Borrowed words<\/p>\n
Imprecision of terms is an elementary flaw in Indonesia's
\nsociopolitical discourse. It is, for example, simply
\ncounterproductive to borrow a word but ditch half the meaning in
\nthe process. It is also characteristic of the Indonesian
\nideology's reluctance to undertake rigorous analyses. Ghalib
\ndidn't do it. \"Anarchist\", \"communist\" and \"secular\" are words
\nwith complex meanings and longish histories. It is distressing to
\nsee them rendered respectively as something like a \"lunatic who
\nsmashes and burns,\" \"lunatic who smashes and burns when the
\nparty tells him to\", and \"the anti-Allah\".<\/p>\n
I'll elaborate on one -- anarchism. Anarchism has -- to speak
\nindefensibly, simplistically -- two forms: left wing and right
\nwing. Those with an actual and theoretical knowledge of left
\nanarchism know its exponents to be, generally, disciplined and
\neducated people. An article of Noam Chomsky's recently graced
\nyour paper -- he's a left anarchist.<\/p>\n
Conversely, I suggest that Indonesia got where it is today by
\ndint of a philosophy of a somewhat right-anarchist nature. Right
\nanarchism, in its guises -- such as (anarcho) capitalism, is
\ndeeply antisocial, and antisocial is what is going on here. (Yes,
\ncapitalism is anarchic). Right anarchism is the rich blocking
\npublic streets with their vehicles; it is the disdain of public
\nhealth shown by the indicative male legions of Indonesian
\nsmokers; it is doing something not because it is right or wrong,
\nbut because you can do it. Sound familiar?<\/p>\n
MARK BLAIR<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/borrowed-words-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }