It's all about the copy, right?

THINKBOX

Published: 3 Oct 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: Life

There is a thin line between "inspiration" and "copying" in the art world. The 90s kids think Lady Gaga is revolutionary in pop culture, while many of Madonna's die-hard fans think instead of being born that way she is nothing but a copycat. The debate continues.

Here in Bangkok, the "inspiration versus plagiarism" debate is heating up in the literary scene, following the announcement of this year's SEA Write award, the country's most coveted book prize. Kon Krae (The Dwarf), a dark novel that deeply studies human relationships by Phatthalung writer Wipas Srithong was named the winner (see front page interview).

No, it wasn't the winning book that caused controversy, but during the press conference of the announcement, a member of the audience questioned the committee on whether he deserved to receive such a respected award, when four years ago a group of literary critics found a similarity between Wipas's short story W.S.6 Sept and Peter Carey's Peeling.

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commonman
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Discussion 2 : 03 Oct 2012 at 15.032
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Copying is what Thais excell in. Ask any teacher or professor. Check out Thai handicrafts and art. Once someone identifies a popular item, everyone else copies it. It all stems from the historical culture and the "education" system. When someone does something original, like Uncle Boonme, it is likely to be banned because no one can understand it.
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ubuntu
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Discussion 1 : 03 Oct 2012 at 11.241
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Influence and inspiration drawn from other artists was worded in a rather interesting way by U2's Bono as song lyrics

"Every artist is a cannibal, every poet is a thief
All kill their inspiration and sing about their grief"
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It's all about the copy, right? | Bangkok Post: opinion