Name-calling shows level of House debate
I often hear the name-calling that politicians and political commentators apply to their rivals. One red-shirt leader is referred to as "the toad" or "toad face", based on his facial characteristics. On one radio station, the speakers label a particular p
By labelling their rivals with these terms, especially a whole group of people, they will only exacerbate the political instability and sharpen the division that Thailand is facing. Once a label is applied, it is easier to discriminate against the target.
This is especially the case when calling a group of people “buffaloes”. Besides generalisation, it implies the target group’s lack of intelligence. That somehow they are an inferior lot – a dangerous and provocative label that could backfire.
Name-calling is but one of the symptoms of the low ethical standards in the Thai Parliament House. Making a sexual remark during the no-confidence debate to get 15 minutes of fame is another. If parliamentary standards were raised, the name-calling and other cheap tactics might indeed stop. But don’t hold your breath.
Edward Kitlertsirivatana
Bangkok
