[SeftyJokipl]

Yes, I heard the word Kaek being mentioned but not spoken directly to me. In my understanding its not used in a very positive manner - but it could also got to do with the people who I end up hearing the word from? (possibly those who would use it in a neutral manner do not really use it in the face and one does not sense the positive side to it?). But you see, as an Indian I really do not care. Because, In India itself , almost every neighbouring community has a negative word for the other, because we have had to all cross each others path so often in times gone and we fight for limited resources. But that is hardly something one keeps in mind when most meet, mix and deal with each other. Thats life. Rarely such comments become activism and given a chance none want to really hate each other but it is just a social reflex. Do not know how to explain it otherwise. (except in some special cases) So, I grow up considering this a part of life.

For me, its about how one connects with the people I end up meeting directly - one by one and I feel almost everyone who I have cared to spend over 10 minutes has been very nice to me. And in that sense I have great experience in Thailand always. If we get too deep about how people think (statistically) of each other its hard to live... for the world is far from evolved and balanced in view, whatever exterior words we may chose to use. Most people use popular remarks and perceptions, without really thinking much or considering its implications and actually really do not mean to hurt. A few will, but most will not.

For instance, in India people in casual social talk will engage in so many 'popular' concepts about the west - without much thought and it could be negative. But most of them when next to a foreigner will be extremely eager to start a friendly chat.

Most people who are neutral to others are so because they are not sharing each others resources. Else, most people seem to react to the other if we are tested with hard times?

Of course, there are few insightful people who will not colour the other whether its hard times or good - but thats a hard level to reach for most of us?

So, I philosophise or maybe rationalise?


Note: Having said that I must mention that my opinion of Kaek is just a judgement on how Thai's saying it around me maybe using it as. However, I have never once come across anyone calling/taunting or provoking me with that word. Thats a major differnce from how I have seen some communities experiencing negativity (and that is not in Thailand) when in public places... So, at best I am aware of the sound of Kaek, and maybe wrongly, but definitely not conscious about it when I walk around the streets of Thailand!