• Same-sex marriage; the equality of human right
  
  
• Cosmetic Surgery; an Alternative Choice for Confidence
  
  
• Thai Children; why are they so quiet in class?

  
     "I do." These two simple words have the power to change lives in an instant. For most people, the phrase builds up images of a man and a woman in marriage. But for gays and lesbians, having the chance to legally say "I do" is just a dream, not a reality. In many countries like England, Holland or Belgium marriages between same-sex couples are federally recognized, but in some countries like American, Ireland or Thailand homosexuals still go unrecognized. Same-sex marriages should be legalized all over the world. Homosexual couples should be entitled to the same rights as heterosexual couples.

     President George W. Bush contends that he would not compromise on the issue of homosexual "marriage" and he argued that homosexuals’ marriage is abnormal since marriage is an institution between a man and a woman and so cannot be extended to same-sex couples. However a traditional definition of marriage has changed through the centuries. It is constantly changing according to the changing needs of society. In deed the world we live in today is very different from a hundred years ago and our institutions must be altered to reflect these changes, so gay and lesbian marriage would be just another development in its ever-changing definition. There is no evidence to suggest that same-sex marriage would be harmful to society.

 
     It has been argued that same-sex couples are not the optimum environment to raise children. This argument states gay parents will raise gay or irrational children so same-sex couples should not marry and adopt children. Does it seem to be fair? Because straight parents do not only raise straight children, right? Same-sex couples are as same as straight couples to live healthy, happy, well-adjusted lives, and to provide a good environment in which to raise children. Though they cannot procreate themselves, gays and lesbians could adopt and raise children just as well as straight couples. What makes the differences of raising children? They are love and commitment of the parents, not their gender. And homosexual people are as capable of loving children as fully as anyone else.

     It is claimed that same-sex marriage might encourage people to be homosexual. If the same-sex marriage were recognized all over the world, the number of gays and lesbians would be increased. In fact, sexual orientation is inborn and cannot be changed easily. It is not like fashion or taste. Moreover there is no statistically significant result show that straight can be changed to become homosexual is just because of the environment or being persuaded.

 
     Marriage is a basic human right and an individual personal choice, the government should not interfere with same-gender couples who choose to marry and share fully an equally in the rights, responsibilities, and commitment of civil marriage. In addition, there is no evidence to show that children problems are caused by homosexual lifestyles. Moreover the fear of gays and lesbians would recruit straight people to become homosexual is based on a false premise.

 
     Same-sex marriage should be legal because marriage is a commitment between two people that love each other and want to share the rest of their life together. Furthermore, same-sex couples have just as much right to happiness as straight couples who choose to marry. Race, sex, religion, and sexual orientation must not affect the even application of civil rights. If not, how can we explain the meaning of the word “equality”? Moreover, the only thing that matters in a marriage is love. It should not matter if the couple is two women or two men. So why not allow same-sex marriages?

References:

George W. Bush (2006) Retrieved July 4, 2006 , from http://www.washtimes.com/national/20030730-115312-8047r.htm Robert Benne and Gerald McDermott (2006) Retrieved July 4, 2006 ,

 Thirteen Bad Arguments for Same-Sex Marriage from http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/009/18.51.html. Retrieved July 4, 2006

Cosmetic Surgery; an Alternative Choice for Confidence

     When you mention cosmetic surgery, most people think of celebrities with large breasts, obvious face lifts or inflamed nose jobs. While cosmetic surgery does have its over the top elements, it has a side that few people realize. Specifically, the field was really developed to deal with the reshaping of the body’s abnormalities. Even in this modern time, this original focus is still employed by devoted surgeons. While the permanence of cosmetic surgery entices many people to improve their image, offering them a new look that may benefit their lifestyle and meet their goals, others still prefer natural reinforcements like exercise and a healthy diet. Either way, it’s a choice that most people basically agree on.

     “It is more acceptable today to have cosmetic surgery.” said Dr. Suwit, a 50 year-old cosmetic surgeon who runs two clinics, one in Chiang Mai and another one in Pitsanulok “Before doing any surgery I try to assess how mature the candidates are. I turn away those whom I consider too young or those who say ‘I want to look like Britney Spears’ or ‘I want to be a D cup so I can go out with more boys.’ The most popular cosmetic surgery for Asian people is double-eyelid surgery. The surgeons provide a wider eyed look while retaining the traditional shape of Asian eyes. Other surgery favored by Asians is nose reshaping because the bridge of their noses tends to be low.

     He stated “I have been working as a cosmetic surgeon for over 20 years. I believe I’m experienced enough to ensure I won’t provide terrible, swollen surgery to the patients. Moreover I performed eyelid surgery for my daughter as a present when she was 19, because she passed the entrance examination to Chulalongkorn University. From over 20 years of my experience, cosmetic surgery is like other kind of I found five candidates among a thousand cases who saw adverse effects from cosmetic surgery, needing longer time to recover”

     The most important procedure is follow-up care; it can last from a few weeks to a few months making sure patients are healing well by scheduling routine visits.

     There was probably a time when the thought of having cosmetic surgery seemed both a bit silly and very dangerous. But now it seems acceptable to have it in order to look better and build your confidence. Most people seeking cosmetic surgery either want to look as youthful as they feel, or want to change something that has bothered them for years.

     “I was unhappy with the way I looked and was determined to do something about it.” 25 year-old Bow Warinda, a beautiful 173cm tall model said miserably “I was called ‘A giant ugly duckling’ when I was in high school and I always felt depressed.”

She said that when she was young, she dreamed about being an MC in front of lots of audiences. But it seemed impossible for her because she always failed when she applied for the position. Moreover, most of her beautiful friends got the job. “While my little eyes and my flat nose may not have been the biggest contribution to my failure, I thought if cosmetic surgery is available and can build my confidence, why shouldn’t I?”

     Bow graduated from Mass Communication, majoring in advertising. That’s the reason why she wanted to work in this field. She stated she had done a nose reshaping, double-eyelid surgery, orthodontics and chin implants. All of which had gradually been done in 3 years.  “I remember the first day of presenting for Ford at a motor show 3 years ago. I earned 3,000 baht a day. It was the day that I longed for, being a presenter and making lots of money. Unbelievable, I got a job for beautiful girls!” Bow gladly explained about her impressive experience.

 
     Bow stated patients must be practical and informed. 6 weeks prior to the surgery she was recommended to use Retin-A because it improves the quality of skin healing and blood supply. But the key advice is to allow enough recovery time. No stress, even if you feel healed.  She is very happy with her look now because she was very discreet utilizing the procedure to create a natural enhancement for herself.

 
     The most important thing to remember is that cosmetic surgery is an improvement, not complete perfection. It can improve your image and your self-confidence, but it is not a cure-all for deep-rooted social or emotional issues. By exercising a little discretion, both you and your doctor will be satisfied with the physical and emotional results of your surgery.

References: 

Elana Pruitt. “Using Your Smarts: Finding the Right Plastic Surgeon.” Plastic Surgery. 25 Jan. 2006. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 9 Aug,2006

There are just meaningless smiles on the students’ face when Charlotte, a native English -speaker teacher, asks them questions.

 “Any comments?”

“Come on, guys. Don’t be shy; I just want to know what you think about this.” She tries to encourage them but the class is still silent. She takes a deep breath and says “Are you here to speak English? So why don’t you start to speak?”  One of students turns her face to me, trying not to have eye-contact with Charlotte and says in Thai “I don’t know how to say.”

Every English native speaker who has experience teaching in Thailand might wonder why Thai students are so quiet in class. Some teachers say that the students know the answer was but they seem too reluctant to respond. Sometimes teachers presume that the students are ignoring them. Charlotte, my co-teacher, once complained that even those students who seem committed to practicing speaking remain silent during class. Why they are in her class if they just sit and don’t talk at all? It is just wasting time and money.

            According to Thai proverb “Eloquence may be silver, silence is gold”*. This is a cultural practice that creates a barrier for students to speak English. It makes the interactions between students and teachers unfulfilling. Thai children are taught not to show off. They hesitate to share their opinion because they care so much about how others think about them. A quiet student is more respectful and respected than one who always speaks up. In addition, Thai society is a hierarchical society. Social interactions are defined by age and gender. Children in such society are rarely asked to share their opinion but are expected to follow the rules which are set by adults who have higher status. So they just listen to their teacher quietly and do what they are required to do

Thai people do not want to criticize anyone’s work because they think it will embarrass the performer. The Thai teachers will often just give the correct answer to the student who answered a question incorrectly rather than discuss any other possible answers. As a result Thai students have low abilities in critical thinking, discussion and making arguments. Moreover some students are afraid of making mistakes while speaking out in front of the group. Some of them are too shy to ask questions or to say they don’t understand so they just keep their mouths shut.

            It might be very difficult to bridge the cultural barriers as long as the students always hesitate to answer and make the teachers don’t know what they think. Thai teachers as a co-teacher should act as a cultural mediator to have the native speaker teachers understand why Thai students act as if they are ignoring the teachers, as well as to encourage students to speak and think the teachers are not inspectors but helpers so they shouldn’t be afraid of making mistakes because they can learn from them. It may take some time to be achieving positive results because Thai students have been raised in such a hierarchical society. I don’t expect my students to speak perfect English. If they have more confidence to respond to Charlotte when she asks them any question, I think my goal as a teacher is achieved.

            *พูดไปสองไพเบี้ย นิ่งเสียตำลึงทอง