Don't criticize your host<\/p>\n
I have been following with a kind of twisted fascination a
\nseries of letters that have graced your paper over the past
\nseveral months and feel a need to comment, thus assuring your
\nreadership that not all expatriates share the same opinions.<\/p>\n
I have been in Indonesia for the past six years, both as a
\nconsultant and more recently, as a tourist. I appreciated the
\nopportunity to come initially and assist with the ongoing
\ndevelopment of the national communications infrastructure. I
\nappreciate now the ability to return as a guest and enjoy this
\nnation in time that was not previously available to me. One thing
\nthat I have never overlooked, however, is that I am a guest here.
\nAs a guest, I must appreciate the culture and social structure of
\nthe host, Indonesia, just as I would ask any guest visiting my
\nhome.<\/p>\n
We all have opinions. When I feel a need for advice or
\nguidance, I generally seek the advice of those I consider to have
\nmore experience, insight or knowledge than myself, those whose
\nopinions I respect. Unfortunately, many perceive their opinions
\nto be useful even when unsolicited. In a public, democratic
\nenvironment we must tolerate these opinions, regardless of their
\nsource. Within our homes, however, we do have more control.
\nShould we choose to entertain guests for dinner, they will kindly
\neat when the meal is served, not when they feel the need to help
\nthemselves. Should we invite guests for the weekend, they will
\nkindly use the beds we have prepared for them, not our own simply
\nbecause they feel it might be more comfortable. I could go on,
\nbut the point is if our guests do not feel that they can visit
\ngiven these constraints, they can always choose not to come.<\/p>\n
Getting back to opinions, at the same time that we are
\nentertaining our guests we will likely engage in some discussion
\nabout one thing or another. All of a sudden my guest offers an
\nunsolicited opinion on how I have arranged my furniture, or my
\npreference of artwork. These comments are received and if
\nnegative, patiently tolerated, after all, my guests will be
\nleaving. If however, they persist and there is no indication soon
\nthat my guests will be leaving, it then becomes time to expedite
\ntheir departure.<\/p>\n
In this time of social and political reform, Indonesia needs
\nconstructive advice and guidance, not destructive criticism. What
\nwe need to do as trained expatriate professionals is offer this
\nadvice, if qualified to do so and only if asked. Similarly, as
\ndecent people, we should avoid unsolicited criticisms of our
\nhosts, after all, we are just guests in this home we call
\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
DAVID WATSON<\/p>\n
Medan, North Sumatra<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/dont-criticize-your-host-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }