AmericanThaiGuy Ron Weaver on the Complicated Issue of Racism in Thailand [S7.E12]

This is Part 2 of Greg and Ed's interview with Ron Weaver,
otherwise known as 'AmericanThaiGuy' on social media. Ron begins
Part 2 by directly addressing his experience as a black man in
Thailand. He carefully explains his preference for living in
Thailand over living in the U.S., explaining that although Thai
people typically don't prefer darker skin, their approach to the
preference is indirect rather than confrontational. He argues
that Buddhist culture truly tends to focus on whether a person is
good or bad and mostly he feels judged by that, rather than the
color of his skin. In short, in the States Ron feels that in
certain places he might have to fear being physically assaulted,
but in Thailand he simply never has to worry about that. 


Greg and Ed trade stories about the VERY minor examples they have
of being treated differently as white guys in Thailand, and the
guys discuss the valuable lesson this may impart. Ron then also
elaborates on the general Asian preference for lighter skin, and
he distinguishes this from true racism by pointing out this may
simply be an effect of capitalism. Simply put, companies trying
to make money amplify a preference and make it salient in the
culture simply for the profit motive. Many Asians who pursue the
preference do so innocently merely as the product of their
society and the concordant effect of marketing in it. 


The three expat veterans continue with a discussion of 'wokeness'
in Thai society and the role that economic inequality plays in
the evaluation of race. Listen in for a truly unique take on
being an expat in Thailand! 


Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the
show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our
Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us
comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.