A split personality?<\/p>\n
During the past week we witnessed the debate over the
\nparticipation of the Indonesian beauty queen, Alya Rohali, in the
\nMiss Universe contest in the United States. And as observers of
\nsocial affairs we found an interesting aspect in the controversy.
\nThis controversy, among other things, reflects the image we have
\nof being a nation which likes to apply, more or less, a double
\nstandard.<\/p>\n
We object to the vital statistics of the contestants being
\ntaken, or to their wearing skimpy swimsuits, which we consider
\ndenigrating to women. On the other hand we broadcast
\ninternational beauty contests on our television stations and show
\nHollywood movies in which the actresses wear bikinis. Similarly,
\nwhile we are striving to establish a safer society by encouraging
\npleasant behavior, we are bombarded with shows that are full of
\nviolence.<\/p>\n
The intellectual Y.B. Mangunwijaya, who earlier this month
\nreceived the Teeuw Award, told this newspaper recently that the
\nIndonesian nation is at present suffering from a split
\npersonality syndrome. On the one hand we still live in a world of
\ntradition, a world of mythology. On the other hand various
\ndevelopments force us to live in a different era. On the one hand
\nthe electronic age is making rapid inroads in various aspects of
\nour lives. On the other hand our state of mind is for a large
\npart still feudal.<\/p>\n
It could be that the situation in which we live compels us to
\ngo through a stage in which we must suffer such a split
\npersonality. Obviously, however, we do not want to grow into a
\nnation in which such behavior is normal, a nation of hypocrites
\nwhose words do not match their deeds.<\/p>\n
We would like to underline this because, aside from the Miss
\nUniverse controversy, many examples can be found in our daily
\nlives to attest to the reality of this phenomenon.<\/p>\n
In economic forums, such as APEC and AFTA, to the surprise of
\neven some advanced countries, we are always in the forefront
\namong countries stating their readiness to join the world of free
\nmarkets. However, have we treated the relevant sectors of our
\nindustry and our economy in general in such a manner that they
\nwill be prepared for free competition?<\/p>\n
In politics, the same phenomenon can be observed. We often
\nhear it said -- for example -- that only legally established
\nboards of organizations will be recognized. Yet we allow things
\nto happen that contradict those statements.<\/p>\n
This is a development which we find disconcerting. The
\nadoption of a double standard and the existence of incongruity
\nbetween the word and the deed makes it difficult for others to
\nfind consistency and assurance in someone's nature. It seems that
\nwe would all agree that we do not want to grow into a nation
\nwhose words and deeds do not match.<\/p>\n
-- Kompas, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/a-split-personality-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }