It's just politics, man; nothing personal
-
- Expatriate
- Posts: 271
- Joined: Thu May 15, 2014 3:25 am
- Reputation: 3
It's just politics, man; nothing personal
I'll have to admit that I am not very conversant when it comes to Cambodian politics. At one time, I was very interested in American politics. But what it has become, what we as a people have become is not something that I would choose to converse upon, and if I did so partake, nothing good would be said about the situation anyways.
But what about chatting with other expats about Cambodian politics? Is it a topic which is not broached much because most expats are not so knowledgeable about the topic, we are not interested in the topic, or feel, like me, that as visitors in the Kingdom, it is not our place to offer opinions about which party or which politician we think are either good or bad? Listening to, or overhearing, a foreigner's strong opinions on politics or on society does not usually go over well in many places, foreign or domestic.
But what about chatting with other expats about Cambodian politics? Is it a topic which is not broached much because most expats are not so knowledgeable about the topic, we are not interested in the topic, or feel, like me, that as visitors in the Kingdom, it is not our place to offer opinions about which party or which politician we think are either good or bad? Listening to, or overhearing, a foreigner's strong opinions on politics or on society does not usually go over well in many places, foreign or domestic.
- vladimir
- The Pun-isher
- Posts: 6077
- Joined: Mon May 12, 2014 6:51 pm
- Reputation: 185
- Location: The Kremlin
Re: It's just politics, man; nothing personal
I've never understood that thinking.nightmare.believer wrote:or feel, like me, that as visitors in the Kingdom, it is not our place to offer opinions about which party or which politician we think are either good or bad?
I treat it like a restaurant: you pay, and you have the right to voice your opinion. In any event, the motivation behind the comment is important; constructive criticism should be welcomed.
I suspect the powers that be would welcome any positive comments, I'm not sure about any negative input, no matter how diplomatically termed.
Jesus loves you...Mexico is great, right?
-
- Expatriate
- Posts: 1559
- Joined: Sat May 17, 2014 5:51 am
- Reputation: 0
Re: It's just politics, man; nothing personal
I talk about it all the time with friends and acquaintances. But after a while, the conversation just run in circle.
EVERYONE BOW DOWN AND PAY EXTREME HOMAGE TO HIS MAJESTIES flying chicken©
-
- Expatriate
- Posts: 271
- Joined: Thu May 15, 2014 3:25 am
- Reputation: 3
Re: It's just politics, man; nothing personal
In such situations back in Barangland, I though the foreigner out of place to opine in the negative about domestic issues. Why? None of his damned business. You're in Cambodia as a guest of the country. It's the same thing. You might live there or even have a business, but everything politics is really none of your business. Many countries in Asia have had direct experience with foreigners interfering in past domestic situations, so the government and the people, in this case, would be more sensitive to foreign(ers)' opinions.vladimir wrote:I've never understood that thinking.nightmare.believer wrote:or feel, like me, that as visitors in the Kingdom, it is not our place to offer opinions about which party or which politician we think are either good or bad?
-
- Site Admin
- Posts: 4193
- Joined: Fri May 02, 2014 8:05 pm
- Reputation: 17
Re: It's just politics, man; nothing personal
Take me for example. Politics here impact me, my life, my business, my family life, my extended family, etc. I have more than a visitors worth of vested interest in the success and growth of this country.nightmare.believer wrote:In such situations back in Barangland, I though the foreigner out of place to opine in the negative about domestic issues. Why? None of his damned business. You're in Cambodia as a guest of the country. It's the same thing. You might live there or even have a business, but everything politics is really none of your business. Many countries in Asia have had direct experience with foreigners interfering in past domestic situations, so the government and the people, in this case, would be more sensitive to foreign(ers)' opinions.vladimir wrote:I've never understood that thinking.nightmare.believer wrote:or feel, like me, that as visitors in the Kingdom, it is not our place to offer opinions about which party or which politician we think are either good or bad?
-
- Expatriate
- Posts: 271
- Joined: Thu May 15, 2014 3:25 am
- Reputation: 3
Re: It's just politics, man; nothing personal
And there is not a single thing you can do about the political situation, and talking about it can only hurt you.OrangeDragon wrote:Take me for example. Politics here impact me, my life, my business, my family life, my extended family, etc. I have more than a visitors worth of vested interest in the success and growth of this country.nightmare.believer wrote:In such situations back in Barangland, I though the foreigner out of place to opine in the negative about domestic issues. Why? None of his damned business. You're in Cambodia as a guest of the country. It's the same thing. You might live there or even have a business, but everything politics is really none of your business. Many countries in Asia have had direct experience with foreigners interfering in past domestic situations, so the government and the people, in this case, would be more sensitive to foreign(ers)' opinions.vladimir wrote:I've never understood that thinking.nightmare.believer wrote:or feel, like me, that as visitors in the Kingdom, it is not our place to offer opinions about which party or which politician we think are either good or bad?
- StroppyChops
- The Missionary Man
- Posts: 10598
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2014 11:24 am
- Reputation: 1032
Re: It's just politics, man; nothing personal
^ just a little Orwellian don't you think, NB?
Bodge: This ain't Kansas, and the neighbours ate Toto!
-
- Expatriate
- Posts: 271
- Joined: Thu May 15, 2014 3:25 am
- Reputation: 3
Re: It's just politics, man; nothing personal
Not for SE Asia.StroppyChops wrote:^ just a little Orwellian don't you think, NB?
Re: It's just politics, man; nothing personal
Yeah but most posters have much less at stake here than you, and therefore don't feel the need or purpose to get too involved in local politics. I can't imagine locals anywhere appreciating foreigners getting involved in their politics. The locals might tolerate anyone who agrees with their own personal views voicing an opinion, but God help you if cross the line and take a position contrary to theirs. Could get quite ugly for you.OrangeDragon wrote: Take me for example. Politics here impact me, my life, my business, my family life, my extended family, etc. I have more than a visitors worth of vested interest in the success and growth of this country.
- Born-Confused
- Expatriate
- Posts: 191
- Joined: Tue May 20, 2014 9:29 am
- Reputation: 68
Re: It's just politics, man; nothing personal
I think that's the key - get involved at an arms length. I tried to show an interest in my former Khmer staffs' attitudes and ideals toward politics, and most if not all (and these were a very educated lot) were very coy about giving straight answers, and even told me to be very careful with what I say, not for fear for them, but for any eavesdroppers. I'm not paranoid, so didn't bother me, but it did bother them!Soi Dog wrote:Yeah but most posters have much less at stake here than you, and therefore don't feel the need or purpose to get too involved in local politics. I can't imagine locals anywhere appreciating foreigners getting involved in their politics. The locals might tolerate anyone who agrees with their own personal views voicing an opinion, but God help you if cross the line and take a position contrary to theirs. Could get quite ugly for you.OrangeDragon wrote: Take me for example. Politics here impact me, my life, my business, my family life, my extended family, etc. I have more than a visitors worth of vested interest in the success and growth of this country.
-
- Similar Topics
- Replies
- Views
- Last post
-
- 0 Replies
- 303 Views
-
Last post by phuketrichard
-
- 7 Replies
- 1801 Views
-
Last post by newkidontheblock
-
- 33 Replies
- 5690 Views
-
Last post by Big Daikon
-
- 8 Replies
- 5273 Views
-
Last post by emm
-
- 1 Replies
- 1082 Views
-
Last post by General Mackevili
-
- 1 Replies
- 1451 Views
-
Last post by techietraveller84