Calming the furor over words about 228

"228" is a historical totem that can easily stir up ethnic sentiments. This is why we need a restrained attitude when looking at the recent row over the management of the 228 Memorial Museum and Lung Ying-tai's (龍應台) alleged remark about "celebrating" 228. Only with constructive dialogue can we unravel the issue and allay suspicions.

First, let's look at the dispute over the museum. The crux of the problem is how should the government authorities handle -- now that the Government Procurement Law has gone into effect -- the "preferential negotiation rights" given to the Taiwan Peace Foundation in the original management contract.

It was not appropriate for the Bureau of Cultural Affairs to assume a high-handed attitude and spark worries that the government is making life difficult for the foundation -- which has been doing a good job of running the museum. However, the foundation should also seek to reach a consensus with the city government.

The foundation submitted an operation proposal last October, but Lung procrastinated until a few days ago, when she responded by offering a short-term management contract. The process showed Lung's lack of sensitivity toward the 228 Incident. Her consequent oversight naturally made people at the foundation feel that they had not been accorded due respect.

However, neither Lung nor the Taipei City Government should have to bear the brunt of the backlash from cultural circles around the country because of the passage of the procurement law. This would not be fair to the government's administrative agencies.

Next, the furor over "celebrating" 228. Both sides should try to separate themselves from the debate over whether or not Lung actually said the word "celebrate" and focus instead on whether or not she had a "celebratory" attitude.

Lung had been tagged as a stereotypical "pro-unification" writer. But given her long years in Germany, she is unlikely to be ignorant about the Germans' deep self-reflection and guilt over the atrocities inflicted upon Jews. Therefore, whether or not she actually uttered the word "celebrate," we can perhaps reasonably say that she did not do this in a "celebratory" mood.

Only by observing Lung's words and deeds in general can we objectively look her overall attitude toward the 228 Incident.

Ho Jung-hsing is chief of the city desk at the Liberty Times.