Community in Life and Communucation in Southeast Asia and Beyond

In the throes of the colonial era, Asia has become an even more vigorous and dynamic region in the world.  Nation-states have emerged, as colonial powers began to relinquish their hold from their possessions.  In the midst of this dynamism, however, is the realization that Asia has been fragmentized, disoriented and refashioned from its own self.  In the present highly rational, literate, material and globalized world, Asian artistic expressions have in contrast, the long-cherished traditions of spirituality, orality, spontaneity, socially and philosophically-derived theories in the forms and structures of their practices. What we have to discuss is how to appreciate the value of these traditions to the life of each and every community, whether they come from folk or countryside communities, from the courts or temples, or from modern establishments and societal institutions. As Asians, we need to understand our very own environment, and the way we live, breath, and do things in order to survive.  One particular aspect of Asian culture which has provided distinction is the sense and essence of community.  This concept of community is best manifested in our expressive cultures in both traditional practices as well as new creative expressions.