CREATING THE ASEAN COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDING YOUR NEIGHBORS, UNDERSTANDING YOURSELF: UNDERSTANDING STEREOTYPES AND PREJUDICE

Abstract

This article will focus on the importance of historical knowledgeand real experience, as opposed to popular fiction and stereotypes inunderstanding and respecting Thailand’s neighbors in the ASEAN Communityand in understanding and respecting Thailand. It also looks at the place ofreligion within official ASEAN documents. Understanding is about beingobjective and not overly subjective. One must respect other people for whothey are. A person must also know and respect oneself and one’s ownculture. A person must to be able to see the world from another person’spoint of view and from another culture’s point of view. A person must seethe similarities of the other person as a fellow human being first, then seethe differences – Burmese, Indonesian, or Filipino; a Buddhist, Muslim, orChristian – second. Similarities are what make us all human, differences arewhat make us who we are as individuals and as cultures. Understanding andrespecting both the similarities and the differences of people and of oneselfare of prime importance in creating successful relationships in the ASEAN Community. Part One reflects on stereotypes and prejudice while the Part Twoconcentrates on religion in The ASEAN Charter and other documents.