Quote Originally Posted by Gandalf View Post
Quote Originally Posted by ryanman View Post
Honestly can't believe you boys are still knocking these same arguments around.

Without reading I know who has said what. The funny thing is Beanz, Gandalf, Lyle might argue but all come from a place of decency and respect. Walrus too if he is still here (although he is a total wind-up that will say anything to poke the bear). Lyle has the polar opposite of my political views yet I've always had nothing but respect for him. He has logic and compassion. Even though he is a Republican cunt () . My point being that opposing views are no problem. The problem is, and always was, anti-intellectualism. Hence why I can't take much of a part here anymore. It's a caricature of what it was.
It's a topic I mostly stayed out of until later on, but did join in to say that there are aspects of Asian cultures I find superior to my own. However, in saying that there are aspects that disgust me, but I think issues of corruption, cronyism, and dumb jingoism are just as prevalent back home too so I couldn't call that any better or worse. One thing that is definitely worse here is the driving. People don't indicate and if you do indicate they don't let you in. Another is the nonsense concept of face. When you are out of order you should say sorry, but people refuse to lose face, especially older people mired most heavily in corruption or deceit of some kind. I end up having to take legal action against them and the argument that 'this is how we do it here' dissipates in the face of legality which proves that it isn't really the culture at all. Bow to everyone. Nope, never have, never will. Same back home though, Memphis refuses to apologise. I don't see any need to intellectualise what for me at least is an experiential reflection on having lived in two very distinctly different cultures.

You've encapsulated my thoughts there Miles. You're a pragmatist. Of course there are aspects of cultures that are bad. Yes, cultures are different, there are strengths and weaknesses, I just can't stand hyperbole and dogma and it seems that's what this site has become.