But I did let go

 

Well, I did let go, but then along came Sunday and within another context in my Bangkok, the same basic issue jumps in front of me, with two worried leaders of the church community coming to me after mass with a concern.  What to do?  Continue letting go.  Like much of life, it is a process and not a one off action.    

What is the basic issue?  It is the lack of recognition and communication offered within the Thai workplace and church to foreigners.  There is just a seeming Thai mindset that does not include non-Thais in conversation and dialogue in things that matter, even when necessary due to one's work or role. This one issue feeds into wider and more worrying issues at play within Thai society, like discrimination, exclusion of outsiders and even xenophobia.   It speaks of the Thai sense of exceptionalism that one living here may experience.  However it is named, there is ever the natural human fear of the other at play.  

The message of the need for communication is not getting across, and may never so, as the cultural forces are too strong.  I understand and accept that.  Okay!  Let it be, but the same old ways continually hit you in the face and it all just gets tiring.  You do not look for it but it just keeps happening.  While it gets tiring, I choose not to fight but, yes, stand up for respect at all times and build bridges, not more walls.  

This is not about being anti anyone.  This is not about getting disturbed or perturbed.  Rather it is about addressing social reality, issues and behaviours that matter, respect for self and others.  That is it.   Respect does matter.  The world we all want together starts with me.  That is the basic building block.  I go from there.  So let go, accept and continue to act for upholding respect for all.  And I must add, I must not take myself too seriously.  Sense of humour always.