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