Article Review on Corruption in Southeast Asia

After reading Vixay Keosavang's story in the New York Times, I realized that the corruption levels in South East Asia are deep-rooted. Vixay is a known animal trafficker who is being protected by the East Asian government. Thomas Fuller who wrote the article; 'Reporting on Life, Death, and Corruption in Southeast Asia' said that he entered Vixay's compound and he was astounded to see live tigers and bears in his compound moving as if they were in the wild. These animals are known endangered species, but the Laos government is not making any effort to hunt him down. Despite being evidence from his neighbors who regularly witnessed lorries with lizards and pangolins moving out of his compound, he is not being apprehended. Even when America placed a bounty on Vixay, no one turned him in. Since Vixay is rich and has government connections, all he has to do is bribe concerned government officials then he gets full protection (Fuller, 2016). Individuals in East Asia are no longer worried about preserving cultural heritage or the welfare of other human beings. Otherwise, Vixay Keosavang would already be convicted and suffering for his criminal act of animal trafficking.

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The cultural transition which is effecting in East Asia was not expected. East Asia was known for its upright morals and virtues which guided the cycle of life in the society. But new and expanding organizations are contributing to cultural loss. Human migration is also helping to change individuals who live in different regions. As people move within East Asia and beyond, they become adapted to a different cultures and it becomes difficult to connect and closely interact with them due to the existing distance. The disconnection and the introduction of foreign cultural beliefs makes individuals change their character and attitude towards their families. The distance between Syo-nyo and her children grew when they moved to Seoul. Contact between them reduced and eventually their home visits became infrequent. Globalization has introduced a free-will culture which has made people support brutalities like animal trafficking. Through the widespread of business organizations, the rich East Asian culture has transformed to a society where individuals can practice their free will and the generation is disregarding filial piety. Despite the change being unprecedented, it is evident that it is here and it is already taking place.

In my opinion, there is no future for traditional East Asian societies. The culture that was once vibrant has been taken over by the effects of globalization and human migration. The cultural shift was unexpected but it is happening. The denouncing of filial piety and the introduction of corruption and impunity in the East Asian society. The era where most people thought about others is fading away. The period of selflessness in the East Asian community is dwindling because human migration and globalization have made human beings become selfish people. A closer look at it made me realize that selfishness and pursuit of wealth due to globalization promote the quickly fading culture. For instance, is Syo-nyo's son was not in the spa, maybe he would have saved his mother. General Khatiya would be alive if the general who allowed his death declined the ministerial offer. The future society will be filled with more selfish and self-centered people who will not value their parents and the individuals in the community. They will not care about the harmful effects of their selfish acts as long as they realize material gain. The East Asian traditional societies full of filial piety and neighborliness will cease to exist in the near future.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, human migration and globalization have led to the reduction of familial concern and the increase of societal immortals like corruption and mercenary human beings. It is sad to see that a daughter cannot remember her mother's birthdate yet she has celebrated it severally. Children are no longer taking memorable pictures of their parents, and when tragedy strikes, no recent and decent photos can be found. Major Generals who protest in defense of their counties are killed like cockroaches in exchange for governmental positions. Renowned animal traffickers continue with their business because the government has its shares in the name of political connection. Because of the new principles brought about by the spread of business organizations and industries, the East Asian traditional heritage is being replaced by an era where people do what they want with no morals or ethics guiding their actions. Children no longer value their parents. Asian individuals are placing the lives of their fellow human beings beneath material possessions. The cultural change is taking place fast and soon it will be irreversible. It is quite sad that traditional East Asian societies are being lost and soon none of its cultures will be in existence.

References

Fuller, T. (2016, February 21). Reporting on Life, Death and Corruption in Southeast Asia. THE NEW YORK TIMES. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/22/world/asia/reporting-on-life-death-and-corruption-in-southeast-asia.html?hpw&rref=world&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region%C2%AEion=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0

Shin, K.-S. (2011). Please Look After Mom. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.