Globalization versus localization

Continuing globalization will make Taiwan's cultural predicament even more difficult. Tai-wan's historical development has not been conducive to localization. Now, before localization can firmly take root, Taiwan is facing the impact of multi-national cultural commodities.

To equate localization with ethnic hostility, or believe that former president Lee Teng-hui's (李登輝) localization should be brought to an end now that Taiwan is embracing globalization, is to ignore the fact that multi-cultural dialogue and creativity rely on the establishment of cultural identities. All told, globalization should not unravel or sideline localization. The two are mutually dependent and are parts of a continuing process.

Lin Cho-shui is a DPP legislator.