Hear the wind sings a sad old song
it knows I'm leaving you today
please don't cry oh my heart will break
when I'll go on my way
goodbye my love goodbye
goodbye
I hope that you remember me
I'll never be too far
goodbye my love goodbye
I always will be true
so hold me in your dreams till I come back to you (even it is impossible I though)
see the stars in the skies above
they'll shine wherever I may roam
I will pray every lonely night without you
that soon they'll guide me home... home sweet home
Then everything about you is just only memories..
goodbye
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Saturday, May 08, 2010
10 Most Irritating Things Men Do During Sex
1. Get in the mood.
Cuddling does not count as initiating playtime. A man likes to feel desired too and for a change, he'd like it if his woman actually showed her interest by unbuttoning his shirt and pants. A woman should strip a man naked and strive to arouse him to the point where nature takes over. She should not wait to be asked to get it doggy-style either. A good woman will roll over and present -- she knows she loves it.
2. Lack of foreplay?
Wouldn't it be nice if women spent some time arousing their men for a change? Why is it that it's the man's job alone to arouse himself and his mate?
3. Playing dead
"Hello? Is there anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear me. Is there anyone at home? Come on... I have become comfortably numb." Doesn't this give the Pink Floyd song so much more meaning? Why do some women insist on using sex as a time to catch up on their beauty sleep? Are they participants, or just spectators taking notes on a man's performance so they can report back to their girlfriends? The next time you hear a woman complaining about a bad sexual experience ask her, "Where were you when all this happened? At least put some effort into the act to show your appreciation."
4. Yanking the penis
Insist that your penis not be used as if it's a piece of gym equipment to strengthen her forearms. Inform her that the "sweet" stroke is the down stroke, towards the body, and that she refrain from pulling the foreskin away from the body.
5. Lollipop fellatio
The male organ is a thing of wonderment and beauty, and should be worshipped and held tenderly at all times. Why do some women think that fellatio involves licking a man's penis as if it's a lollipop? The magic is in her vacuum-like abilities. Tell her to be gentle, keep teeth away at all times and use lots of saliva.
6. Brushing teeth
Asking a man to go brush his teeth after he has finished performing his cunnilingus duties is unsexy and can really ruin the mood. On the other hand, if a woman expects a kiss after performing her fellatio duties, it is expected that she be considerate and hop to the washroom right away to brush her teeth.
7. Spit bucket
It's understandable that some women do not like the taste of semen. But the most annoying thing a woman can do by far is put a spit basket beside her. Spitting into the basket every two minutes really cheapens and degrades the whole act. If your woman cannot handle the taste, ask her to stop out of respect, or rub some Strawberry/Kiwi Juice on your penis to camouflage the taste of semen.
8. Lack of position savvy
A small number of women have no clue how to move around in bed, making it very clumsy and awkward to try any new and erotic positions. This is probably due to lack of experience or participation in past relationships. When I say position 69, I don't mean to literally position her in a number shape. Or when I suggest doggy-style, I don't mean for her to bark either. I suggest that you give her a sex manual, or read one yourself to help her reach incredible new heights of unbelievable intense sexual pleasure. That, or get her an Etch A Sketch.
9. Distractions
In order to fully enjoy sex, one must indulge themselves in the moment without being distracted by menial thoughts such as doing the laundry, washing the dishes, making a shopping list, or repainting the bedroom. If your woman begins to talk about such things, ask her to go back to playing dead.
10. Faking orgasm
How can a man improve his sexual performance if his woman keeps faking orgasm? As long as he thinks she's satisfied, he'll keep doing the same thing, and she'll keep faking. Eventually it will become a vicious cycle. Some women still have the nerve to complain about their men's lovemaking skills. Instead of complaining to their girlfriends, women should make it a habit of letting men know when they're pleasing them and when they're not. Men deserve some credit, our egos are not as fragile as women think. As long as it's constructive criticism, men won't mind if it will improve the lovemaking.
10 Most Irritating Things Women Do During Sex
1- Leaving your socks or shoes on Forget what you learned from watching porn.
If you are one of those guys that tends to rush getting undressed in the throes of passion, take your socks off first and stash them far, far away from her sensitive nose. Otherwise, try to undress as slowly as you can, and remember to remove your pants last.
2- Answering your cell phone
Cell phone use during intercourse seems to be at an all-time high. According to a BBDO Worldwide survey, 15% of Americans have interrupted sex to answer a cell phone call. To resist the urge to drop her breast for your ringing phone, turn it off before you begin foreplay. This is particularly true if your mother has a tendency to check up on you during the day. If she is likely to call, make sure to turn off your answering machine as well.
3- Engaging in small talk
Women love vocal, erudite men, but during intercourse is not the time to show off your gregariousness. And ditch the tautological demagoguery about the origin of the universe. The only thing you should be talking about is how much she turns you on and how great it feels to be inside her. Now’s not the time to be watching the game.
4- Watching anything other than her
This includes sports broadcasts. To avoid the temptation of staring at the TV, turn it off; better yet, remove it from your bedroom. A study by an Italian sexologist has found that couples who have a TV set in their bedroom have sex only half as often as those who don’t. Other frequent transgressions include checking a clock or observing your pecs or beer belly in the mirror. You are supposed to be looking at your woman (preferably in her eyes), and that means forgetting everything else. If you feel yourself getting distracted, try to redirect your attention by practicing mindfulness -- staying in the moment by tuning all of your senses to your current experience. Focus on the softness of her skin, the aroma of her hair and the sounds of her moans.
5- Drooling on her (or spitting globs of saliva on her face)
You can use your saliva as a moisturizer on her genitals, but keep it away from her face. It’s gross, and she won’t care if you’ve seen it in some adult movie.
6- Collapsing two seconds after your climax
In your defense, there is a physiological reason that men feel sleepy after orgasm, and this is because the post-climactic blood rush depletes the muscles of energy-producing glycogen, leaving them feeling physically drained. Glycogen loss also triggers the release of adenosine, which acts as a messenger to the cells, triggering sleep. Because men have more muscle mass than women, men are more likely to feel sleepy just when their partners are yearning for some after-sex cuddling. But, just like you rose above your physiology’s tendency to reach orgasm in two to five minutes, you can rise above this sleepiness reflex. Put some energetic dance music on the stereo, turn the lights on, have a sip of Sex Kola or another high-caffeine drink, or practice lovemaking in a place where you are unlikely to doze off, like on the kitchen counter. Whatever it takes, give your partner the romancing she needs while she is cooling down from the heat of your manly passion.
7- Mentioning the sexual skills of other women
Don’t ever, ever talk about other women while making love. Women particularly resent you mentioning your ex-girlfriends or comparing your current experience to that with any other woman. Needless to say, consider any reference to a concurrent wife or girlfriend to be a total taboo. There might be an occasional exception, such as when she asks you to imagine having a threesome with Angelina Jolie or some other woman who turns her on. But otherwise, the rule is: When her panties come off, she is the only woman in the world for you. Cracking jokes in bed and addressing her “wee-wee”.
8- Turning sex into stand-up comedy
You may be a potential winner at amateur night at your local Comedy Store, but forget about giggling, snickering, laughing or telling jokes while making love. While women love a good sense of humor, and it’s a great seduction tool, being silly or laughing can hamper her arousal and trivialize the sexual experience for her, so lose your humor with your clothes. You can pick it up again during post-coital bliss -- after you’ve told her how great it was for you.
9- Using infantile pet names for body parts
Call a clit a clit, and a vagina is a vagina, not a wee-wee. She doesn’t care what you call your penis when you’re masturbating or telling guy jokes with your buddies, or what your mother called it when she was changing your diapers. She wants to feel that she is a grown-up woman experiencing mature lovemaking with a real prince charming, and not a little girl “playing doctor.” Sex is an adult activity, so grow up before engaging in it.
10- Forgetting about your physiological differences
She is not a RealDoll made to withstand 250 pounds of pressure, nor is her vagina ready to receive pillow-pounding thrusts from the first moment of contact. A woman’s vagina is designed to receive maximum stimulation in its outer one to two inches and to expand (through a process called “tenting”) to receive deeper and harder thrusts as her arousal progresses. So starting slowly, shallowly and gently allows her to enjoy it much more -- and prevents you from climaxing too soon -- and also gives her time to work up to those heavy hip slammers.
FWD
Cuddling does not count as initiating playtime. A man likes to feel desired too and for a change, he'd like it if his woman actually showed her interest by unbuttoning his shirt and pants. A woman should strip a man naked and strive to arouse him to the point where nature takes over. She should not wait to be asked to get it doggy-style either. A good woman will roll over and present -- she knows she loves it.
2. Lack of foreplay?
Wouldn't it be nice if women spent some time arousing their men for a change? Why is it that it's the man's job alone to arouse himself and his mate?
3. Playing dead
"Hello? Is there anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear me. Is there anyone at home? Come on... I have become comfortably numb." Doesn't this give the Pink Floyd song so much more meaning? Why do some women insist on using sex as a time to catch up on their beauty sleep? Are they participants, or just spectators taking notes on a man's performance so they can report back to their girlfriends? The next time you hear a woman complaining about a bad sexual experience ask her, "Where were you when all this happened? At least put some effort into the act to show your appreciation."
4. Yanking the penis
Insist that your penis not be used as if it's a piece of gym equipment to strengthen her forearms. Inform her that the "sweet" stroke is the down stroke, towards the body, and that she refrain from pulling the foreskin away from the body.
5. Lollipop fellatio
The male organ is a thing of wonderment and beauty, and should be worshipped and held tenderly at all times. Why do some women think that fellatio involves licking a man's penis as if it's a lollipop? The magic is in her vacuum-like abilities. Tell her to be gentle, keep teeth away at all times and use lots of saliva.
6. Brushing teeth
Asking a man to go brush his teeth after he has finished performing his cunnilingus duties is unsexy and can really ruin the mood. On the other hand, if a woman expects a kiss after performing her fellatio duties, it is expected that she be considerate and hop to the washroom right away to brush her teeth.
7. Spit bucket
It's understandable that some women do not like the taste of semen. But the most annoying thing a woman can do by far is put a spit basket beside her. Spitting into the basket every two minutes really cheapens and degrades the whole act. If your woman cannot handle the taste, ask her to stop out of respect, or rub some Strawberry/Kiwi Juice on your penis to camouflage the taste of semen.
8. Lack of position savvy
A small number of women have no clue how to move around in bed, making it very clumsy and awkward to try any new and erotic positions. This is probably due to lack of experience or participation in past relationships. When I say position 69, I don't mean to literally position her in a number shape. Or when I suggest doggy-style, I don't mean for her to bark either. I suggest that you give her a sex manual, or read one yourself to help her reach incredible new heights of unbelievable intense sexual pleasure. That, or get her an Etch A Sketch.
9. Distractions
In order to fully enjoy sex, one must indulge themselves in the moment without being distracted by menial thoughts such as doing the laundry, washing the dishes, making a shopping list, or repainting the bedroom. If your woman begins to talk about such things, ask her to go back to playing dead.
10. Faking orgasm
How can a man improve his sexual performance if his woman keeps faking orgasm? As long as he thinks she's satisfied, he'll keep doing the same thing, and she'll keep faking. Eventually it will become a vicious cycle. Some women still have the nerve to complain about their men's lovemaking skills. Instead of complaining to their girlfriends, women should make it a habit of letting men know when they're pleasing them and when they're not. Men deserve some credit, our egos are not as fragile as women think. As long as it's constructive criticism, men won't mind if it will improve the lovemaking.
10 Most Irritating Things Women Do During Sex
1- Leaving your socks or shoes on Forget what you learned from watching porn.
If you are one of those guys that tends to rush getting undressed in the throes of passion, take your socks off first and stash them far, far away from her sensitive nose. Otherwise, try to undress as slowly as you can, and remember to remove your pants last.
2- Answering your cell phone
Cell phone use during intercourse seems to be at an all-time high. According to a BBDO Worldwide survey, 15% of Americans have interrupted sex to answer a cell phone call. To resist the urge to drop her breast for your ringing phone, turn it off before you begin foreplay. This is particularly true if your mother has a tendency to check up on you during the day. If she is likely to call, make sure to turn off your answering machine as well.
3- Engaging in small talk
Women love vocal, erudite men, but during intercourse is not the time to show off your gregariousness. And ditch the tautological demagoguery about the origin of the universe. The only thing you should be talking about is how much she turns you on and how great it feels to be inside her. Now’s not the time to be watching the game.
4- Watching anything other than her
This includes sports broadcasts. To avoid the temptation of staring at the TV, turn it off; better yet, remove it from your bedroom. A study by an Italian sexologist has found that couples who have a TV set in their bedroom have sex only half as often as those who don’t. Other frequent transgressions include checking a clock or observing your pecs or beer belly in the mirror. You are supposed to be looking at your woman (preferably in her eyes), and that means forgetting everything else. If you feel yourself getting distracted, try to redirect your attention by practicing mindfulness -- staying in the moment by tuning all of your senses to your current experience. Focus on the softness of her skin, the aroma of her hair and the sounds of her moans.
5- Drooling on her (or spitting globs of saliva on her face)
You can use your saliva as a moisturizer on her genitals, but keep it away from her face. It’s gross, and she won’t care if you’ve seen it in some adult movie.
6- Collapsing two seconds after your climax
In your defense, there is a physiological reason that men feel sleepy after orgasm, and this is because the post-climactic blood rush depletes the muscles of energy-producing glycogen, leaving them feeling physically drained. Glycogen loss also triggers the release of adenosine, which acts as a messenger to the cells, triggering sleep. Because men have more muscle mass than women, men are more likely to feel sleepy just when their partners are yearning for some after-sex cuddling. But, just like you rose above your physiology’s tendency to reach orgasm in two to five minutes, you can rise above this sleepiness reflex. Put some energetic dance music on the stereo, turn the lights on, have a sip of Sex Kola or another high-caffeine drink, or practice lovemaking in a place where you are unlikely to doze off, like on the kitchen counter. Whatever it takes, give your partner the romancing she needs while she is cooling down from the heat of your manly passion.
7- Mentioning the sexual skills of other women
Don’t ever, ever talk about other women while making love. Women particularly resent you mentioning your ex-girlfriends or comparing your current experience to that with any other woman. Needless to say, consider any reference to a concurrent wife or girlfriend to be a total taboo. There might be an occasional exception, such as when she asks you to imagine having a threesome with Angelina Jolie or some other woman who turns her on. But otherwise, the rule is: When her panties come off, she is the only woman in the world for you. Cracking jokes in bed and addressing her “wee-wee”.
8- Turning sex into stand-up comedy
You may be a potential winner at amateur night at your local Comedy Store, but forget about giggling, snickering, laughing or telling jokes while making love. While women love a good sense of humor, and it’s a great seduction tool, being silly or laughing can hamper her arousal and trivialize the sexual experience for her, so lose your humor with your clothes. You can pick it up again during post-coital bliss -- after you’ve told her how great it was for you.
9- Using infantile pet names for body parts
Call a clit a clit, and a vagina is a vagina, not a wee-wee. She doesn’t care what you call your penis when you’re masturbating or telling guy jokes with your buddies, or what your mother called it when she was changing your diapers. She wants to feel that she is a grown-up woman experiencing mature lovemaking with a real prince charming, and not a little girl “playing doctor.” Sex is an adult activity, so grow up before engaging in it.
10- Forgetting about your physiological differences
She is not a RealDoll made to withstand 250 pounds of pressure, nor is her vagina ready to receive pillow-pounding thrusts from the first moment of contact. A woman’s vagina is designed to receive maximum stimulation in its outer one to two inches and to expand (through a process called “tenting”) to receive deeper and harder thrusts as her arousal progresses. So starting slowly, shallowly and gently allows her to enjoy it much more -- and prevents you from climaxing too soon -- and also gives her time to work up to those heavy hip slammers.
FWD
Friday, April 23, 2010
About Some1 in my life........
I lost my love and i can help but be happy for U, if U R happy without me I am happy for U. l will always love U, and I will B miss U. I dont wanna hurt anymore.. i just feel like sleeping after all........
It'll get better I wish! I feel anger and sadness, but those do not go well with each other. Just keep Ur head up and don't turn 2 the booze, they don't help I thought..
It always brings me in tears, and it makes me think of the lovely person who has past HIS way... U just an old story book for me now.. E N O U G H !
I AM NOT A DOLL!!! I AM HUMAN BEING just like U!
It'll get better I wish! I feel anger and sadness, but those do not go well with each other. Just keep Ur head up and don't turn 2 the booze, they don't help I thought..
It always brings me in tears, and it makes me think of the lovely person who has past HIS way... U just an old story book for me now.. E N O U G H !
I AM NOT A DOLL!!! I AM HUMAN BEING just like U!
Monday, April 12, 2010
All About Me and My Family Background
CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
1.Self-defined cultural and language background
I can consider myself an Indonesian as I was born and have lived in Indonesia for almost all my life. I was born in 1982, so now I am 28 years old. I am proud to be Indonesian for several reasons. The main reason that makes me proud to be an Indonesian is the fact that Indonesia has more than 300 ethnic groups spread throughout 13.667 islands. In fact, Indonesia has about 13.667 islands as a whole, but apart from that number there are only five major islands which are occupied by the majority of Indonesians. Those five islands are Java, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Irian Jaya. Keep in mind that Indonesia is the largest famous archipelago country in the world.
Due to the fact that there are so many ethnic groups in Indonesia, it automatically affects the diversity of cultures, traditions, customs and even habits of Indonesian society. Various kinds of food and beverages as well as traditional clothing, houses and arts of each ethnic groups can be meet in Indonesia easily. This makes Indonesia very well known internationally as one of the very heterogeneous nation.
In connection with my personal background, it cannot be separated from the cultural diversity of Indonesia which has been discussed earlier. I grew up in a family that is harmonious. In Indonesia, my family is classified as a big family because my parents had seven children-four daughters and three sons. Since childhood, I was taught a very strong Indonesian culture by my parents even though my father and mother came from two different ethnicities. My father is a Javanese who come from eastern Java, and my mother is a Gorontalonese. I axiomatically have two different language backgrounds, namely Javanese and Gorontalonese.
My Javanese father always taught me to be polite to older people. This is in accordance with the doctrine that advocated Javanese to always respect; Mikul Dhuwur Mendhem Jero, which means that people should always respect their elders and maintain their knowledge of their mistakes just for themselves. In practice, the effect of this attitude is that the mistakes, follies and crimes committed by one's elders and leaders should be kept in the dark and can not be discussed about, for the sake of respect.
Furthermore, I consider that my self is a hypocrite. I say this because the intervention of my cultural background. Indonesian always speak well. They claim to uphold the good of moral values, but their actions reveal their hypocrisy. It would be very difficult for people to know if I am telling the truth or not from my speaking. For example, when someone asked me what is my opinion to assess a problem, I will always reveal a positive response despite the fact that I really have an opinion contrary to what I said before.
I assume, additionally, that I am highly polished, gentle in speech and friendly to everyone. I always had to put the most beautiful smile on my lips for everybody while not forgetting to say hello and pray for their welfare. My parents apply this pattern in raising me up. In addition to strict discipline of manners and etiquette, my parents taught me religion perspective, especially Islam. I was taught how to behave with the opposite sex who are not relatives. So far, no matter where I am, I will always apply these elements interact with my colleagues everyday.
2.Cross-cultural experiences and needs assessment
As an English teacher who has to teach English to Indonesian students who has ethnically diverse cultures, I think this course; Cross-cultural communication; is needed in order to support the learning process. In my mind, after I finished this course, it would be easier for me to understand my students' character. At least, this is what I expect to get from this course, that I can learn and understand how to deal with two or more different cultures in term of linguistics and non-linguistics matter.
I believe, when we teach language, it means we do not only teach the substance of the language itself, but we also indirectly teach the culture of speaker of that language. Between language and culture, they both look like a package, we cannot separate them. As an English teacher, as a fact, i have never interacted with the native speakers of English directly before. I interact and learn the language and culture directly from the native after I came here in Australia. This is very useful for me, because I can know exactly how native speakers use their language in various situations, which I just learned earlier in the text books or see in television and other sources that are not real.
One is also, by studying this subject, I learn how to put myself and how should I behave and interact with the native English speaker by giving a bit of concessions to the prevailing of Indonesian culture which I had as my cultural background in my new environment. I do not intend to forget my native culture, I just wanted to try to understand how I could survive in the midst of a new culture that may be different from my culture without changing the basic concept of my background.
3.Conclusion
As a conclusion, I hope that after I studied this subject I will get a better insight into what the importance to understand the culture in language teaching is. In order to achieve the main objectives of teaching, it is absolutely necessary. Minimising the cultural gap is absolutely necessary so that misunderstandings can be avoided. Australia is a multi-racial country which is almost similar to Indonesia, so I felt it would be easier to understand the theories of cultural intersection that I have learned, because I already have a real experience to deal with the native English. To sum up, I would go back to a basic principle that says, your culture is yours, and my culture is mine, without each other may feels that my culture is better than your culture.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Met a new friend
Hey, I had a new friend yesterday
. It was just accidentally. I know my new friend will think that I am probably crazy, coz of many strange things. I just wanna drop 'hi' to my new friend! It is pleasure to know you
.Saturday, March 13, 2010
On duty....
Oh God! I am probably going mad now! I have lots lots of assignments to do. I have lots of essays to compose! I don't know what should I do first. Oh tuhan.... Udah ngantuk banget pula....
Monday, September 28, 2009
Masculinity Vs Femininity in Indonesia (Hofstede' Cultural Dimensions Analysis)
1. Introduction
The very complex process of teaching and learning has been affected by many factors such as advances in technology, shifts in the approach to teaching, changes in government funding policies and cultural shifts in gender relationships. Knowing all of these factors can help both teachers and learners in delivering and catching information in order to achieve learning opportunities in valuing, developing and supporting the essential of life through learning itself. The objective of this study is to investigate Hofstede’s cultural dimension of masculinity and femininity as it is related to the learner attitudes and behavior. Amidst controversy of criticism and praise Prof. Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions has proven their validity over the passage of application and scrutiny. This paper presents several examples of his point of view based on my own opinion, the case studies of gender roles within teaching and learning processes mostly in Indonesia. In doing so, it develops how cultural dimension of masculinity and femininity can influence learners’ attitudes and behavior.
2. Education and Cultural Dimensions
When we talk about education, we cannot separate among teachers, students, parents, educational administrators, government, society and cultures around society. Due to this fact, Bob and Jennie Teasdale claim that the contribution of education and all aspects related with it can create the surviving culture (1992, p.1). They believe that nowadays many cultures especially small culture are in danger because of the mass communications and modern technologies as the impact of consumerism, competitiveness and individualism of the westernization so called cultural standardization process.
As E. B. Taylor points out, commonly, sociologists comprehend that the transmission of culture from each generation is the educational function. Furthermore, he believes that humans as parts of the society and customs have acquired very complex culture such as law, belief, art, knowledge, moral, and others capabilities. Accordingly, a concern with culture in its relevance to education emphasizes how the process of culture transmitted (cited in Stenhouse 1971, p. 1-3).
All societies educate people (Wheeler, 1967, p. 11). Indeed, both formal and informal education is major processes in maintenance of a society. By formal education we mean the deliberate attempt by one or more persons to affect changes in the behavior of one or more persons by presenting certain experiences. Informal education, on the other hand, may be thought of as the process whereby behavioral changes occur as a result of experiences in situation which do not fall into the previous category. The distinction between formal and informal education arises from the conscious, planned attempt at changes on the part of the social agent.
As the education always takes place in a particular society, it is evident that any study must be concerned with these several factors just like Dr. Geert Hofstede mentioned in his research related to the cultural dimension; they are power distance index, individualism versus its opposite collectivism, masculinity versus its opposite femininity and uncertainty avoidance index. In some opinion, people put another dimension as the fifth dimension that is long-term orientation versus short-term orientation also called as Confucianism and dynamism. It has been suggested that all of the functions of these cultural dimensions are to pass on selected social heritage. This idea means that, as well as the all of these five factors, some consideration must also be based on the experiences and the content offered within the school to achieve the goal of teaching and learning processes.
2.1. Power Distance Index
Power distance index is represented by the social strata based on the their own authorities from the top level to the bottom level in their communities, also between the more powerful to the less powerful (Dekker et al, 2008, p. 443). Consequently, this dimension is a substantive hierarchical system of authority. In Indonesia, the more power with tier welding is very prevailing in formal hierarchy than the rank below. Moreover, the conception of law and policy, for example, is planned and made by the government according to its own concept of culture, its socio-economy system, political ideology and technical development in various member states. However, this method of making policy has certain problems in administrative and largely institutional level. Indonesians also have inequality wealth within society as part of their cultural heritage. In teaching and learning process, a student who has more knowledge always be the center of the class. They will always hold the role of the class and become motivation for other students, especially in class discussion when they need to deliver ideas.
2.2. Individualism and Collectivism
This dimension represents the opinions and beliefs of the autonomy, innovation, performance and achievement of the people in society. In this dimension, likewise, the issue between individual and his or her fellow, family, tribes or even village involved the relationships (Hofstede, 1983, p. 79). Furthermore, Jones assumes that this dimension will measure the ability of people working in group or individual, also measure the integration level of people in society/community (2007, p. 4).
Indonesians are more collective. They hold their traditions tightly. The principle of Bhineka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity) was adopted for the emblem of the republic. Indonesian idea regarding belief in God, tolerance, humanity, democracy and social justice are incorporated in the Pancasila (Five Principle), the ideology which reflects basic thinking and the country's way of life as the reflection of collectivism. In classroom interaction, students always speak courteously to the teacher even their colleagues when they are arguing about a topic of discussion. Trying to solve problem wisely without pushing other people away is the main point.
2.3. Masculinity and Femininity
Giving us visions something related to the roles between females and males in emotional division, gender becomes an issue in promoting or hiring people to the better position in society or organization. Indonesians show more compassion and tenderness than other cultures because of their socio-cultural interference cultural urge.
2.4. Uncertainty Avoidance Index
This index represents whether people feel comfort or secure with unstructured situation, uncertain events, chaos and risks. Moreover, it is about how people take action in order to achieve their future goal and good inherent balance in controlling the situations. For future event, Indonesian tends to prepare and arrange everything. All culture needs to make a perfect decision of the unknown.
2.5. Long Term Orientation and Short Term Orientation
As such, it is associated with people through particular criteria such as reciprocal, obligation, honesty and loyalty. In addition, this term is connected with having good behaviors in relationships. Indonesians tend to be more long-term oriented than short-term one.
3. Masculinity Vs Femininity and Learners Attitudes and Behavior in Indonesia
In Indonesia, masculinity and femininity are in the same level, while women have the same rights, opportunities and orientation with men in all aspects; including occupation, delivering ideas and many others things. Women power growth, economy rapid growth, and globalization are the main factors of women’s role changing in many Asian countries including Indonesia (Chang, 2003, p. 568-569).
Initially, this situation was totally different in the past when woman should be the one who cares for children and the housework related matters, whilst man is the person who has to provide everything for the family welfare. Furthermore, in negotiation process, professional and managerial ranks, men have more opportunity than women and leave women behind. As a representation of male-dominated society, value and heritage family assets, having at least one son in the family becomes the big expectation to almost Indonesian parents. Nowadays, women become more adaptable with men. The equivalence principle of gender becomes more comfortable and treats them the same as men.
Research on gender has now been conducted, such as teacher's gender affects learning, single-sex education, and so forth. A case study by Brook & Mackinnon (2001) found that boys were more disruptive and girls were less disorderly when they have female teacher in their class. Conversely, in male teacher class, boys were more confident to ask question than girls. Some people still argue that students’ success cannot depend on the teacher gender but smaller class sizes, modern equipment, experienced teachers and good textbooks are the factors influencing it.
Although masculinity and femininity in Indonesia are in the same level, men still sometimes have more power. In class discussion, for instance, boys always become the group leader or team and brave to deliver ideas, while girls usually become the group member and silent. Chang (2003, p. 569) stated that “when women play more important role in class, the degree of competition, control and assertive behaviors will be decreased apparently”.
4. Conclusion
There are very close connection among culture, education, learners’ attitudes, and behavior. All of these factors can improve and expand the personal as well as professional growth, and development of teachers and learners. Since technology has been rising, culture also changes to be more flexible, including the concept of masculinity and femininity. In Indonesia, the concept of gender has been changed because of some factors such as economy, globalization, and technology.
References:
Balson, Maurice. (1988). Understanding Classroom. Victoria: The Australian Council for Educational Research Ltd.
Brooks, Ann., & Mackinnon, Alison. (2001). Gender and the Restructured University. London: The Society For Research Info Higher Education & Open University Press.
Byram, Michael., Nicholas, Adam., & Stevens, David. (2001). Developing Intercultural Competence in Practice. New York: Multilingual Matters LTD.
Chang, Lieh-Ching. (2003). An Examination of Cross-Cultural Negotiation; Using Hofstede framework. Journal of American Academy of Business. Retrieved Augustus 28, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global database.
Dekker, Daphne. M., Rutte, Christel. G., & Van den Berg, Peter. T. ( 2008). Cultural Differences in the Perception of Critical Interaction Behaviors in Global Virtual Teams. International Journal of Intercultural Relations 32, 441–452
Freeman, Kerry., & Hernandez, Fernando. (1998). Curriculum, Culture and Art Education. New York: State University Of New York Press.
Gay, Geneva. (2000). Culturally Responsive Teaching. New York: Teacher College Press.
Hofested, Greet. (1983). The Cultural Relativity of the Organizational Practice and Theories. Journal of International Business Studies, Vol. 14, No. 2, Special Issue on Cross-Cultural management. Retrieved August 12, 2009, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/222593
Hofstede, Geert. (2002). Dimensions do not Exist: A Reply to Brenda McSweeney. Human Relations, Vol. 55. New Delhi: Sage Publication.
Jones, M. L. (2007). Hofstede - Culturally questionable?. UK: Oxford University Press.
Jones, M. L., & Alony, A. (2007). The Cultural Impact of Information Systems – Through the Eyes of Hofstede – A Critical Journey. Issues in Forming Science and Information Technology, 4, 407-419. Retrieved Augustus 12, 2009 from http://ro.uow.edu.au/commpapers/332
Mc.Allister. Linda., Whiteforda, Gail., Hilla, Bob., Thomasa, Noel., & Fitzgerald, Maureen. (2006). Reflection in Intercultural Learning: Examining The International Experience Through A Critical Incident Approach. Reflective Practice, Vol. 7, No. pp. 367–381. Retrieved Augustus 28, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global database.
Richmond, W. Kenneth. (1963). Culture and General Education. London: Shenval Press.
Rivers, Wilga. M. (1990). Interactive Language Learning. London: Cambridge University Press.
Stenhouse, Lawrence. (1971). Culture and Educational. London: Redwood Press Limited.
Teasdale, Bob., & Teasdale, Jennie. (1992). Voices in A Seashell; Education, Culture and Identity. Suva: University of The South Pacific.
Wheeler, D. K. (1967). Curriculum Process. London: University of London Press Ltd.
The very complex process of teaching and learning has been affected by many factors such as advances in technology, shifts in the approach to teaching, changes in government funding policies and cultural shifts in gender relationships. Knowing all of these factors can help both teachers and learners in delivering and catching information in order to achieve learning opportunities in valuing, developing and supporting the essential of life through learning itself. The objective of this study is to investigate Hofstede’s cultural dimension of masculinity and femininity as it is related to the learner attitudes and behavior. Amidst controversy of criticism and praise Prof. Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions has proven their validity over the passage of application and scrutiny. This paper presents several examples of his point of view based on my own opinion, the case studies of gender roles within teaching and learning processes mostly in Indonesia. In doing so, it develops how cultural dimension of masculinity and femininity can influence learners’ attitudes and behavior.
2. Education and Cultural Dimensions
When we talk about education, we cannot separate among teachers, students, parents, educational administrators, government, society and cultures around society. Due to this fact, Bob and Jennie Teasdale claim that the contribution of education and all aspects related with it can create the surviving culture (1992, p.1). They believe that nowadays many cultures especially small culture are in danger because of the mass communications and modern technologies as the impact of consumerism, competitiveness and individualism of the westernization so called cultural standardization process.
As E. B. Taylor points out, commonly, sociologists comprehend that the transmission of culture from each generation is the educational function. Furthermore, he believes that humans as parts of the society and customs have acquired very complex culture such as law, belief, art, knowledge, moral, and others capabilities. Accordingly, a concern with culture in its relevance to education emphasizes how the process of culture transmitted (cited in Stenhouse 1971, p. 1-3).
All societies educate people (Wheeler, 1967, p. 11). Indeed, both formal and informal education is major processes in maintenance of a society. By formal education we mean the deliberate attempt by one or more persons to affect changes in the behavior of one or more persons by presenting certain experiences. Informal education, on the other hand, may be thought of as the process whereby behavioral changes occur as a result of experiences in situation which do not fall into the previous category. The distinction between formal and informal education arises from the conscious, planned attempt at changes on the part of the social agent.
As the education always takes place in a particular society, it is evident that any study must be concerned with these several factors just like Dr. Geert Hofstede mentioned in his research related to the cultural dimension; they are power distance index, individualism versus its opposite collectivism, masculinity versus its opposite femininity and uncertainty avoidance index. In some opinion, people put another dimension as the fifth dimension that is long-term orientation versus short-term orientation also called as Confucianism and dynamism. It has been suggested that all of the functions of these cultural dimensions are to pass on selected social heritage. This idea means that, as well as the all of these five factors, some consideration must also be based on the experiences and the content offered within the school to achieve the goal of teaching and learning processes.
2.1. Power Distance Index
Power distance index is represented by the social strata based on the their own authorities from the top level to the bottom level in their communities, also between the more powerful to the less powerful (Dekker et al, 2008, p. 443). Consequently, this dimension is a substantive hierarchical system of authority. In Indonesia, the more power with tier welding is very prevailing in formal hierarchy than the rank below. Moreover, the conception of law and policy, for example, is planned and made by the government according to its own concept of culture, its socio-economy system, political ideology and technical development in various member states. However, this method of making policy has certain problems in administrative and largely institutional level. Indonesians also have inequality wealth within society as part of their cultural heritage. In teaching and learning process, a student who has more knowledge always be the center of the class. They will always hold the role of the class and become motivation for other students, especially in class discussion when they need to deliver ideas.
2.2. Individualism and Collectivism
This dimension represents the opinions and beliefs of the autonomy, innovation, performance and achievement of the people in society. In this dimension, likewise, the issue between individual and his or her fellow, family, tribes or even village involved the relationships (Hofstede, 1983, p. 79). Furthermore, Jones assumes that this dimension will measure the ability of people working in group or individual, also measure the integration level of people in society/community (2007, p. 4).
Indonesians are more collective. They hold their traditions tightly. The principle of Bhineka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity) was adopted for the emblem of the republic. Indonesian idea regarding belief in God, tolerance, humanity, democracy and social justice are incorporated in the Pancasila (Five Principle), the ideology which reflects basic thinking and the country's way of life as the reflection of collectivism. In classroom interaction, students always speak courteously to the teacher even their colleagues when they are arguing about a topic of discussion. Trying to solve problem wisely without pushing other people away is the main point.
2.3. Masculinity and Femininity
Giving us visions something related to the roles between females and males in emotional division, gender becomes an issue in promoting or hiring people to the better position in society or organization. Indonesians show more compassion and tenderness than other cultures because of their socio-cultural interference cultural urge.
2.4. Uncertainty Avoidance Index
This index represents whether people feel comfort or secure with unstructured situation, uncertain events, chaos and risks. Moreover, it is about how people take action in order to achieve their future goal and good inherent balance in controlling the situations. For future event, Indonesian tends to prepare and arrange everything. All culture needs to make a perfect decision of the unknown.
2.5. Long Term Orientation and Short Term Orientation
As such, it is associated with people through particular criteria such as reciprocal, obligation, honesty and loyalty. In addition, this term is connected with having good behaviors in relationships. Indonesians tend to be more long-term oriented than short-term one.
3. Masculinity Vs Femininity and Learners Attitudes and Behavior in Indonesia
In Indonesia, masculinity and femininity are in the same level, while women have the same rights, opportunities and orientation with men in all aspects; including occupation, delivering ideas and many others things. Women power growth, economy rapid growth, and globalization are the main factors of women’s role changing in many Asian countries including Indonesia (Chang, 2003, p. 568-569).
Initially, this situation was totally different in the past when woman should be the one who cares for children and the housework related matters, whilst man is the person who has to provide everything for the family welfare. Furthermore, in negotiation process, professional and managerial ranks, men have more opportunity than women and leave women behind. As a representation of male-dominated society, value and heritage family assets, having at least one son in the family becomes the big expectation to almost Indonesian parents. Nowadays, women become more adaptable with men. The equivalence principle of gender becomes more comfortable and treats them the same as men.
Research on gender has now been conducted, such as teacher's gender affects learning, single-sex education, and so forth. A case study by Brook & Mackinnon (2001) found that boys were more disruptive and girls were less disorderly when they have female teacher in their class. Conversely, in male teacher class, boys were more confident to ask question than girls. Some people still argue that students’ success cannot depend on the teacher gender but smaller class sizes, modern equipment, experienced teachers and good textbooks are the factors influencing it.
Although masculinity and femininity in Indonesia are in the same level, men still sometimes have more power. In class discussion, for instance, boys always become the group leader or team and brave to deliver ideas, while girls usually become the group member and silent. Chang (2003, p. 569) stated that “when women play more important role in class, the degree of competition, control and assertive behaviors will be decreased apparently”.
4. Conclusion
There are very close connection among culture, education, learners’ attitudes, and behavior. All of these factors can improve and expand the personal as well as professional growth, and development of teachers and learners. Since technology has been rising, culture also changes to be more flexible, including the concept of masculinity and femininity. In Indonesia, the concept of gender has been changed because of some factors such as economy, globalization, and technology.
References:
Balson, Maurice. (1988). Understanding Classroom. Victoria: The Australian Council for Educational Research Ltd.
Brooks, Ann., & Mackinnon, Alison. (2001). Gender and the Restructured University. London: The Society For Research Info Higher Education & Open University Press.
Byram, Michael., Nicholas, Adam., & Stevens, David. (2001). Developing Intercultural Competence in Practice. New York: Multilingual Matters LTD.
Chang, Lieh-Ching. (2003). An Examination of Cross-Cultural Negotiation; Using Hofstede framework. Journal of American Academy of Business. Retrieved Augustus 28, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global database.
Dekker, Daphne. M., Rutte, Christel. G., & Van den Berg, Peter. T. ( 2008). Cultural Differences in the Perception of Critical Interaction Behaviors in Global Virtual Teams. International Journal of Intercultural Relations 32, 441–452
Freeman, Kerry., & Hernandez, Fernando. (1998). Curriculum, Culture and Art Education. New York: State University Of New York Press.
Gay, Geneva. (2000). Culturally Responsive Teaching. New York: Teacher College Press.
Hofested, Greet. (1983). The Cultural Relativity of the Organizational Practice and Theories. Journal of International Business Studies, Vol. 14, No. 2, Special Issue on Cross-Cultural management. Retrieved August 12, 2009, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/222593
Hofstede, Geert. (2002). Dimensions do not Exist: A Reply to Brenda McSweeney. Human Relations, Vol. 55. New Delhi: Sage Publication.
Jones, M. L. (2007). Hofstede - Culturally questionable?. UK: Oxford University Press.
Jones, M. L., & Alony, A. (2007). The Cultural Impact of Information Systems – Through the Eyes of Hofstede – A Critical Journey. Issues in Forming Science and Information Technology, 4, 407-419. Retrieved Augustus 12, 2009 from http://ro.uow.edu.au/commpapers/332
Mc.Allister. Linda., Whiteforda, Gail., Hilla, Bob., Thomasa, Noel., & Fitzgerald, Maureen. (2006). Reflection in Intercultural Learning: Examining The International Experience Through A Critical Incident Approach. Reflective Practice, Vol. 7, No. pp. 367–381. Retrieved Augustus 28, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global database.
Richmond, W. Kenneth. (1963). Culture and General Education. London: Shenval Press.
Rivers, Wilga. M. (1990). Interactive Language Learning. London: Cambridge University Press.
Stenhouse, Lawrence. (1971). Culture and Educational. London: Redwood Press Limited.
Teasdale, Bob., & Teasdale, Jennie. (1992). Voices in A Seashell; Education, Culture and Identity. Suva: University of The South Pacific.
Wheeler, D. K. (1967). Curriculum Process. London: University of London Press Ltd.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Till the End,,,I LOVE U
How blessed I am that you are in my life
Not a day goes by when I do not think of you
You make everything alright
To you I do not have to prove myself
For you know me
I love you
How blessed I am that you are in my life
How honoured I am to be a part of yours
Memories made and shared
With you the one I love
My friend, my lover, my king
'Til the end
Not a day goes by when I do not think of you
You make everything alright
To you I do not have to prove myself
For you know me
I love you
How blessed I am that you are in my life
How honoured I am to be a part of yours
Memories made and shared
With you the one I love
My friend, my lover, my king
'Til the end
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
When you're not here
When you're not here to share my days and nights
My life is so incomplete
For you are my heart, my soul
The âonenessâ I had known to seek
Without you I merely exist from day to day
With you I know that I will find
All that I have been searching for
My completeness, my eternal peace of mind
You are the keeper of my dreams
The man who holds my heart in his hands
The one I want to spend my life with
The one with whom I will always stand
Stand beside through thick and thin
Through all that life will throw our way
Knowing that this special love we share
Will guide us, each and every day
This journey was started long ago
Before this time and place
The journey of completeness
As two hearts and souls embrace
Forever is what I want with you
For the search is at an end
Our hearts have found each other
As lovers, as soul-mates, as friends.
My life is so incomplete
For you are my heart, my soul
The âonenessâ I had known to seek
Without you I merely exist from day to day
With you I know that I will find
All that I have been searching for
My completeness, my eternal peace of mind
You are the keeper of my dreams
The man who holds my heart in his hands
The one I want to spend my life with
The one with whom I will always stand
Stand beside through thick and thin
Through all that life will throw our way
Knowing that this special love we share
Will guide us, each and every day
This journey was started long ago
Before this time and place
The journey of completeness
As two hearts and souls embrace
Forever is what I want with you
For the search is at an end
Our hearts have found each other
As lovers, as soul-mates, as friends.
Friday, August 14, 2009
surat buat Noordin M Top
Kepada Yang Terhormat,
Saudaraku Noordin M Top
( izinkan aku tetap memanggilmu saudara,
meski hampir seluruh negeri ini menghujatmu )
Assalamu’alaikum wr.wb
Apa yang terlintas di benakmu, ketika pagi hari itu bom meluluh lantakkan JW Mariot dan Ritz Carlton?. Betapa kami benar-benar ingin tahu dan menduga-duga tentang apa reaksimu saat itu. Mungkinkah engkau dengan tangan terkepal dan bangga berseru;
" Kita pasti menang..!, Allah bersama kita,!, Amerika pasti hancur!"
Ataukah jauh di lubuk hatimu yang paling dalam, engkau malah menangis menyaksikan betapa saudara-saudaramu sesama umat manusia ( bukan hanya sesama muslim ), harus meregang nyawa ditanganmu?. Adalah sangat menarik untuk tahu, apa reaksimu kala itu¦..
Saudaraku Noordin M Top¦.,
Pernahkah sampai ke telingamu tentang riwayat Nabi kita yang sikap dan tutur katanya santun, lemah lembut, dan penuh kasih sayang ?
Pernahkah engkau juga mendengar, betapa Rasulullah juga ikut merasa terluka,
bila ada orang-orang non muslim yang mau hidup berdampingan dengan kita,
sampai disakiti oleh umatnya¦.?
Ataukah mungkin engkau hanya mendengar tentang betapa gagah perkasanya beliau ketika di medan pertempuran. ?
Setiap mata uang selalu mempunyai dua sisi yang berbeda, mengapa engkau hanya memperdulikan salah satu sisinya saja, tanpa pernah peduli pada sisi yang lainnya¦?
Kira-kira apa yang akan disampaikan Rasulullah, jika bertemu denganmu di padang mahsyar nanti…. ?
Sebegitu yakinkah engkau bahwa Allah dan RasulNYA meridhai perjuanganmu ini¦?
Padahal yang engkau perangi di negeri kami bukanlah musuh-musuh Allah yang sebenar-benarnya¦ .?
Bagaimana bila engkau ternyata salah, dan Allah dan RasulNYA murka padamu¦..
Lalu engkau ditempatkan di neraka jahanam¦..?
Alangkah malangnya dirimu..¦.
Saudaraku Noordin M Top¦.
Ketika engkau (mungkin) meledakkan negeri kami pagi itu, sesungguhnya dunia malah mencemoohkanmu¦ .Karena semua itu hanya semakin membuktikan pada mereka bahwa engkau sungguh frustasi menghadapi kecongkakan amerika dan Israel¦..
Bahwa engkau telah benar-benar dibuat tak berdaya untuk menghancurkan keangkuhan negeri-negeri zionis itu, sehingga engkau merasa perlu mencuri perhatian mereka, dengan cara menghabisi orang-orang yang tak berdosa, di negeri yang tak ada sangkut pautnya dengan kebrutalan amerika dan Israel
Padahal nun jauh di Palestina sana¦.di negeri yang untuknya engkau rela melakukan ini semua¦.anak-anak, wanita, orang tua dan pemudanya, tak pernah merasa kalah dan surut dalam peperangan melawan kekuatan israel , amerika, dan para sekutunya.
Bagi mereka, api semangat untuk berjuang membebaskan tanah airnya, tak boleh padam oleh todongan senjata, tembakan tank, atau letusan bom sekalipun.
Saudaraku Noordin M Top¦
Mungkin engkau selalu menyebut orang-orang di luar `kita', adalah ;
" kafir, kafir dan kafir¦"
Tapi bukankah mereka manusia juga.?,
manusia yang diciptakan Allah untuk mengabdi padaNYA?
Bukan salah mereka, bila mereka tidak dilahirkan dalam keadaan muslim¦..
Dan kewajibanmu lah untuk mengenalkan mereka pada cahaya Islam.
Bukankah mereka juga berhak memperoleh surganya Allah ?,
yang selama ini seolah-olah hanya menjadi milik engkau dan golonganmu saja¦
Saudaraku Noordin M Top¦...
Ketika engkau membayangkan kehebatan Rasulullah dalam pertempuran, pada saat yang sama engkau juga harus mengingat betapa mulianya Rasul kita, ketika dilempari oleh orang kafir Quraisy sampai berdarah-darah, beliau malah mendoakan keselamatan bagi orang yang menganiayanya¦ .
Percayalah…ini bukan tanda kelemahan Islam¦..
Ini adalah tanda bahwa Rasulullah benar-benar tahu, dan bijaksana dalam memilih siapa? kapan? dan dimana saatnya harus berperang¦..
Nabi kita yang mulia itu juga senantiasa berpesan pada sahabat-sahabatnya,
untuk tidak melukai, wanita, orang tua, dan anak-anak ketika harus berperang.
Sekarang coba bandingkan dengan dirimu¦.., dan saudara-saudara kita ( yang disebut terorist ), yang telah terlanjur mempersembahkan nyawanya dengan iming-iming menjadi syuhada dan mendapatkan surga `versimu'?
Saudaraku Noordin M Top
Memangnya siapakah dirimu?,
sehingga berani menjamin mereka pasti masuk dalam surganya Allah?
Padahal bahkan, Rasulullah sang kekasih Allah sekalipun, tidak berani memberikan
kepastian itu..
Saudaraku Noordin M Top
Entah bagaimana lagi kami harus menjelaskan pada dunia,
Bahwa Islam, `masih menjadi rahmat bagi semesta alam..
Bahwa engkau bukanlah representasi kami seluruhnya….
Kami tidak khawatir akan pudarnya cahaya agama Allah
( karena Allah sendiri yang menjamin akan menjaganya sampai akhir zaman )
Kami lebih khawatir padamu
yang semakin memperkelam peradaban Islam
yang semakin menjauhkan penduduk dunia dari indahnya agama Allah ini.
Saudaraku Noordin M Top
Semoga Allah membuka pintu hatimu.
Wassalamu’alaikum wr.wb
FWD
Saudaraku Noordin M Top
( izinkan aku tetap memanggilmu saudara,
meski hampir seluruh negeri ini menghujatmu )
Assalamu’alaikum wr.wb
Apa yang terlintas di benakmu, ketika pagi hari itu bom meluluh lantakkan JW Mariot dan Ritz Carlton?. Betapa kami benar-benar ingin tahu dan menduga-duga tentang apa reaksimu saat itu. Mungkinkah engkau dengan tangan terkepal dan bangga berseru;
" Kita pasti menang..!, Allah bersama kita,!, Amerika pasti hancur!"
Ataukah jauh di lubuk hatimu yang paling dalam, engkau malah menangis menyaksikan betapa saudara-saudaramu sesama umat manusia ( bukan hanya sesama muslim ), harus meregang nyawa ditanganmu?. Adalah sangat menarik untuk tahu, apa reaksimu kala itu¦..
Saudaraku Noordin M Top¦.,
Pernahkah sampai ke telingamu tentang riwayat Nabi kita yang sikap dan tutur katanya santun, lemah lembut, dan penuh kasih sayang ?
Pernahkah engkau juga mendengar, betapa Rasulullah juga ikut merasa terluka,
bila ada orang-orang non muslim yang mau hidup berdampingan dengan kita,
sampai disakiti oleh umatnya¦.?
Ataukah mungkin engkau hanya mendengar tentang betapa gagah perkasanya beliau ketika di medan pertempuran. ?
Setiap mata uang selalu mempunyai dua sisi yang berbeda, mengapa engkau hanya memperdulikan salah satu sisinya saja, tanpa pernah peduli pada sisi yang lainnya¦?
Kira-kira apa yang akan disampaikan Rasulullah, jika bertemu denganmu di padang mahsyar nanti…. ?
Sebegitu yakinkah engkau bahwa Allah dan RasulNYA meridhai perjuanganmu ini¦?
Padahal yang engkau perangi di negeri kami bukanlah musuh-musuh Allah yang sebenar-benarnya¦ .?
Bagaimana bila engkau ternyata salah, dan Allah dan RasulNYA murka padamu¦..
Lalu engkau ditempatkan di neraka jahanam¦..?
Alangkah malangnya dirimu..¦.
Saudaraku Noordin M Top¦.
Ketika engkau (mungkin) meledakkan negeri kami pagi itu, sesungguhnya dunia malah mencemoohkanmu¦ .Karena semua itu hanya semakin membuktikan pada mereka bahwa engkau sungguh frustasi menghadapi kecongkakan amerika dan Israel¦..
Bahwa engkau telah benar-benar dibuat tak berdaya untuk menghancurkan keangkuhan negeri-negeri zionis itu, sehingga engkau merasa perlu mencuri perhatian mereka, dengan cara menghabisi orang-orang yang tak berdosa, di negeri yang tak ada sangkut pautnya dengan kebrutalan amerika dan Israel
Padahal nun jauh di Palestina sana¦.di negeri yang untuknya engkau rela melakukan ini semua¦.anak-anak, wanita, orang tua dan pemudanya, tak pernah merasa kalah dan surut dalam peperangan melawan kekuatan israel , amerika, dan para sekutunya.
Bagi mereka, api semangat untuk berjuang membebaskan tanah airnya, tak boleh padam oleh todongan senjata, tembakan tank, atau letusan bom sekalipun.
Saudaraku Noordin M Top¦
Mungkin engkau selalu menyebut orang-orang di luar `kita', adalah ;
" kafir, kafir dan kafir¦"
Tapi bukankah mereka manusia juga.?,
manusia yang diciptakan Allah untuk mengabdi padaNYA?
Bukan salah mereka, bila mereka tidak dilahirkan dalam keadaan muslim¦..
Dan kewajibanmu lah untuk mengenalkan mereka pada cahaya Islam.
Bukankah mereka juga berhak memperoleh surganya Allah ?,
yang selama ini seolah-olah hanya menjadi milik engkau dan golonganmu saja¦
Saudaraku Noordin M Top¦...
Ketika engkau membayangkan kehebatan Rasulullah dalam pertempuran, pada saat yang sama engkau juga harus mengingat betapa mulianya Rasul kita, ketika dilempari oleh orang kafir Quraisy sampai berdarah-darah, beliau malah mendoakan keselamatan bagi orang yang menganiayanya¦ .
Percayalah…ini bukan tanda kelemahan Islam¦..
Ini adalah tanda bahwa Rasulullah benar-benar tahu, dan bijaksana dalam memilih siapa? kapan? dan dimana saatnya harus berperang¦..
Nabi kita yang mulia itu juga senantiasa berpesan pada sahabat-sahabatnya,
untuk tidak melukai, wanita, orang tua, dan anak-anak ketika harus berperang.
Sekarang coba bandingkan dengan dirimu¦.., dan saudara-saudara kita ( yang disebut terorist ), yang telah terlanjur mempersembahkan nyawanya dengan iming-iming menjadi syuhada dan mendapatkan surga `versimu'?
Saudaraku Noordin M Top
Memangnya siapakah dirimu?,
sehingga berani menjamin mereka pasti masuk dalam surganya Allah?
Padahal bahkan, Rasulullah sang kekasih Allah sekalipun, tidak berani memberikan
kepastian itu..
Saudaraku Noordin M Top
Entah bagaimana lagi kami harus menjelaskan pada dunia,
Bahwa Islam, `masih menjadi rahmat bagi semesta alam..
Bahwa engkau bukanlah representasi kami seluruhnya….
Kami tidak khawatir akan pudarnya cahaya agama Allah
( karena Allah sendiri yang menjamin akan menjaganya sampai akhir zaman )
Kami lebih khawatir padamu
yang semakin memperkelam peradaban Islam
yang semakin menjauhkan penduduk dunia dari indahnya agama Allah ini.
Saudaraku Noordin M Top
Semoga Allah membuka pintu hatimu.
Wassalamu’alaikum wr.wb
FWD
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