Arguing about Taiwanese identity
Aboriginal? Chinese? Japanese? Taiwanese!
Interesting, how a movie about Aboriginal Taiwanese sparked a fierce debate on Taiwanese identity on the Hollywood Reporter. I can't wait to see this movie. But the whole debate proves once again, how complicated the Taiwanese identity really is and how hard it is to find a common understanding of the historical events of the 20. century Taiwan. Enjoy some of the interesting comments from the article:
After the incident, most of aborigines of Taiwan change their name to Chinese name to avoid Japan military's attack. That's why there are very few aborigines exist in today's Taiwan. In fact, nearly 80% of population in Taiwan are indeed aborigines. I myself is one of them. Thanks a lot U.S.M.G.! And of course.. bow to emperor of Japan.12 people liked this.- "nearly 80% of population in Taiwan are indeed aborigines" ?
Actually most Taiwanese were immigrated from China since past 400 years. Some people think they are still Japanese and almost half people hope Japanese still occupied Taiwan. They've never appreciated how KMT made people to get better life after Japan surrendered. I'm one of the other half people who know what is love. - This is certainly not true. Most people here in Taiwan consider themselves "Taiwanese". We are not part of China nor part of Japan, and we would to remain so for the foreseeable future.
- Let's bow to emperor of Japan even if Japanese killed so many Chinese and Taiwanese during World War II. Maybeiamonline and you guys are right. Keep to be a slave of Japanese in your mind. That's not human being should do. Japanese killed your people and you guys felt nothing? You win! Born to be a slave.
- Life in Taiwan would be much better without the dictatorship of KMT
- Yes, You're right. Would be better if Taiwan is still occupied by Japan now. What a slave thought!
- Actually, Taiwanese had expected KMT's victory on Japanese, and had welcomed KMT's army, calling Mainland China their home country even after 50 years of ruling under Japanese Empire. But KMT make Taiwanese disappointed in both Economy and politics, having destroyed Taiwanese economy basis and killed many Taiwanese local elites (in many areas of subjects) In 228 Incident, calling all these a rebellion but not just a protest.
It is not "Never", but "Since then" that we Taiwanese have never appreciated KMT, even till now. But KMT has indeed contributed to nowaday Taiwan economical development, that is also undeniable, though they have destroyed it once in 228, too.
And, most now so-called Taiwanese are actually Chinese come from southeastern part of Mainland China in past 400 years. Ironically, those who are truly Aborigines of Taiwan before these are now being the lowest of our society, or just blend in with those "Taiwan Chinese". Most of now so-called Taiwanese have more or less some Taiwanese Aboriginal kindred, since when Taiwan still belonged to Qing dynasty, the Qing government had only allowed men to cross the Taiwan Strait, and banned women from crossing the Strait, thus those taiwan Chinese had to look for Taiwan Aboriginal women as wives.
and yes about 80% of taiwanese have aboriginal tribal blood. but i guess that doesnt include you since your family came after 1949 i believe. we love japan but that doesnt mean we want to be a part of japan. NO WAY! Taiwan is best being INDEPENDENT! and love my butt! killing our ancestors?? and forcing us to learn mandarin is love?! in a sense, you guys are no better than the japanese, KMT is WORSE than the japanese. why? who would kill their own brothers? We native taiwanese welcomed you guys as brothers, but you guys disappointed us and killed our ancestors. Low.. very low..
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1 KAFKAESQUE COMMENTS:
Interesting.
Post a Kafkaesque comment!