Life in Taiwan

Chiayi, Taiwan

2008-2009

Monday Dec. 29, 2008

Argus-Press Article

I never imagined how powerful the things we read, listen to and see through entertainment venues are when it comes to shaping our perceptions of others and, ultimately, reality about different cultures.

Living in a foreign country can give a person an entirely different view of the world’s cultures and issues. I had a very unique experience during election week, one that most people will not likely experience and therefore I’d like to share it with you. In my school I am the only American; therefore I was impacted by the election in different ways than the Canadians and Taiwanese that I encounter here. Everyone was interested in the results, but it was “closer to home” for me. Because we are 13 hours ahead of Michigan time, I had no idea which candidates back home were ahead or had already won on November 4th, however I still celebrated like it was a holiday. Strangely, the election process seemed to take on more importance to me living here in Taiwan. My spirits were high and I wore an American flag sticker on my shirt. In between my classes, I even sang the Star-Spangled Banner for students. Because word got around about my singing, I had to sing many times for different students; I think I sang at least 15 times through the course of the day! Some students asked why I had the sticker on my shirt, and I told them it was voting day in America. They did not understand this without proper illustrations on the chalk board. The names “Obama” and “McCain” were, surprisingly, well known even to my sixth grade Taiwanese students. Results were not online for us until Wednesday, November 5th, which turned into another day of patriotic displays on my part. A good friend of mine mailed me “I voted” stickers and they arrived on the 5th, so I was able to enjoy that patriotic privilege even being so far from home. I actually voted several weeks earlier by absentee ballot.

When the results were finally in, the two Canadian teachers found it humorous to make insults in regards to America in general and their form of democracy. Anything they could come up with to push my buttons, they found rather entertaining. Regardless of who I voted for, or who won, I still took it as a patriotic day and showed my love of country. Many teachers at lunch made me aware of the results, even though I had been checking CNN almost every ten minutes. Unlike the Canadians in our midst, my Taiwanese peers were very respectful and supportive of my culture and exhibitions of patriotism.

Getting back to the development of one’s perception of a particular culture, I would like to discuss how modern “pop culture” seems to create illusions, or “skew reality” as it pertains to how others see Americans. In Taiwan, and I suspect in many other countries, the biggest influence of American culture comes from none other than television. The English channels (HBO, Cinemax, and TV sitcoms) all seem to be centered on guns, violence, sex, and profanity. Most here have come to the conclusion that this is daily American life. Many of my Taiwanese friends think that everyone walks around with a gun, is promiscuous, overweight, and swears in every sentence. What other conclusion could they draw given the source? Hardly anyone has any direct experience with our culture. American television and movies are definitely entertaining and action-packed, but is this the impression we want to give to other countries? It is slightly unnerving to think that my country, my family and friends, are seen as a bunch of overweight bums shooting at anyone that makes them angry. Obviously, that is not reality for the majority of Americans. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to influence so many people and show them, first-hand, that all Americans aren’t how they believe them to be.

In that same light, I have noticed that many of my students pick up popular words and phrases from watching American television. More than likely they don’t know the meaning of what they are saying. Instead, they are hoping to get a reaction from their native-speaking teacher. I have had many students use the “f-word” in my class, as well as other profane words when it is obvious they have no clue of the connotation. Even adults think that the English word for buttocks begins with an “a.” Lately, I’ve been hearing students refer to one another as “baby.” My favorite case is when a third grade student came up to me and said “teacher, you are hot.” I knew that he had meant it in a different way, but I replied, “no, I’m cold today…brrr.” That wasn’t the reaction he had expected, but I haven’t had that word used around me since.

"As a result of the teacher exchange program I have been able to recognize that perceptions are just that, perceptions, and often times not realities."

Think about the stereotypes we have all insidiously developed in regards to different groups of people. Maybe you have formed a stereotype from what you have read or experienced yourself thru various forms of media or entertainment. I do not mean to imply that one’s perception of a culture or a group of people is always negative when they are formed from secondary sources, rather, just that it is skewed by the origin of the source. Coming to an Asian country, I imagined that my Taiwanese friends would excel in mathematics, that most would be a few inches shorter than I was accustomed to and that many would be masters in the art of Kung-Fu or some form of martial arts. I was surprised when a Taiwanese friend asked me for math help. I am still a little taken back when I see a person taller than 6 feet and I don’t know anymore than five people that are even interested in the martial arts. Well, I have to tell you that I, like many, was caught in the trap of stereotyping about the Asian culture. I’m so grateful that this experience has opened my eyes to the subconscious beliefs we all seem to harbor in regards different cultures. As a result of the teacher exchange program I have been able to recognize that perceptions are just that, perceptions, and often times not realities. I have a sense that this lesson will serve me well in my life after this experience. As appreciative as I am for my experience here in Taiwan, I have to admit I wish that it didn’t take such a huge life commitment to make this realization.

I challenge you to compile a list of all the traits you imagine when you think of a certain group of people. Do a little research. I truly believe that at least half of the stereotypes you originally compiled will be flawed. May this be a lesson to us all.