollywood and I would have been shocked to find out others would not go. And Hollywood did not let me down. I had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world an opportunity that I would never have in Thailand.

As far as the Europeans' feelings I can understand because as wonderful the adventure is an adventure must come to an end.

Home is sweet.
comment 8
earlsy date : 17/01/2008 time : 16.35
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/secondtimearound

Sorry about that Hair. Just being a bit flippant - a weakness of mine...
comment 7
Hair date : 17/01/2008 time : 16.33
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/1432
Still is his mind -  Inclusive his heart - Compassionate his actions - And free is his soul.  Ooooohhhh, I got such a long way to go.

Earlsy, perhaps we should ask Tawan. I would very much like some more details...is it friends from all over the world...is it work and savings opportunities....you name it.
comment 6
earlsy date : 17/01/2008 time : 16.25
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/secondtimearound

"Tawan, I am curious to why you find it attractive to live in America? "

Isn't that what she just wrote in the original article?
comment 5
Hair date : 17/01/2008 time : 16.21
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/1432
Still is his mind -  Inclusive his heart - Compassionate his actions - And free is his soul.  Ooooohhhh, I got such a long way to go.

Yes and in all fairness to America, I should say that most Americans do not want to live in Europe. So there seems to be a mutual and opposite distaste, two wide worlds apart from each other.

Tawan, I am curious to why you find it attractive to live in America?
comment 4
earlsy date : 17/01/2008 time : 16.18
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/secondtimearound

Great article. And good to see it juxtaposed with so much else here which, rather than being inclusive, is exclusive...
comment 3
Tawan date : 17/01/2008 time : 16.04
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/tawan3

I have a long way to go also.

Interesting about the Indians in America. Like all immigrants in the beginning they loved the cities New York, New Jersey. I have many Indian friends in America one told me that New York must be at least 40% Indian. Now alot of Indians are investing in smaller cities around America and moving out of New Jersey.

One Indian friend told me that his family chose to live in America because at least there were some of the pie let over for them.
comment 2
Hair date : 17/01/2008 time : 15.44
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/1432
Still is his mind -  Inclusive his heart - Compassionate his actions - And free is his soul.  Ooooohhhh, I got such a long way to go.

Tawan,
Many thanks for sharing. I am glad you find inspiration from living in and experiencing America (USA). But if America is mankind, I do not want to be part of mankind at this time. I lived there for 23 years, and I became rather disappointed in the last 6-7 years.
One of my neighbors was from Costa Rica. She beleived that everyone wants to come and live in America. She was shocked to hear from me that most Europeans have no interest in living in America. A recent global survey of parents also showed that they in a majority of countries in the world did not wish for the children to live in America. India was a notable exception. For some reason, middle class Indians seem to find America extremely attractive. In fact, Indians are the richest (highest average income) group in America (richer than the WASP).
comment 1
GGrass date : 17/01/2008 time : 15.44
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/GGrass

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