Being 'bule' not offended

Reference: Jon Morrison's letter Proud to be a 'bule' in The Jakarta Post, Aug. 12, 1995.

It's been fascinating, reading the different reactions provoked by my use of the term bule, and I feel like I have opened some can of worms!

I know the term can be used offensively but why should I feel offended? Indeed, I am a bule and, as we say in France, Vive la difference. Wouldn't it be boring if we were all brown, or white, or black, or yellow, or red? Our differences make life in this world most interesting -- and challenging.

OLVIA REKSODIPOETRO

Jakarta