Respect
Mr. CTM1394
The dictionary defines "respect" as....: esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability:
And... :deference to a right, privilege, privileged position, or someone or something considered to have certain rights or privileges; proper acceptance or courtesy; acknowledgment:
In In Korean and Japan, Asian people hide behind this "Confucian theorem" as a means to hide there true inadequacies, and racial biases.
They use this as a means to insulate themselves from true expression, and their lack of proper interpersonal skills, insecurity and lack of the command of the English language. Most Asian people are very nice and accepting, but behind the door have no qualms to lie change records or distort the truth in order to make make themselves look good when faced with the prospect of losing face because they were ignorant of facts or did not possess the necessary knowledge or skill to be to be in the position they hold.
Generally in Asia especially in Korea their pride robs them of the reality of the confidence of where they are or who they are, and when they see a westerner, their insecurity is so apparent that, the only protection they have is to "withdraw" behind the facade of the 'respect' that their social Confucian order.
Asia is a great place to visit, and to be a tourist, but to go there for an extended period of time or to work is a different thing. The irony is that in
order for them to prosper the need "US" westerners but the older heads continue to perpetrate these old ways with out any lack of consideration for cultural diversity.
"Asian are nice people and captains are pleasant if you know how to show respect to them ( if you are not a big mouth , and can stay at your place)"[/I]. Your quotation is very true if your are an Asian.
Maybe you should take a few lessons for your Malaysian and Thai brothers and sisters that you work alongside, see how humble and friendly they are and how much more friendly with westerners.
There is an old saying that "if you want friends then be a friend" with Great position comes great humility" or in another way "THE HIGHER UP YOU GO THE HARDER YOU FALL'!
Just my two cents!!
ghb