Whether you know it or not every local around you is sizing you up and has a secret opinion, occasionally quite cynical, about you. Like it or not — that is the way it is. Of course, Cambodians tend to be mostly quite sympathetic and love foreigners, but don't kid yourselves, they are also quite poor and see us in ways we are quite oblivious to..... And for sure, they see the comically bathetic and offensive living stereotypes repeated again and again.

In Siem Reap for example — which has plenty of expats of all ages and backgrounds — the locals apply the "5-star rating system" to foreigners and their partners (local or otherwise).

A typical case is the 3-star barang with the aspiring high maintenance 5-star wife. Or, vice-versa...

There are many possible scenarios. The man conceives himself as a 5-star hotshot, but all the women joke he's really only a 2-star wannabe.

I wonder how much money and property it takes to be a true super "5-star hotshot" barang?

Who cares? People judge other people, anywhere you go.
Even the most well-liked foreigners are going to be seen as having their quirks, considering the cultural differences.

The stereotypical broke, drunk, druggie foreigners are pathetic, but there are plenty of Cambodian people living that lifestyle too. A lot of those foreigners end up here because it’s a relatively easy place to live that lifestyle.

Ryan754326 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:42 am Who cares? People judge other people, anywhere you go.

I am merely pointing out a sociological fact. I am not voicing any judgement about whether I care about it or not. Ryan, I would wager you must be the typical American who shuts off any discussion before it's begun...like big daikon and many others of your ilk.

That's interesting at all.

But what do you suggest they're basing this points system on? You seem to have some insight.

orichá wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:27 am

Ryan754326 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:42 am Who cares? People judge other people, anywhere you go.

I am merely pointing out a sociological fact. I am not voicing any judgement about whether I care about it or not. Ryan, I would wager you must be the typical American who shuts off any discussion before it's begun...like big daikon and many others of your ilk.

No, I’m not American… and I’m not trying to shut down the discussion, I just don’t understand why it matters if the locals want to rate us on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.

I do my best to be friendly and respectful to everyone I interact with, but I’m not going to lose any sleep if someone thinks I’m too fat or ugly to be with the woman I’m with.

ItWasntMe wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:57 am
But what do you suggest they're basing this points system on? You seem to have some insight.

They are basing it on the attitude and behavior of the foreigners in relation to their apparent / actual social and economic status...

For example , I have listened to more than one local woman who runs a bar complaining about arrogant French drunks who behave as if they are superior but are just lowly, rubbishy and racist and poor...trying to get off not paying for their beers as if they have a right to drink for free...

With so many bad white apples scurrying around like rabid rats — whose behavior and attitude contradicts their appearance and identity — it's no wonder the Khmer came up with the rating system. (It's their system, by the way. Not mine.)

orichá wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 9:42 am

ItWasntMe wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:57 am
But what do you suggest they're basing this points system on? You seem to have some insight.

They are basing it on the attitude and behavior of the foreigners in relation to their apparent / actual social and economic status...

For example , I have listened to more than one local woman who runs a bar complaining about arrogant French drunks who behave as if they are superior but are just lowly, rubbishy and racist and poor...trying to get off not paying for their beers as if they have a right to drink for free...

With so many bad white apples scurrying around like rabid rats — whose behavior and attitude contradicts their appearance and identity — it's no wonder the Khmer came up with the rating system. (It's their system, by the way. Not mine.)

Ok so basically:

1 star = cheap charlie racist
5 stars = big spender whatever

And here I thought the locals cared only about my lovely appearance.
Seriously though, I appreciate this rating system, might actually not be a 1 star for once

Ryan754326 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:42 am Who cares? People judge other people, anywhere you go.

1. Part of our identity is how we are perceived by others.
2. Being an ethnic outsider/minority may impact #1.
3. Being a Westerner in Asia, language and cultural skills would play a role in how the locals perceive you.

(This discussion could be interesting. Not sure why I was mentioned.)

That's the case everywhere from what I've seen. Locals judge foreigners and each other, foreigners judge foreigners, foreigners judge locals.

In most Western countries (depending on the country) a certain percentage of the locals look at foreigners and probably decide they're either rich Asians living in luxury, potential terrorists/ people from a barbaric culture, refugees looking for a handout. border jumpers looking for a handout/ taking our jobs, migrant workers taking our jobs, skilled professionals taking our jobs, mail order brides, thieves, rapists, drug dealers and gangsters. Some may acknowledge that the foreign guy he works with is an ok dude, but it general they look at anyone foreign with distrust and according to what they 'think' they know about that country.

You even see it here on this forum. I've seen plenty of disparaging and judgemental comments about backpackers, dreadlocked hippies, TEFLers, YouTubers, retired drunks, sexpats, those who enjoy smoking weed, those who are struggling to get by on a limited income .... pretty much anyone living a slightly different lifestyle to whatever poster made the comment.

Random Dude wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 10:05 am That's the case everywhere from what I've seen. Locals judge foreigners and each other, foreigners judge foreigners, foreigners judge locals.

In most Western countries (depending on the country) a certain percentage of the locals look at foreigners and probably decide they're either rich Asians living in luxury, potential terrorists/ people from a barbaric culture, refugees looking for a handout. border jumpers looking for a handout/ taking our jobs, migrant workers taking our jobs, skilled professionals taking our jobs, mail order brides, thieves, rapists, drug dealers and gangsters. Some may acknowledge that the foreign guy he works with is an ok dude, but it general they look at anyone foreign with distrust.

You even see it here on this forum. I've seen plenty of disparaging and judgemental comments about backpackers, dreadlocked hippies, TEFLers, YouTubers, retired drunks, sexpats, those who enjoy smoking weed, those who are struggling to get by on a limited income .... pretty much anyone living a slightly different lifestyle to whatever poster made the comment.

Backpackers = they are too young and having too much fun, fuck them!
Dreadlocks = they still have hair, fuck them!
Hipsters = they have money, fuck them!
YouTubers = they're making money, fuck them!
TEFLers = not sure, but fuck them also!
retired drunks = they fine.
sexpats = they fine.
stoners = they fine.
losers = it could happen to any of us.