I think that perceptions are perhaps just a front in both cases Kell, and there is certainly a lot wrong with the west that is just as shocking, although I take your point.
Your last post too is interesting. I am going to get hold of this book. The question is have this country gone too far? Also you have brought up the question of what system does/can gain such respect. With so many different types of people in society, it seems a difficult thing to do.
I can see that this system would actually work for some people. For example, there are ways of getting respect, I have seen and been shocked by but they have worked, although I know they would not work for a different type of person.