Throw away your spear!

I refer to Farid Baskoro's letter of July 31.

I have never worn a pith helmet in my life, either literally or mentally, nor have I expected to be called anything but my real name by anybody, except when appropriate by common forms of address such as "sir", which has its equivalent in all cultures and languages.

In this respect, I think I am on common ground with the vast majority of Europeans, especially those who have spent any time in Asia, where I have been for over a quarter of a century.

I think it is time for Farid Baskoro to throw away his spear and grass skirt.

C.R. MCRAE

Jakarta