On 'I pledge allegiance'
In his letter to The Jakarta Post of Nov. 12, 2001, Sumarsono Sastrowardoyo suggested that Indonesia follow the American practice of indoctrinating its children by pledging allegiance to the state (through its flag). Before others take up the idea, allow me to present another point of view.
I was born in England immediately after World War II. Even at that time, my country did not feel it necessary to indoctrinate me with nationalism. I grew up feeling myself to be a human being, not just an Englishman. This allows me to empathize with other ethnic groups and customs different from my own.
Possibly that is why I now feel happy living in Indonesia. I miss the good things about England, but I do not feel that I live among savages. I have a world view, not a narrow nationalistic view.
One of the most enduring criticisms of America is that they tend to be narrow minded and culturally blind. What is good for Americans must be good enough for the whole world. Two enlightened Americans have also made this comment to me, so it is not just my perception.
Let me put this in a current context. America declared that in the fight against terrorism "you are with us or against us". This very concept reflects nationalistic arrogance.
I totally support the need to eradicate terrorism. The Koran condemns it as haram (prohibited). For the same reason, I totally condemn the bombing of Afghanistan. It is the wrong way to fight the right cause. Many, many other people in the West feel the same, but their voices are drowned out by the howls of nationalism.
Some will feel that I am not sufficiently nationalistic and should have been taught a good bit of flag worship in school. Then I would endorse what my government says is good for me. I say: "Thank you England. You were big enough to teach me to be a human being and empathize with other human beings in their suffering. You have made me a bigger person, and shown yourself to be a bigger country".
These are the real values of the West. I think that there are better values for Indonesia to copy.
ROD LIVESEY
Jakarta