For last post I'm making for today, I've decided to talk about one of the random aspects of Thailand I have been noticing more and more. You see, in America, we have things that are, well, American. More specifically I'm talking about our pop culture. We have specific American music, television shows, and even food that we've all know to be American. And contrary to what people think, I doubt America is where you can find the most diverse cultures and customs. Why? Because Thailand has way more.
In America we may have European stuff, but we lack in the Asia department. It's hundreds of times more difficult for an American to (legally) download Asian music, movies, and other pop culture. In Thailand, they practically flash it everywhere. Korean and Chinese bands are quite popular. Some I can name as being well-known are Super Junior, One Generation, Girl's Generation, and TVXQ. Japanese cartoons and comics are equally popular, with the leading series being Doraemon, Hitman Reborn!, FairyTale, Yugioh!, Naruto, and One Peice. How do I know their popularity? I haven't know a Thai who has not been a fan of at least one of these. In fact, all the Thai girls I talk to, including Parn, say their favorite Korean pop bands' members are their boyfriends. LOL Thailand also has whole channels dedicated to Japanese animation and dramas from China and Korea.
Thai's of course have their own stuff, and it's not like it's horrible. But they also love things from other countries too. It doesn't just stop with the pop culture either. You have random store signs in Japanese, Korean, or Chinese. As far I know, no one understands what these signs are advertising, but they don't seem to care. In stores, Japanese candy and snacks dominate the shelves much like noodles from China do.
The reason for all this? I think it's because in Thailand, there are many different types of Asian people with a bunch of different backgrounds. Put this all in one country and you get Thailand. Either that, or the fact that Thai people are so freakin' friendly. Locals tell me Thailand loves other countries and welcomes just about everyone. They aren't interested in building big businesses here, so they don't mind getting their stuff from other countries. Thailand makes enough money in agriculture for it's easy to grow and raise food there.
There is a downside to all this though. Thailand lacks diversity in the European, African, and South American department. In fact, when Jill talks to the Thais about Germany, most have no idea where the country is let alone what there is there. The only place I've seen anything European is in a high tourist area, which is kind of where you'd expect to see more international stuff. So in a way, Thailand is opposite to America. In Thailand they are clueless with Europe and in America, we're clueless with Asia. Kind of interesting, eh?
Although I'd have to give Thailand some points for having more of a international feel to it. America doesn't have European channels, just saying...
So I hope you enjoyed all the posts for today~ And I'll be coming back with more soon.
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