KARTINI - WE ARE SORRY

Oh Kartini..what happened?

Rob over at therabexperience has taken some offence (As did the Stump) at comments made in some sort of bizarre defence of the immature, sexually insecure behaviour of way too many men in this country. Way to go Rob! Go get em!

As usual for this time of year, it quickly descended into the eternally boring evil Expat routine from the usual suspects plus a new (but hardly refreshing)guest appearance (Grow up kiddies! It’s a big inter-connected world now not one big Kampung). The overt, unhealthy and over bearing Nationalism that is drummed into every child tends to pervade every discussion rational or otherwise but thats another post.

Trouble is the base issue has little to do with “Bules”* but more to do with the insecure, offensive behaviour of a significant number of men to women in Indonesia.
Sexism reigns supreme from blatantly sex job advertisements which dictate age, weight and compulsory picture to behaviour that would earn a slap in the face (or legal action) in most other countries.

To get to the point, the Stump contrary to well meaning (?) albeit incredibly bizarre “advice that women or their spouses/companions should expect such comments or behaviour if that’s how they conduct themselves (sic)” believes there is no excuse or rational for abuse of women in any form.

Unfortunately, it is all too common in Indonesia for women to be subjected to snide remarks, verbal abuse (and worse) by insecure little weasels. The ratio of such attacks increase should that women not meet the somewhat incestuous fantasy of what a women is permitted to do, say, dress or work as or even dare I say it, who she chooses as companion. Of course, I may be way off course here, but I suggest a lot of these perceptions are seriously skewed due to limited social interaction with women during the formative years of youth (If your only real contact with women is your mom, then HELLO MR. BATES..or should that be MASTER BATES).

A number of people suggested that the Stump (and others) should ignore such comments when they are directed people he knows. Sorry I disagree! Although that was the case when I first arrived in country, putting it down to culture and lack of understanding, over the years I have come to realise its got bugger all to with culture its just pure pig ignorance.

It’s the Broken Window theory; far too many people just ignore these morons and they then think such behaviour is acceptable in a civilised society. From the snide remark to someone who does not meet their view who deserves respect, it’s a short walk to gathering in groups in harass someone, to the group that believes it has the right to visit violence on others (an aspect of Indonesia that seems to be growing daily).

The Stump chooses to challenge and humiliate these drongos at the start (with due regard to common sense and safety) and perhaps they will think twice the next time. Personally, the Stump is somewhat despondent at the meek acceptance of uncivilised behaviour by the majority. The traditional "pretend its not happening" or making excuses for such behaviour is creating the kind of country and world that is not fit for our children.

Ok, thats the drum for today..

Remember "Remember

It takes 9 muscles to smile

But only 2 to pick up a metal bar and beat the guy giving us most problems around the head with it.


(Bule = at best an ignorant term, at worst a degrotrary term for anyone with white skin. Fairly literally means Albino. Best Defence on hearing term return greeting with a smile “Yo Chocolate”).