Identities in Taiwan

I would say that what could be taken away from this week’s readings was not necessarily to understand the history in Taiwan and how this very specific and complex history came to form Taiwanese identity but rather what a fluid concept national identity is.

In Taiwan, the relations with the colonial powers of the Japanese period and the most recent Chinese period where often very violent, brutal force was used, poverty was quickly inflicted and new cultures and customs were forced upon peoples. This held true for both Taiwanese Aboriginal Peoples and the Han populations, but in different ways.

During the different periods inhabitants reacted differently based on perceptions of class and how well a group did during that time. During the Japanese period many Aboriginals attempted to forget their indigenous identity, due to Japanese encroachment. At the beginning of the final Chinese period, many Aboriginal peoples sought to reclaim their indigenous identity. New sentiments around a Taiwanese identity separate from a Chinese identity sparked many to re-consider and take pride in their Aboriginal identity.

Many Han came to appreciate a Japanese lifestyle during the Japanese period, though there was discrimination and systemic barriers, many Han appreciated the technologies and cleanliness that was often available. When the Chinese first came back many Han were excited, but soon disappointed by the lack of opportunity and still oppressive rule. 2.28 occurred and there was a long period of political silencing. Now that many can speak publically again though, those who remember the Japanese speak fondly of it.

What is interesting is that the elderly who remember the Japanese periods describe their personal identities as changing during different era in their lives. They were Japanese than Chinese. Many Indigenous also describe their identity as changing. This is why I would describe the Taiwanese identity as fluid, it changes based on political and personal circumstances and cannot be pinned down to one thing.