A Unique Culture

During my two month hiatus from blogging I have visited BainBain's hometown, taken the GRE exam, selected a graduate school, enjoyed a Beijing opera performance, attended a wedding party, and most importantly, developed a better understanding of the Taiwan's culture and relationships with other countries. The status of Taiwan's national sovereignty seems to be a perpetual state of limbo, and several recent national and international events, including the devastation of Typhoon Morakot in August, the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China in October, and President Obama's first visit to the PRC coming up this month make the issue a salient issue that seems to hang stagnantly over the island.

When I took the GRE a couple weeks ago at National Taiwan University there was a section on the back of the test booklet for state and country (it is an American designed test). When I reached this part of the form the proctor had not yet given instructions on how to complete the section, and I began to contemplate if I should write Taiwan, or ROC, or China in the blank. I also began to wonder if this questions crossed the minds of the other students in the testing room, and if they personally thought of themselves as Chinese or Taiwanese. Since coming to Taiwan this dilemma has been the topic of numerous conversations with my friends, teachers, and acquaintances. Their perspectives and personal thoughts how Taiwan should be viewed by the world vary widely. Some think that Taiwan should become officially part of China, but allowed to continue to operate as a democratic, semi-autonomous region. Another view is that Taiwan should become part of China, but only after China itself has become a democracy. Others hope Taiwan will become a completely independent nation. One friend suggested that Taiwan should be an autonomous, international country that largely refrains from engaging in international issues, but rather serves as mediator for peaceful cultural and economic exchanges.

Although these ideas are quite diverse, I have noticed that these groups all generally agree that sacrificing the democracy and civil rights the country now enjoys are not acceptable in any possible solution. Additionally, all parties seem to prefer the current "status-quo" and stability of limbo to drastic changes of any kind. I believe this is largely because a peaceful and harmonious society is highly valued in both Taiwanese and Chinese societies.

While it is clear that Taiwan has been influenced by China, Japan, the United States and several other countries, it is also obvious to me that the Taiwanese people have developed a culture that is uniquely their own. The use of traditional Chinese characters, the unique textures and flavors of Taiwanese food, the free and diverse opinions the Taiwanese share are evidence are all evidence to of Taiwan's rich history and independent spirit that make it truly unlike any other place on Earth.