borrowing from the book titled "Can Asians Think?" by Kishore Mahbubani here.
I have serious doubts, in fact i have proof of experience that the majority of taiwanese people, though having a good IQ, are quite incapable of serious thought and critical analysis.
the most common phrase you'll hear when making an observation that taiwanese people just don't get (or just don't want to look at) is "you think too much".
true many westerners think too much and read too much into some cultural aspects in taiwan, but "you think too much" and it's derivative "DON'T think too much" have become the "default mind setting" of most Taiwanese people. and it is that default mind setting that i want to expose.
taiwan is basically a "group think society". people travel in groups because they are basically insecure, go out in groups becuase it's more fun. some women even bring friends on their date so they can check the person out and help her decide (actually decide for her).
taiwan is also an "easy please" society. if i were to make a list of adjectives to decribe this country, taiwan would be "fun,convenient, yummy". which is fine in it's own right. i enjoy those parts of taiwan too. but too many things in taiwan are being used to dumb down, or more accurately "child down" the society so they are easliy managed.
consider taiwan music: it has a sing songy, childish melodic style, with childish "artists" fronting the show. the lyrics are also childish, talking about anything safe such as young romance,etc. one would argue that teens make up most of the record buying public so this makes economic sense, but this teeny-bopper mentality permeates almost all aspects of taiwan popular culture, well into adulthood. think about it; what kind of culture has people over 30 living at home, playing online games, and reading comics? what kind of culture needs every product or new idea introduced to them like it's on "Bill Nye the Science Guy"? that's exactly how taiwan news feels. the reporters talk loudly and pitch their voices like they are introducing something to a child.
side note: watching a taiwan concert is basically like watching Barney the dinosaur in concert. the shows are always intersped with announcements from glitzy, dipy stars who introduce this and that. it's not really a concert, but a show, designed to sell celebrities and more importantly CELEBRITY as a guiding force.
taiwan is indeed a paradise for teenagers. i admire that, because young people need distractions and fun to keep them in line. but this culture is just that: a distraction... to keep people in line.
Having lived in Taiwan for 2 years, I enjoyed this piece a lot. I have been told by co-workers that "think to much" (though I agree that foreigners read too much into aspects of Taiwanese society sometimes).
ReplyDeleteYour blog does talk about things the others don't. Please keep up the good work.
Excellent piece !! Ive had this you think too much told to me for 17 years now and still find it annoying as I did when I first heard it. You arent allowed to express at all, it has to stay calm and bland. No real passion is to be shown especially if it is on the fiery side.
DeleteLiving here is like dealing with shadows, people are nice but it is in the culture to be nice as Japanese are polite. It is not genuine. People are too busy to make friends and basically the thinking or way of being is totally different which I feel you put very well.
I never was to taiwan, however I have once talked a taiwanese person, as the topic politics came up I told him about the politics in my country(germany), of the conflicts, protests, activism etc.
DeleteHis reply on this was: "Why do you think so much about it? Here in taiwan we dont think so much about politics"....
And I must say this response kinda shocked me, at that time I didnt know about chiang kai shek or taiwains fascist regime like I do today. Today this is no surprise to me considering the fact that taiwain has been a fascist state for at least 50 years up until the 90th´s. But back then that response really shocked me.
"I never was to taiwan (sic)," then you went on to generalize an entire country of people LOL!
DeleteI don't know what you said to that Taiwanese guy, maybe he just found you annoying. i think I'd find you annoying too based on what you have posted here.
He is just sharing his experience. Unless that is too much for you to handle.
DeleteI am living in Taiwan now and I am tired of their mindset too... they are just like blind and deaf, and they really can not use their brains. When they see someone who has deep thoughts they humiliate that person. It is also prohibited to tell the truth about Taiwan, if you complain about Taiwan as a foreigner they will react too bad and in a childish way.
DeleteThat is what i often said ,blind and cheat them own self
Deletethank you for coming by. i'm glad you go something out of it.
ReplyDeletei try to be as fair as possible, because i truly love the taiwanese people. but fair and love have to also have a tough side. i can't pull any punches. that i beleive is in their best interests too.
That's actually a really good analysis. I've never been to Taiwan but I've been exposed to droves of Taiwanese media in Mainland China and there does seem to be a bit of a slant towards infantile content. So far I've only seen one "mature" Taiwanese movie ("Twentysomething Taipei") and I wish I could see more...
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the Taiwanese people are heartened by the fact that you love them, Randy. I hate to disabuse you, but...
ReplyDeleteThe teeny-bopper music is for...teeny boppers. Does this surprise you? It's not for you, man. You're 43. Go listen to your classical CDs, or Miles Davis, or whatever.
Many young Taiwanese love the whimsical, the playful, the 可愛. It sells because it's sweet and harmless enough--and what's wrong with extending childhood into your teens? Americans and Brits used to do that.
Damn, life is so serious and hard enough for most folks. What do you want them to listen to? Gangsta rap? Heavy metal? (in fact some do).
Now to your main criticism -- the "can't think" argument. With a fairly recent memory of prisons and executions for criticizing the government, and not even knowing today which way your neighbor swings, you can bet many Taiwanese keep to their own counsel.
There's a great deal of dignity and reserve among the people--and caution. Most folks here are not about to dive into a mosh pit of social and political criticism, just as Americans and Brits like to do, just to exercise their jaw.
"You think too much" (你想太多了!) means "lighten up"!
What a load of nonsense ! Couldn't understand any of this.
DeleteIt is ok to defend your own country I can understand and I know Taiwanese seem very patriotic.
But you really have no idea how the term has been used. I find Dont think too much as a dismissive term, impolite and symptomatic of your culture where you want everything to sound fine and fluffy and fun.
I had to said to me in the most inappropriate situations it is ridiculous.
You're arguing with a local Taiwanese how the term "you think too much" is used? Go back to wherever you came from, bald headed nimrod.
DeleteNote to Reino -- If you want a great cinematic impression of Taiwan, see the movies or Hou Hsiao-Hsien, or the dystopian films of Tsai Ming-liang. Look for the movie "God, Man, Dog," "Cape No. 7" or "ORZ Boys" -- there are so many excellent movies coming from this country, but as you're in China, you may not easily find them.
ReplyDeleteI am a Taiwanese as well, and I found your post very insightful and refreshing. And I agree with a lot of it such as "you think too much" line phenomenon.
ReplyDeleteI think the root of the problem is in the education system. It is a big problem...especially in a democratic society because if people don't think in a democracy that democracy is as good as dead. Hopefully things will gradually change for the better.
But a few things in your blog I think is debatable.
First, although it might be the majority, but not all Taiwanese are like that. Second thing is some Taiwanese actually admire those that think. If you express some opinions that they didn't think of and is very insightful, a lot of them will praise you instead of saying "you think too much."
Third thing is regarding the main stream pop culture. It does seem a bit dumbed down but a lot of their listeners are just teenagers, which is kind of expected. And yea, a lot of middle age people like to play games or read comics but that does not mean they don't think.
Hate to go against the grain here, but " you think too much" is really a phrase that more often than not means "you're over-analyzing" or "you're drawing unwarranted conclusions" or "you're giving hypotheticals too much weight." Which people do a lot, including me.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the fact that pop music is aimed at teenagers is no surprise.
Dear Randy,
ReplyDeleteWhat you say is a good topic for all to exercise "more thinking." I would agree with the direction you point to, but ...
"think about it; what kind of culture has people over 30 living at home, playing online games, and reading comics? "
Have you actually done the research to make this statement?
To my knowledge, quite high percentage of American adults (30s, 40s, or even older) spending spare time playing online games at home. To many, it is their only entertainment. There are even clubs for adults gamers; they meet and socialize after they know each others as gamers.
Microsoft invested in PC games about 10 years ago, because their statistics shows that 75% of home PCs are used in gaming.
The game design is extremely difficult -- imaging that information of huge amount of moving objects (people, vehicles, airplanes, weapons, etc) have to be sent back and forth over the internet among all participating player at the same time.
Therefore, the technique developed in gaming often becomes the leading tech in computer graphic. When
In the world of online gaming, Korean is among the most advanced. They even have a game school. That is, a school teaching you everything about computer games. I heard that Cheng-kong University (成功大學) has a department for it too.
That is, it is an industry that contributes to quite a large percentage of human activities. Considering it as "childish" would probably be a stereotype of thinking that deserves to be reviewed, especially when it is brought up in a discussion about "can we think."
oops, typo ... an extra "when" shows up in the end of a paragraph. I forgot what I was trying to say ... :(
ReplyDeleteWeird, the comment is published when I press the [preview] button the 2nd time ... that is,
ReplyDelete[preview] -> enter secret code -> [edit] -> [preview]
and it is published ...
the whole world is being childed down, but they took their cues from asia. basically the west is copying mind control techniques (yes i told you this is a freaky site) from asian facist countries like japan, south korea, and unfortunately taiwan.
ReplyDeletei may be paranoid, but even paranoid people have some basis for their paranoia. don't forget that.
again, this site is not to find the middle ground and make excuses for taiwan.there are too many sites doing that already. i welcome all to this site, just remeber that i will NOT allow it to become like forumosa.com or other apolegetic forigener sites. i am a ardent on the fact that the factions which control media and culture are old guard, retro left overs from the chiang kai shek era.they are fascist. this is an anti-fascist site. hope all of ou can live with that.
ReplyDeleteremember this site dips into the twilight zone.
but post away!! welcome all your comments. and i take them to heart.
ReplyDeletejust one more thing on the "you think too much" and its many meanings: I get it most when I jokingly praise my good looks/intelligence/influence over others/etc. The cultural equivalent of "quit dreaming! you're full of crap!"
ReplyDeleteyes this phrase has many uses. that's what i like about the chinese language.
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ReplyDeleteI am studying Chinese, because my boyfriend is Taiwanese. I do know how hard it is for a foreigner to penetrate the Asian mind because the same word will give a complete opposite meaning depending on the "tone" ...and may be other things. I wonder.
ReplyDeleteI also find it very difficult to communicate with my boyfriend who is Taiwanese. He tells me that I am too serious, he has nothing to say in reply to many of my comments. I think: you are an adult who realizes he can say that("you are too serious") but the reason you can not say anything ELSE is that for some reason you refuse to process the "serious" thought I gave you. I have no stimulus for further discussion. It's sad. I try and I try and I wonder if it's personal, linguistic or cultural.
Olga....I totally understand what you are saying. They are stuck in this life is so hard we cant stand to do anything serious. They have made their culture, life style work work work...study study study,,,,,maybe not as much as Japan but much more than western countries, hence they cant deal with anything like anger or depth of conversation it is too challenging. They just dont have it in their culture.
DeleteEVERYTHING at all costs must be kept indirect and shallow and lovely and easy...and friendly and nice life licking chocolate ice cream but it only tastes like shit . WHY?? Because for westerners we are direct, honest or more so , I am not saying we dont have faults, my god westerners are probably more f@@@ed up in other ways but it is this difference that causes the problems. We are foreigners and we dont fit into the program so to speak.
I also love Taiwan and Taiwanese but my god the other side with things like this it drives me nuts.
Their conditioning is to be calm and quiet and faceless and friendly and indirect and nothing much of anything because that is the culture. Dont stand out...stand be loud ...dont really say what you are thinking or get angry.
This is the creature you are dealing with. Either learn to somehow live with it or leave.
cultural. taiwan people have, for the most part, been taught to turn off the analytical process.. the reasons are because of FATALISM, ie "there's nothign that can be done about it, so why waste energy thinking", and the cultural bureau's desire to keep them in the child phase indefinitely.
ReplyDeletethanks for coming by. hope things get better with your boyfriend.
ReplyDeleteon a side note, many taiwan women feel the guys here are also too closed off.
My personal experience is that "Taiwanese are totally dum, Like seriously DUMB"... they just donno how to deal with people in real world..
ReplyDeleteThey cant play diplomatically and their success is because of their hard work... Hang on.. DOnt get me wrong !! I am not saying working hard is wrong.. I just wanna say that They aint smart and whatever they achieve is because of their hard work...
This is my personal experience/ opinion.. I dont care if you accept it or not... I just wanted to put myself out...
they work too hard to get a result that could be done better thru correct knowledge and playing fair. but they waste brain power on cheating or trying to manipulate others.
ReplyDeleteI've lived in Taiwan for around 14 years. I think I would have a pretty good understanding about it. "Don't think too much" does not mean, don't think. Stop thinking. Most of the time, it is used in a more jokingly way. It's not that people don't think at all, but with the Taiwanese education, it tends to make people more narrow-minded, and stick with tradition.
ReplyDeleteGoing out in groups? Are you trying to say that groups of friends don't go out together in America? Going out with groups everywhere in the world would make people feel more secure, and who would want to be always alone? There is really nothing wrong with women taking their friends out on dates. The quote love is blind tells us that maybe an outsider would be better to see what kind of person their boyfriend actually is, and not the possible fake image that he shows.
"Fun, convenient, yummy" So maybe Taiwan has a better transportation system making it more convenient, that's childing down? So the transportation system should be more complicated, ineffective, and time wasting so it's not as childish?
Taiwan music... have you really heard all the music of Taiwan? Sorry but not all "Taiwan music" is the same. Talking about the safe things of teenage love, or the pain and sorrow of it. I don't really think that would be a cheerful topic with a childish melody.
Introducing something new with pitching clearly and loud articulation can also be used to catch attention. Speaking loudly would allow the people to actually understand the words, whereas if the person drones on and on it might become really boring and less people might understand. In a sense it could be like advertising, but I don't think a lot of people would appeal to listening to a monotone voice.
Just a distraction. Maybe on the surface, but you can't tell what each and every person is thinking and feeling. No matter how much distraction there is to avoid reality, it is not possible to avoid it completely. Why can't you say everywhere else is also a distraction? Isn't life just routine after routine each day? Maybe it's just that you're thinking too much.
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ReplyDeleteYou clearly don't know anything about Taiwanese culture and education system. You're just jealous that they're smarter than you and you should think before you write anything like this again. But wait, i'm afraid you can't, because you don't have the abilities to think. Next time if you ever write this again, I will NOT let you go. My advice? delete this post and apologize to the whole Taiwanese population.
ReplyDeleteLOL guess what, dude? It sounds like you're describing every developed country in the world.
ReplyDeleteTrue, unfortunately.... However there is some difference between the "standard asien" and the "standard westerner". And in terms of not thinking but blindly accepting your fate the taiwanese and korean people(both, south and north) definitely stick out more then other asians in this aspect.
DeleteHowever, it still is true that we here in the west are not so far from the taiwanese people either.
You have a big grudge on Taiwan don't you? Just because you were a bit unfortunate. Grow up and forget about it man. You've just met the wrong bunch of Taiwanese people.
ReplyDeleteHey Vincent...thats what a lot of Taiwanese have said to me when I tell them my experiences. !!! Maybe there are alot of the " wrong bunch" .
DeleteI had been living my life in Taiwan for 14 years and this year is my 15 year living here. You say we are incapable of serious thought and critical analysis. Well, not everyone in Taiwan is like that. I know some people that thinks a lot. Later you say, that Taiwan's music is kiddy like and that concerts are like watching Barney. Well, listen up, NOT ALL ARE LIKE THAT! Did you really used your ears and listen to tradition Taiwanese songs? Bet not, CAUSE YOU DON'T THINK YOURSELF! You say we don't think, READ YOUR POST AND THINK WHETHER WHAT YOU SAID WAS RIGHT OR NOT! If you really heard Taiwanese songs, you should notice each songs has a meaning to it. Some songs are about lost of family, some are lost of friends, some are lots of lovers, and farewell songs. Each artist sung the songs which their emotions in it.
ReplyDeleteI don't care where you are from, what bloody hell you are thinking, and how long you seen Taiwan, but let me tell you this, do not underestimate us and take back what you said. No matter how long you lived in Taipei, i don't care, you must have been blind. You didn't see that cultures and beauty and nature of our place.
Also, what is wrong being with a group? Having someone there for you is always better than being alone on everything? Won't you feel sad and lonely if you didn't have friends and you were just in the pitch dark, and no one could hear you? Is it really that wrong to have friends with you?
A distraction...What are you? Some type of god that knows what every single soul is thinking and feeling? Distractions are always nice, thinking that you have something you could chase is nice.
I may not be born in Taiwan, but let me tell you this, i DEFINITELY UNDERSTAND TAIWAN MORE THAN YOU. Don't think that you know Taiwan so well. You say we think too much? Maybe you are yourself, so you have no rights to criticize Taiwan.
You're pretty much just stereotyping the whole Taiwan population. Not cool.
ReplyDeleteHave you MET the majority of the people in Taiwan? Have you visited its historical sites, attended its many concerts (which might I add, include classical as well as pop), or gone out onto the streets at night?
This isn't a Taiwanese phrase, it's common sense: There's safety in numbers. Plus you're a loner if you've got no friends. The way you're categorizing Taiwan as a "group think society" is also a way to describe the general public - or even a regular school.
My WORKING, TAIWAN-BORN parents are in their 40s, speak fluent English, have doctor degrees and are making a more than decent living.
Can you say the same?
This is it exactly, the whole culture is about work and study, I see little else here. Work and study. You wont see them sitting on the beach sunning themselves or gong out on the piss.
Delete-continuation-
ReplyDeleteIs there something wrong with going to places in groups of friends, colleagues, coworkers, etc and having fun? So in your opinion, travelling around with other people only happens when you feel scared to go around alone and that being social is bad? If you like being alone, that's your problem, but saying all people who socialize with others to have fun is a bad thing, you're practically going against the world with that.
I know right, we can't think, we're so dumb, yet miraculously, we somehow have leading technology companies like Acer, and make most of the computer chips in computers. So maybe you should think twice before insulting our intelligence when the computer your using has chips made in Taiwan.
"Easy please" society? "Fun, convenient and yummy?" You're currently working in Taiwan, but to me, you sound no more than a tourist that came for sightseeing for three days only. And daring to say our culture is a "distraction to keep people in line", with stereotypical support to your opinion, is by no means back up to such a bold statement. Not all parts of Taiwan are for entertainment, and serve the purpose of amusing teenagers; we have our culture, history and nature to share as well. Just because you don't pay attention to those does not mean they don't exist.
If you don't want to sound like an idiot to the whole population of Taiwan, maybe consider communicating with all types of Taiwanese people, before coming to a final conclusion that we are all parasitic people who listen to "childish" songs, live in a place where everything is so convenient and act like teenagers and kindergärtners all the time.
part 1
ReplyDeleteYou live in taiwan, but are you sure your not living under a rock? or maybe you're not even in Taiwan, but in Thailand after all. Claiming to work in the music industry, you sound more like you're working under Yoyo tv for saying that the whole Taiwan music entertainment industry is like "Barney" and "childish". Whether you're claiming that the modern music or traditional music is sing-songy, and too 'safe', you must be considering America's being 'normal' with all the swearing, explicit and sexual implications in their songs.
I don't know if you're from Taiwan or not, but you sound like an ABC with this biased opinion, practically screaming "western culture and thinking is so much better than Asian culture". You talk like you understand Taiwanese culture, and obviously you proved that you don't. I agree to some points of your opinion, but the way you put it into words is totally one sided and biased to the point "Taiwan has a stupid culture" seems like the message your throwing out.
part 2
ReplyDeleteMaybe chinese isn't your native language, but saying that the phrase "thinking too much" means "not to think" obviously shows that you don't understand anything about the language. That phrase comes in many different meanings, and the most commonly used is to tell someone to be more optimistic as in "stop fretting so much". When a person worries over a test they just finished, classmates would say "don't think so much", and simply put, it is to encourage them to be more positive and take the mind off things that can't change anymore. And what harm does that do?
oh dang whats your problem.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehey, randy, are you taiwanese?
ReplyDeleteA great philosopher once said, "I think therefore I am." Also, I don't think Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, all those Disney Pop stars are Taiwanese...but hey. Also, judging by the style of writing, I can guess you are an American. You know why??? CAUSE AMERICANS LOOK DOWN ON EVERYBODY!
ReplyDeleteI agree with some previous comments, teeny bop music is for....teeny boppers. What do you expect teenagers to listen to? Explicit language-laced music? Heavy metal? Lurid songs with disgusting lyrics?
ReplyDelete"thanks for coming by. hope things get better with your boyfriend.
ReplyDeleteon a side note, many taiwan women feel the guys here are also too closed off."
I never knew that your a girl, and a taiwanese girl. IF YOU'RE NOT ONE OF US, DONT SAY STUFF YOU DONT KNOW ABOUT! You should probably go dig a hole and hide in it. Stop lying to everyone pretending that you actually know things about Taiwan when you actually don't.
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ReplyDelete"they work too hard to get a result that could be done better thru correct knowledge and playing fair. but they waste brain power on cheating or trying to manipulate others."
ReplyDeleteLet me think.. when you say 'they', are you referring to yourself and the people you know? YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE TAIWANESE PEOPLE AND EVERYTHING ELSE! We use our knowledge on the correct things and usefully unlike you. Using your, well what you call 'knowledge' to insult ones country. We do NOT use our knowledge to manipulate others, or to cheat. I'm guessing that's just what you do, judging by the way you try to insult us. You're just jealous that we're all a much better person than you. You should probably take another look at us and think again, IF YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO (to which of course i doubt you do). Insult us again and you will have one miserable life.
DUDE>>> Get a life man......dont you have better things to do then insulting a country? You wanna bring this matter to court cus we can do that if you want. THere's an easy way and a hard way to fix this man....now use that BRAIN of yours youve been showing off soo much about. I hope you have a good lawyer because once the 23 million Taiwanese population knows about this 3 things will happen. #1...this will go the news and everyone will know about you... #2 Your gonna have at least a few hundred pulling you to court PER DAY... #3, sooner or later, you're gonna go to jail cus you insulted our coutry and that's against the law...freedom of speech isnt as open here than in the States...tough luck pal. That's the hard way. Now, the easy way is to apologize to the Taiwanese population that you didnt mean what you said and that this wont ever happen again. 2 choices man..., THINK carefully, (if you can...).
ReplyDelete-Bill T asked me to post this
ReplyDeleteI am completely disgusted by the fact that there is a person out there who takes the time to announce there racial views about a culture they don't even understand. How can you judge Asian culture with things like Barney and Bill Nye the Science Guy that all come from Western Culture? It clearly shows that you seem to think that Western Culture is better than Asian Culture. You also don't even have any proof or statistics to support you biased opinion. It's not the Taiwanese that can't think, it's you who can't think. So keep your racial views to yourself.
ReplyDeleteDo you want us to translate this for the Taiwanese government? Cause if you do, then you're going down! If you're American, then we know you have freedom of speech, we do too, but we don't go around criticizing other countries ok? I dare you to go mess with NK (not saying full name)! Say one sentence, BOOM! bye bye! How do you know all of this?? You obviously came to Taiwan, now if someone told you that this country was horrible then why did you come?? Even if you came, you probably met the wrong people. These were all choices you made, get your thoughts right. This time, think before saying "you think too much" because more is better than none. Now take your freaking retarded insults and drown yourself in the Pacific Ocean. >:(
ReplyDeletethe fact that you can talk about something like this is disgusting. you are obviously not from taiwan. so keep your racism to yourself.
ReplyDeletei havent been in taiwan for 8 years now and just moved back a year ago.
i think it's a beautiful country and you have no right to say that its bad. the western culture is not better than the asian culture. we asians stick close to each other.
therefore traveling in packs.
word of advice?
think before you talk/type.
Advice? go insult NK, i really hope you do, because then all of the taiwanese people can have some fun watching your tragic death.
ReplyDelete-Anonymous source that does not want any contact with your website
Are u kidding me....
ReplyDeletewhat are you some chinese who's jealous of the abilities Taiwanese has?
Just because they can think and you cant doesnt mean that you have to make yourself look good by insulting them.
You're embarrassing yourself by the racism you have against these people, you've obviously don't know this country nor the culture, and you have no right for assuming things and critizing things that you have no knowledge of.
You should be mature enough to keep your hatred against Taiwan to yourself, the stage everybody has passed in their teen years.
You're a disgrace to yourself and your country
im asian and yes im proud of it
ReplyDelete" what kind of culture has people over 30 living at home, playing online games, and reading comics? "
WAT ABOUT U, UR LIKE 60 AND U STILL LIVE WITH UR PARENTS.
u 60 yr old virgin
and ur news reporter, got a problem? u expect every single freaking person to have a manly voice?
HEY! BARNEY IS WAY MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN U EVER WILL BE. hes a dinosaur, which makes u a disgrace.
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ReplyDeleteSeriously, stop being so racist man. Unless you're some professor with a PH.d that has the knowledge to say such things about Taiwan, go sod off. With your attitude and writing skills, you probably dropped out in high school. Good luck in life man. Remember to look to both sides of the street before crossing the street. Or better yet, don't. Remove yourself from the human gene pool so that your retarded genes don't contaminate any other persons in the world.
ReplyDeleteP.S.
Get your facts right. A facist government is an authoritarian dictatorship that originated in Italy. Taiwan and South Korea are constitutional democracies, and Japan is a constitutional monarchy. Seriously man. How'd you pass 8th grade?
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ReplyDeletethis is awesome, peeps... he probably died or something cause of the bombardment of insults >:D DON'T MESS WITH TAIWANESE!!! THE MORE I READ IT THE ANGRIER I GET! It's not like all Taiwanese don't know English, we are all obvious proofs =.= Go insult your own country if you want! do you know who invented 泡麵 (instant noodles)?? A Taiwanese person in Japan. Don't you love the awesomey awesomeness of instant noodles?! [Yes, I do get quite violent sometimes peeps] I want to punch you in your private parts >:(
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm debating within myself whether what you just wrote was a satirical or not. Especially after staring aghast at your seemingly Asian typical lastl name: Lin. That aside, your argument draws conclusions from wayward sources, and a somewhat westernized view of Taiwan, as well as from a definitely racist perspective. Your conclusion of “don’t think too much” being the “default” mind set of Taiwanese is not supported by any of your later points other than a small paragraph right below.
ReplyDeleteEven that support is shaky. I’m not a woman, and wouldn’t want to pretend to be one, but from my walks throughout the Night Markets and restaurants and such, I’ve never seen a scene of what you’ve described (women bringing other women on their own dates…that’s seriously an absurd thing to imagine).
ReplyDeleteIn fact, your presumption that Taiwan is a “group society” is quite frankly incorrect. Take a walk through any major street and it looks like it would as any other country: couples holding hands, families walking down the street, or people walking solo to wherever their destination is. If you’re coming from a country such as America, it’s true everyone may seem extremely clumped up together and hence everyone seems to be in a group. But they’re not.
ReplyDeleteIn your next few paragraphs you make an argument on everything in Taiwan is too “dumbed down” by using entertainment as a medium and even drawing a comparison to Barney in a concert. Sir, I hate to use swear words, but, NO SHIT. You might as well have said entertainment is for the serious. First example of a definition of entertainment from dictionary.com:
ReplyDeletethe act of entertaining; agreeable occupation for the mind;diversion; amusement.
Gee, I guess standard form of entertainment in the world now is listening to Beethoven’s 5th symphony. Secondly? Your “childish artists” fronting the show are present in every country. Ironically, you could have made a much resolute and resounding statement if you used that line against the US. Who’s the number one infatuation in the States right now? JB.
ReplyDeleteI’m assuming you know who that is, and no matter how childish songs in Taiwan sounds (on a side note, I’m not sure where you got that assumption from either), I’ll invite you to the infamous song which was certified two times platinum in the US: Baby. Or take a look at the lyrics, and THEN tell me where does
ReplyDeleteTaiwan stand on the “childish” meter? Perhaps I’m being too dependent on my evidence on one artist. Well, you might as take a look at the top selling artist of 2009: Taylor Swift and her Fearless, which is quite well epitomized by your description of Taiwan’s music. Expand your horizons a bit, and realize entertainment exists entertain you. I think a better analysis of Taiwan’s so called “childish” music industry would be a lack of vulgar lyrics (although lyrics insinuating sex aren’t uncommon). This I believe would stem from upbringing of most Asians, whether Japanese, Taiwanese, or Chinese: be polite. Being rude to anyone without reason is almost regarded as sinful as shoplifting in Asia.
ReplyDeleteIt is NOT, however, from Taiwan being too “unthinking” as you say, nor from the “dumbing down”. And throw your news reporter analogy right out the window. It’s a freakin’ different language. Even in America, or Europe, the reporters tend to speak with an attempt at clear and slightly exaggerated mouth motions.
ReplyDeleteBeing a fluent speaker of both mandarin and English, I recognize the inflections or other language related tones needed in both languages, and neither language is much different from the other. Although what you may regard as trying to “teach” to the “children”, may again curtail from Asian’s tendency to take their jobs very seriously. For the anchorwomen (always women) in Asia, their job is to read the lines out without mispronunciations, whereas in America, the anchorman or women is to entertain the audience. It’s again a cultural difference here.
ReplyDeleteBeing different does not always mean being worse, as I can offer up a similar argument like yours directed at whichever country you come from. For example, I could argue the news in the states tend to make you feel too informal for your tastes.
ReplyDeleteConclusion? Simply being different does not mean “childish” or “unthinking” or however you put it. If you wish to convince me Taiwan is the land of the teenagers, use evidence which is more concrete and existent in virtually every part of the world.
ReplyDeleteHehe.....its funny hows this guy is too wimpy to reply to any of you guys...he he he :P
ReplyDeletethis is my 3rd post on this post and let me tell you, i am purely disgusted by your racist attitude. screw you and your retarded comments... please become better educated (or educated in general) or get your ass off the internet.
ReplyDeleteif you were taiwanese, i would say you were a disgrace to taiwan. if you're american...hm, i would probably still say you're a disgrace too.
ReplyDeletego f@$K urself.
Deletethis chisel chin animal is the ignorant disgrace to mankind. Taiwanese are causing more harm than good to the world especially to the environment. I've given up hope for this forsaken island long ago
you're a lesbian
ReplyDeletewelcome to life buddy. you're gna see a lot of people in your life and some are gna be Taiwanese. I say you tough it out and get a life. i've been in taiwan for like what...14 years? And some of the most intelligent people i know are from this little "pathetic" (that's probably how you would put it eh?) island. In fact, most Taiwanese probably have a higher IQ/EQ you'll EVER have. You can study all you want, buy all the textbooks and read till your eyes bleed and still, your intelligence will stand pitifully low. SO pitiful that i feel for you. we may hang out in groups, but that's only cause we're smart right? You'll get what i mean when you're kidnapped one day or something. Or robbed. Or maybe even murdered, considering you seem to have some grudge against race. In conclusion, how bout getting a life?
ReplyDeletehey dick wtf's your problem man.
ReplyDeleteshouldn't be basing your "critical analysis" and "serious thinking" on your crappya*s experiences in taiwan man.
youre freaking 30 years old and you're complaining that taiwan is a country for teeagers with shallow, childish music. get your head outta your a*s and act your age cos youre the one blogging bout kung fu and ah mei.
you taiwanese? cos if you are maybe you're rite on some level, cos your analysis is bs. (HEY, I'M TAIWANESE AND LOOKAT ALL I'VE ANALYZED :DDDDDD)
if youre not, then i'm sorry. you shouldn't even be making a generalization of the people here.
soz for all the hate dude, but your blog is stupid.
at least 1/3 of Taiwans not obese you fricking lesbian...
ReplyDeletewhat's wrong with group thinking and bringing someone on a date with your date? do you even watch gossip girl? (i'm guessing you don't since you seem to be obsessed with barney and girls.. and bill nye)
and what the fuck is wrong with that first photo you posted it doesn't even make sense
go away noob
YEAY YEAY YEAY TOTALLY OFF TOPIC BUT
ReplyDeleteSEASON PREMIERE OF GOSSIP GIRL SEASON 4 WAS OUT TODAY :)
WHEEEEE
GEORGE-INA IS A MEAN BUTT!
OMG HAHAHAHA
SHES SUCHA DICK!
WAY TO GO CHUCK! START A NEW LIFE, BUT SADLY ILL BET U RUN INTO BLAIR AND SERENA! HERE WE GO AGAIN!
CANT WAIT FOR EP 2
and yea Randy,
get your hands out of ur pants, and quit blogging about how 'awful' taiwan is. cause its not.
UR WRONG! ur a guitarist and pianoist performer eh?
ill bet that those blind handicapped ppl performing are better than u
so give up, cause thats just how pro we are.
u call urself a guitarist? and pianist? DONT THINK SO
GIVE IT UP BOY!
U TAIWAN HATER! TAIWAN,
MY AWESOME EQUATION
EVERYONE IN TAIWAN > RANDY LIN
RANDY LIN U ARE A 30 YR OLD NOOB.
Also, removing my previous comment just shows what a sissy you are not willing to take the heat you signed up for when you tried sharing your false racial stereotypes against Taiwanese to the world!
ReplyDeletefirst of all....
ReplyDeletethe internet is free. DO NOT THREATEN ME.
the taiwan government AND the US both know me, know who i am, know what i stand for. and that's the improvement of taiwan.
i love taiwan enough to point out what i see as "the wool being pulled over their eyes".
i do this for their benefit.
also, certain entities in taiwan "drew first blood". when those situations are addressed and fixed, this site will be removed. those are my terms.
first of all, who would want to know you? You THINK they know you but they seriously dont give a @#$% about you.
ReplyDeleteand yes the internet is free, but insulting ones country is NOT okay.
If you truly love Taiwan, you would NEVER insult it the way you are doing it right now. Therefore, you're a liar.
BENEFIT?! you call ALL these insults BENEFITS?! seriously what happened to your.. well your brain.
nothing you posted on this website is beneficial, to ANYONE AT ALL.
So what if the Taiwan and US government both know you? What are you going to do? Use this "power" and connection to... threaten Taiwan, or us? I thought the internet was free. Stating untrue facts that is twisted with your own prejudice against it isn't really helping a lot. Do you really love Taiwan? Or did you love it before, but now because of some personal reasons you have a grudge against the country? Sorry but certain people in Taiwan and the majority of Taiwan is kind of different if you haven't noticed. Don't judge a whole nation by a few of its people. Do me a favor, read some of the longer comments. They'll tell you the real truth that isn't distorted by prejudice.
ReplyDeleteAnd what happened to, "but post away!! welcome all your comments. and i take them to heart."
ReplyDeleteWelcome to reality, this is the big bad internet. So you better make yourself comfortable and get use to all these criticisms. Thank you for deleting my comment, so I'm just gonna repeat myself again. YOU'RE NOT IMPROVING ANYTHING. btw, you really convince me that u love Taiwan. And by convince, I mean NOT AT ALL. DELETE THIS SITE! I HOPE YOU DO! NEXT TIME KEEP YOUR RACIAL VIEWS TO YOURSELF NOOB!
ReplyDelete"i love taiwan enough to point out what i see as "the wool being pulled over their eyes"."
ReplyDeleteAnd we posters love you enough to point out your faults too ;)
go read the book, "can asians think".
ReplyDeletejudging from your repsonses to this post, the answer is "probably not".
ReplyDeletedon't know about you...but i remember my mother saying to me "think before you speak". In your case...you probably ignored her...
ReplyDeleteso what about the book" can asians think" written by an asian?? i wouldn't mind in the least if some people wrote a book entitled "can americans think" cause i know most of them CAN'T!
ReplyDeletethis is not picking on asians! but asian cultures are notorious for group think and lack of creativity.
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ReplyDeleteDo you have any idea how vast the idea of being "Asian" is? Asia is split into East Asia (where we are now), South East Asia, and South Asia. That is a massive area. I don't think you can judge a whole group of people like that, just like saying how all people of North America are the same. Canadians probably wouldn't be too happy being called the same as Americans and vice versa. The author of the book "Can Asians Think" spent most of his life in Singapore, sure that is Asia, but is it the majority of Asia? How can you say he really understand all of Asia unless he's traveled to all of the countries within Asia?
ReplyDeleteSo you say Americans can't think as well, then why is this site completely focused on Taiwan? If the point you're trying to make is most people on earth can't think, I don't really think the title of this blog is accurate.
read the book. then you tell me.
ReplyDeletestop being a titty baby. i can take any criticism about whether or not amercans can think. why can't you take a question can taiwanese think? and by think, i mean logical, critical thinking skills.
your and others answers to that question furthers the idea that the answer is perhaps, "no".
the picture at the top comes from a swearing in of public servants in Taiwan. the salute was adopted by the KMT, via their Nazi advisors.
ReplyDeleteOf course I can take a question, just not criticism without proper logical support and evidence. I don't think it is fair for one who can't think to judge whether others can think or not. In the picture, is it wrong for one to support what he or she believes? Even if they do swear as "public servants" they are still humans and capable of thought.
ReplyDeleteread the book.
ReplyDeleteHey am I late to this party? Apparently two years late.
ReplyDeleteI have to point out that Taiwanese culture wasn't always so whimsical and just listening to the teeny bop of recycled Western or Japanese or Korean songs by S.H.E and a few other huge "pop" artists. There was a lot of depth and tragedy in Taiwanese folk songs of repression, and quite a bit of tragedy in people standing up for what they believed in resulting in massacres both by the Japanese and the Chinese. There are people that speak out and care about issues, it's just that with apathy which goes around world-wide, it kind of died with consumerism and being just content in buying things and feeling this level of familiar comfort.
However, fast forward to our current consumption culture and the answer is yeah, I don't know -- do people think anymore beyond clubbing and how much they can drink? I have worked in Taiwan for almost a decade and the one thing I'm often told, but also in the US at times if it's in a corporate culture, is that I think too much. In fact, this happens most places I go in questioning the existence of the status quo and how it came to be, or why we are implementing a particular strategy for a campaign instead of another.
As most of my experience is in Taiwan what I get is they want to hire people who can allegedly think; but in the end they really just want people who agree and obey. Don't rock the boat, just stay with the job, clock in, clock out.
The only I can say though, is that Taiwanese people DO think because they are able to at least entertain the idea and have a chat with you regarding your thoughts instead of bristling with fear. It's that they and many of us choose to blind ourselves from what is out there and not think too much at all.
I don't know much but I can answer the below: "think about it; what kind of culture has people over 30 living at home, playing online games, and reading comics? " Japanese culture is quite similar in this aspect. Since manga was really popularized by Japan and Taiwan has taken a bit of influence by being a colony. The term 宅男 and Otaku come to mind for this set of fellows. I don't really see too much that's wrong with staying home and doing your own things instead of going out and doing the same thing as everyone else :)
well written. i also don't have problems with "otaku". anybody who has their own interests, fine. i find otaku to be very intelligent.
ReplyDeletewhat i was referring to, are those who read very shallow type of comics, never read anything substantial.
what you said about taiwan companies is true. they always say they want you to think, but in the end they just want you to follow the boss.
thanks for coming by.
welcome you here.
Thank you for writing this. Even if it's posted here few years ago, it's always worth to being read. I'm just came across the similar question: Can Taiwanese actually think? And I googled it, then I fine here.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that Taiwan is an interesting place, but also a complicated one. The thoughts to it have to go in in various directions to check it. Actually it can be quite painful to think about it, especially realizing something isn't that good inside, but it is always a great and positive thing to know it, because it is the FACT. Anyone who doesn't see it are just daydreaming, not living.
Alright, I know it sounds pretty weird and most people may don't believe me: The reason why I said those words above is that I'm from this place called Taiwan (or ROC.) However, it always gives me sucks when I hear those people claiming that 'Oh! Taiwan is a beautiful country. Come here!' Well, this place can be beautiful, but not beautiful in this way.
I think your post isn't wrong, but not totally right as well. It describes the fact of this place, but can go deeper and further. As other comments say, this 'dummy way' Taiwanese people think is caused by the education system. Yes, it is. And since they(we?) were born, what they see, hear, feel, everything is going this way. So it forms everything in this way in their minds, and then they become a part of this way of thinking and way of life WITHOUT consciousness. It is the same way how the concepts and cultures are made in everyone no matter where we are from. Mostly it is all because of having no thinking.
And unfortunately, the concept and culture of this place Taiwan goes in this way: That is to be narrow-minded. Fear of differences. Judge things and people without understanding them. I got all these from my families, my parents, my relatives. And I've already seen this constantly since I was 5 years old. I've already hated these and much more other things about this place(Well, I don't type all of them down here as a comment.) But in the current years, I find that I CAN'T hate them anymore, can only dislike them. I find that what made me hate is all human badness, and 'fortunately' they just all can be obviously found out here in Taiwan. I like my friends who are from different countries, but I like them NOT because they are not from Taiwan. What I like is those goodness in their minds, such as kindness, friendliness, morality, rationality, etc. However, because of their cultural backgrounds, those human goodness can be found out easily from their cultures. I like them, but I also can't say I love them. Everyone may cheat wherever they come from. If they cheat, even if they are not from Taiwan, I dislike them still. I have few Taiwanese friends as well, and the reason that they are my friends and I like them go in the same way as above.
These are a part of my personal experiences and real life, but also just a personal opinion from my personal encounter.
I'd love to remind you, and remind myself of one thing which is always important, that is: Whatever the things are, there must be an exception, especially when it comes to the issues about cultures. Not ALL go in the same way, except the truth.
Once again, thanks a lot for your post. Please keep it up!
thank you for coming by. i agree that it is not all their fault, as they were raised here that way. but i also beleive everyone of us is given a chance to change. maybe only one chance,but i beleive we all get that chance.
ReplyDeletewe either choose the light or the darkeness.
My girlfriend is from Taiwan, I came here in order to gain insight on her, she is incredibly smart, She loves groups, she braves the most dangerous city in the United States alone often however, Sometimes I become afraid that she attends these group functions to find a Taiwanese man, I feel she sometimes cheats me in that she only returns 99% of my attention >.< She takes her career more seriously than me possibly, But all of this is really quite impeccable, She is so mature in her interests always concerned with socioeconomic issues, She loves Taiwan, I think some of what i want from her, may be forthcoming when she fully realizes my value, Our relationship is pretty normal. There were times when I thought her choice of music was adolescent, But then again, she's not a native speaker, I will likely listen to simple songs in Asia that I can understand. But after a few tries she seemed to warm up to my musical tastes quite well. She loves food (yummy) so this article is somewhat revealing about her culture, her family lives at home with her parents, which I think is nice yet scary because it is them that I must also win over, and I have some tattoos which i guess are not usual there. This is due to belief that they get their bodies from their ancestors she says, which shows great respect. I'm glad she is not ruined by over sexual depraved cultural and personal traits like many Americans, that is another point of collective wisdom revealed to me. I hope to enjoy the architecture and art there if I go, I hope that people will befriend me and help me feel part of a group, Or respect my aloneness when I am. I have little desire to try to change or control Taiwans government, I do not watch tv, I will listen to the ancient resonance of the voices and speech, because I am strange and it is a lens in which to view our origins, I also wish to observe the culture in its most pristine form, Changing it may be a physical inevitability, but my goal is to become more enlightened, and watch a Plethora of cultural key interactions to gauge similarity and difference. I have little love for anyone on this planet besides her and my children and a few keys friends, Lately my life has been a large lesson in tolerance, I'm 37, she's 32. My hope is that the Taiwanese love me or ignore me, i will return the favor. :)
ReplyDeleteHey buddy, I totally agree with you. I checked the book...But even without book people like you and me already know that answer is ''no, they can't think'' and all these negative comments here are the best proof of that. Please brother, for the sake of truth you stand for don't even bother answering to these self-righteous, asian racists and fachists who are nothing but brutally cruel and blood thirsty, selfish, stingy and greedy animals in not really convincing human disguise... ;-) I am sick and tired of their ''Our logic is undeniable'' ''We are so great'' and ''Our culture is unquestionable'' attitude. The worst thing is they all know they are wrong yet they shamelessly and stubbornly persist in their self-imposed and self-destructive bullshit. Mad dogs will always be mad dogs. They bark at anyone who dare to make even friendly step into their shitty yard which by the way they stole from aborigins... ;-)
ReplyDeleteSeemingly enraged they all threw their daily canine frustrations attacking you and even threatening you without any ability of thinking twice. Needless to mention absolute lack of self-observation and self-correction. So many of them against one man... What a joke and great shame on them. In fact they care of nothing but money. Money is their God and greed is their religion. Nothing new in this world. Mad dogs howl at the beautiful lone moon that selflessly reflects sun light and share it with us at the dark night enlightening our path... Long story short; Asians can't think. (Especially Chinese). Because they don't think with their brains they think with their stomach.
(Pardon my lame English. My native language is Croatian). And for the end I just wanna say; You got the balls, you are the man. Hats off to you. Keep up the good work.
LOL before you accuse an entire race of being not able to think, please reveal to the rest of the world your low IQ first. Look at the ignorant rubbish you wrote, how does one not puke and die from writing all that bullcrap? Racist effin Croatian, there, I just played your game.
Deletei find the group gangbang mentality here quite frightening. but i believe by continously speaking the truth, we will win people to our side.
ReplyDeletethanks for coming by!
european,
ReplyDeletei appreciate that you are a peace loving guy and love this girl, but don't let taiwanese parents have it over you. in other words, THEY HAVE JUST AS MUCH TO PROVE TO YOU as you do to them. stop lowering yourself below the "glorious" taiwanese culture. they ain't all that.
Hey, I dont agree with everything you said but some I can see what you mean in this article and how you can get that impression of Taiwan... regarding 30 year old living at home, yes I agree it can be childish but it really depends on their reason for staying....I'm a Taiwanese mix so I understand both the views from the Taiwanese and the Western side, I have lived in both countries as well....In Taiwan the son (usually the eldest) can stay with the parents for the rest of their lives but this isnt because hes afraid to move out but rather in order to care for his parents in their old age..his future wife will also move in with him and his parents (and any future children they will have) , but having said this some do not live and care for their parents...I feel this is more of a family culture background (I hope this makes sense) ...for females its accepted to not move out untill you get married, but if you start to get older like 30's and 40's I have known (Taiwanese) parents suggesting them to find a place of their own , However, if they do not then they are indeed embodying child behaviour - what I like to call the ostrich strategy. Comparing to western culture, the children to mature at a later stage , but this isn't because they are being foolish in anyway, it really is just the culture, where they are treated to well (and what I mean is that some parents will do everything for them without teaching them how to survive on their own, but then again not all families are like this...just like not all western families share the same values. But I've noticed in western culture they are always told to grow up and be independent... but the taiwanese children will get to this point eventually, but just at a later stage...not a bad thing in my opinion - just different. Basically both western and taiwan cultures have their positives and negatives..neither is better than the other... Although I have lived overseas for most of my life (in many different countries) but I was born in taiwan and spent many years there and my family is there and they spent a lot of time teaching my the culture, I consider it my home, its the only place I get that feeling and in my opinion I find that Taiwan has the kindest people I have come across ...no I am not saying that its a perfect place, because its not, but what is? I hope you read this and hope it doesn't come across as aggressive because that is not my intention I'm just trying to point out what I know and my opinion. =)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletethanks for stopping by^^ . if one guy stood up, something might happen. but his standing up might not make the news, cause they are VERY good at keeping the truth hidden. all you and i can do is call people out of the "matrix". we try to wake them up. the masses, unfortunately, will probably stay plugged into the lie machine.
ReplyDeleteannie, thanks for coming by. i understand your attachment to taiwan, but all cultures are not equal. some cultures made 99% of the things you use everyday. other cultures just burn incense.
ReplyDeletetaiwanese children, parents and granparents are parasitic. parents give all their money to their children then expect to be cared for even when they die (prayed to every month). what they should have done is GET A LIFE. raise their kids til college, then out you go. earn your own money, get your own place, raise your own family. chinese culture is too parasitic, with generations living stacked on top of one another.
ReplyDeleteLin's onto something, but whats even worse is that Taiwanese parents are often abusive and controlling. You need to gain your respect, that's how it works in other parts of the world. However, in Taiwan, any jack ass will automatically get people kiss their asses once they turn 45. They simply never get to work on their social skills and gaining good values to be a good bosses, teachers and parents, so they turn out to be abusive and controlling. And when the kids are abused, they're too insecure to think on their own and voice their opinions.
ReplyDeleteAll of this can contribute to the Cold War politics when you look at it. In the early 1900's, there were many reformists in the Republic of China (they eventually retreated to Taiwan after CCP took over.). In order to keep people in line and getting US support, Kuomingtang re-introduced Confucianism. The grades people get in school has became the tool of dividing society again, just like how it was back in the imperial China. People were discouraged to think on their own so that way the KMT can keep in power. The US is happy with that too as they are "anti-communist". Borderline autistic people as nation-wide epidemic? Not Americans business as long as they keep going along with the US policy.
Solution? Taiwanese need to be honest with themselves. They need to ask themselves, are they happy with this social setting? It's democratic but where's the personal freedom? Do they really deserved to be abused by teachers and parents like they claimed? Once they do, there will be changes. Perhaps a form of direct democracy, the reformists will rise again and children will be allowed to be independent and employed in earlier ages, thus preventing child abuse, thus creating a real people with real identity.
Source: A guy moved from Taiwan to the US at age 14.
Good. Stay in the US.
DeleteIs real
DeleteAnd a bit off-topic, but as I was speaking of child abuse issue in Taiwan, I began noticed one thing: Compare to typical spanking and belt in most parts of the world (which are also bad.), Taiwanese's idea of "physical discipline" is...well, quite eccentric. I've heard stories such as 6 year old girls get canned on her inner thigh, right below her "sweet spot", for shaking legs at dinner table. Then there's 10 year old girl standing outside of her home with only bras and panties for talking back. 6th grade school girl getting pinched on crotch under her uniform skirts, for...bad grades. This is almost like fetish porn materials, yet this type of punishment is what some Taiwanese parents and teachers give to their kids and students, all "for their own good". Taiwanese are not that conservative. I wouldn't call anyone who use borderline-porno materials to discipline their kids over any trifle thing conservative. They would be considered conservative if being a sadistic, abusive and controlling, yet somewhat dorky, is considered as tradition, which in Taiwan's case, it appears to be (sad.).
ReplyDeleteYou'd HEARD those stories, you didn't see them first hand.
Deletegood points!
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI agree with quite a bit here but just like in America your can't really make that broad of a generalization. I grew up in Taiwan and speak Mandarin and Taiwanese fluently. Also before you start pointing the finger at people for being dumb learn how to spell and capitalize your words properly..... At least. .
ReplyDeleteThis has to be the dumbest, racist blog piece ever posted. It's clear that the author took the phrase "you think too much" too literally and failed to understand its true meaning and it's used.
ReplyDeleteI'd also be interested in what kind of music this guy listens to so I can rip him a new one.
Don't know how I stumbled upon this old, racist blog but, wow, I'm surprised it has not made it to the news. This piece (of crap) is Donald Sterling-esque, vile, and disgusting to the bone.
ReplyDeleteIn Taiwan, I've met the dumbest people I've ever met on earth. Every kid in the country is mentally challenged and will grow up to be just the same as their pathetic adults, unattractive, worthless and brainless.
ReplyDeleteI swear to God. People there think there're beautiful beaches in Paris and France is east to Germany.
It is 2016! am scholarship recipient in one of Taiwan's University and still the phrase "you think too much" is popular for me and I think you are right Taiwanese are "Social thinkers" It is too bad we are in 2016!
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ReplyDeleteTaiwan people Live in their ignorance and lies,They think in Westerners everything is great,But Taiwan people cant have any thinking Different from others,Because Taiwan is reasonable, if they don't do any thing like west people or have thinking,Taiwan is Everything is correct
ReplyDeleteThey call sandwich toast,but they think sandwich is must called toast,if sandwich don't have three angle,Because transliteration in Chinese is Tree.light.rule if you say you want a sandwich without a cut they will say you want 4 toast and you say you need they will give you 8 sandwich because they believe sandwich is toast but sandwich without Three corners is called toast,if you Explanation they will angry ,Think you are harassing him and thinking too much
Every thing is hard in Taiwan,Whether it is art or science Social Movement
ReplyDeleteAnd ideological activities Chang activities are controlled by political parties,Taiwanese do not want to understand everything and wishful thinking,
If Taiwanese treat you kindly, They most are just vanity,The general attitude is like:We cant do any thing but you can do anything in Taiwan because Taiwan like Westerners.
I did the dumbest decision in my life is to continue my studies in Taiwan.
ReplyDeleteI though i am the only one who thinks like that.
ReplyDelete