Ramsey,
Before we completely abandon the discussion about whether Holbrooke was guilty of racism please think about the following.
Yes, of course we distinguish racially. But to distinguish the differences is not necessarily racism. Webster's defines racism as: a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the human races determine cultural or individual achievment, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior. I just cannot see that Holbrooke has stated that "Asian" is inferior. In fact I think he has stated that he does not accept the notion of racial superiority expressed in the concept of "Asian values". Yes, thats right, what really is truly racist here is the whole concept of "Asian values". In fact, he specifically states clearly that true values are universal.
Since I had Webster's out I'll go on to advise that it defines expatriate as: to withdraw from residence in or allegiance to one's native country. I have done the former, temporarily. I have not given up my citizenship which, of course, I would never do. Not that Malaysia would accept me as a citizen anyway. There is no naturalization here. Just as there isn't in Indonesia, Japan, China, or Philippines. These societies are considearbly less accepting of other races then the U.S. IMO. I suspect that was the motive behind Mahatir's remarks about a Jewish conspiracy behind the Asian economic problems.
By the way, I will take exception to your notion that my remarks are "supremist" (which I took to mean supremacist). I expressed the idea that the money provider normally sets the terms of the loan/investment. If you have ever funded a company through a venture capital source you will learn this very quickly. To be sure there should be cooperation. This sense of cooperation should include avoidance of redirecting funds to one's own pockets or one's family's pockets. It should include using the funds as stated in the agreement. And next time you go to the bank for a loan, let me know who's rules you use.
Best,
Stitch |
