Bigots sometimes have valid points to make

S Tsow (Letters, March 2) writes that Indians are too pushy. His evidence is based on one personal experience and the opinions of Thais he knows.

But how do the Thais feel about the stereotype that they are "materialistic" or "corrupt" or "sexist" or "cruel to animals"?

To be totally honest, negative stereotypes sometimes have a factual basis. As a Jew I don't deny many Jews fit the stereotype of being obsessed about money.

Of course no racial group or nationality should be persecuted. And since there are millions of Jews, Thais and Indians who don't fit these negative stereotypes we should always judge people as individuals.

But with that said we should all ask ourselves if we do anything to contribute to the negative stereotypes people have of us. To say these stereotypes are solely due to ignorance and bigotry doesn't tell the whole story.

In other words, sometimes bigots have a point.

Eric Bahrt

Pattaya