Actresses: Good and bad behavior

Actresses: Good and bad behavior

I refer to the letter in The Jakarta Post on March 30, 2000,
titled TV film actresses, which the editor picked up from
Republika. The lady Fat Boedojo says: "... almost nothing that
appears on screen escapes my attention"... This confirmed the
success of the program and its artists, as having readily
achieved interest with the viewer.

It seems the writer of the letter is, excuse me for saying, a
bit behind the times and speaks with a little bit of antagonism
toward westerners and their culture, if I am to read between the
lines.

If I am to read correctly, the letter said "...we Indonesians
adhere strongly to courtesy and good behavior in all areas"...
seems a bit high and mighty and, am I to assume the writer places
Indonesia superior to others, rather than all equal as God would
have done. I find it something insulting and at the same time
funny that Ms. Fat seems to think courtesy and good behavior are
adhered to strongly by Indonesians alone? Perhaps the writer is
living in the old ages. In all fairness, there are good and bad
points everywhere in the world, but we cannot clarify who
possesses the best in courtesy or whatever.

Ms. Fat would benefit in viewing the evening entertainment
scene as an eye opener before judging so openly. Perhaps 20 years
ago her comments would be acceptable if referring to more
conservative dress here, but courtesy and good manners have no
strength for argument. If one here can be so blase and relieve
oneself on the street, habitually so, her comments on courtesy
and good behavior have no weight or strength. It is one simple
and good example that contradicts her statement.

There is nothing indecent about wearing clothing that is a bit
revealing, if it is chosen with taste, the right situation and
time. Body language plays a big part, too. The writer obviously
has her own set of views (biased as they seem) based on a closed
mind. Contrary to her comment, implying western culture is
"rather free", I've seen three regular soaps in Jakarta (from
Brazil where the women are very sexy and beautiful), however,
their dress is quite reserved and formal.

The more modern Indonesian soaps of today are only keeping up
to date, to follow the times, the same as fashion. If any of
these regular programs were out of context with the public, the
censors would have taken them off the air long ago!

It would be a good idea if Ms. Fat starts looking around with
sharper eyes and sees the world as it really is. Indonesia may
have a Muslim influence and I respect their ways (although I may
not agree personally, or understand); hence, there are other
countries severely more influenced than Indonesia. She should be
happy that this is so. Let's be fair before being so judgmental.

Indonesia has a number of wonderful qualities, but courtesy
and good behavior would not be at the top of the list.

C. PARRY

Jakarta