If you Don't Like it Here - Then Go Home! Is it Ever Okay to be Critical?

From China to Thailand - is it ever okay to be critical of your host country as a foreigner / expat?

This past week, a Frenchman in Thailand was reprimanded for making a music video that went viral where he sang in Thai calling the government out on various issues.  

Youtubers such as Serpentza and Laowhy86 have had organised attacks on them and their family members outside of China because of the opinions that they air about China - both good and less than good.  Others like Nathan Rich (火锅大王) present an opinion more defensive of China, offering insights and opinions that are usually in contrast to the other two.

If you live in a foreign country, you may have heard someone say 'if you don't like it, then leave!' - you may have thought this yourself.

In this episode of South by Southeast (SXSE), Wimintra and I discuss the issue of being critical of your host country when you're a foreigner and whether or not there is an appropriate time for criticism and if so, how should one go about it.

For some foreign perspectives that are mentioned in this clip, check out :

Serpentza https://www.youtube.com/user/serpentza

Laowhy86 https://www.youtube.com/user/laowhy86

Nathan Rich (火锅大王) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaSlyjhR4WC7QhYuaivxb6g