Cultural Feminism Anna’s effort towards the right equality to Social and Cultural Feminism.
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The Kralahome drew himself up, deciding to try another tack. “Mem leonowens,” he said in a tone of exaggerated patience, “the
Lady Jao Jum Manda Ung is daughter of very influential family” “And when that woman La Ore offered her the money, her mistress
accused her of ingratitude and chained her like an animal in the yard where the Prince and I found her last night”
The Kralahome’s face darkened. “Heir to throne must never get involved in issue of bond servant. This will resolve itself in time.”
Hand, 1999:85
The presence of Anna Leonowens has brought cross cultural feminism. More or less King Mongkut is influenced by Anna’s custom. It is proved when the
King asks Anna to set the similar to English Country. The quotation as follows: “The King gazed at her. “Thank you, Mem, for humble validation,”
he said softly. Then, “I, um, have decided to give self anniversary dinner, and invite important English nobles and diplomates.”
Anna looked confused. “I don’t understand.” “As if to sound English bugles in own defense.”
He nodded at her as though something had been decided. “You shall take charge of all formalities, as Mem is obvious choice to
make certain guests feel at home.”
Hand, 1999: 140 Meanwhile, the local custom in Siam that construct people there to bow
down on the floor when they meet the King. It is also related to cultural feminism. Anna feels surprised when Kralahome tells her to do so at the firs time but she
replies that she would honoured the King with outmost respect Hand, 1999:41 . The respect of people to the King, they have to bow their body down even their
hand is still holding glasses. We can see it from the quotation below:
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There were a poignant few minutes while Anna was instructing a room full of servants on how the pour champagne. Without
warning, they all dropped to the floor, sending silver trays crashing and bottles flying in their wake, as Anna turned to see the King in
the back of the hall. She threw her hands up in frustation, but he took no notice.
“Stand,” he commanded loudly. “All of you stand” Slowly, with heartbreaking timidity, everyone stood. Anna
watched, trying to keep her own emotions in check. “It is only for a night,” the King reminded her as he gazed
disapprovingly upon this room full of upright citizens. “One night” And with a scowl, he left.
Hand, 1999: 144-145
It also happens when the King asks Anna for dancing with him after dinner. It makes the distinguished guests surprise since the custom seems different
from the local custom. The quotation as follows: A moment as the musicians paused, adjusting their instruments.
Then, to Anna’s astonishment, the plaintive strains of a waltz filled the Great Hall.
King Mongkut’s smile broadened at he suprise. “In honor our most distinguished guests, a waltz, as is European
custom of dancing after dinner.”
Hand, 1999: 159
Based on the explanation above cross cultural feminism occurs betwen British and Thailand. Another supporting statemen in the story is mentioned that
Anna as an English teacher trains all of here Palace servants how to set table manner and how to pour champagne for the guest Hand’s, 1999: 144.
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Cultural feminism actually is formed from the political, economy, condition and the custom improves in the society. Hand’s Anna and the King has
lead us to the positive point of view about social and cultural feminism, which represented by Anna Leonowens who gives her fully effort to struggling for
woman’s right. The important part is that Anna Leonowens defending all of this in a new place that becomes a positive change for Siam Thailand.
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