A few years ago, as the last century drew to a close, the world's foremost historians and trend specialists all looked at the possible directions human society could take in the 21st century. Although there were minor discrepancies between the different views, they all hoped for the arrival of a more peaceful, harmonious and happier society.
Pragmatically speaking, if this is an ideal that can be fulfilled, then we, the men and women of Taiwan, have the right to show our concern for the world at large if we ourselves already are moving towards that ideal here in Taiwan. If we don't, then Taiwan will fall behind the rest of the world.
First, anyone who has read a bit more extensively on the history of Taiwan, the 400 years of Taiwanese history have been filled with constant ethnic conflict. Regardless of the period, indigenous peoples have been in a weak position, oppressed. The Min and the Hakka people have sometimes also had problems seeing eye to eye, and even the Zhangzhou and Quanzhou people, all from the Minnan area, have been divided. The Japanese colonial rulers also discriminated clearly between people, and later on the same thing happened to Taiwanese and mainlanders. Although these ethnic stories have meant that benefits have been improperly distributed, looking deeper into the matter, we find that these conflicts have been negative for ruler as well as the ruled. There are 23 million people squeezed onto an island with little flatland -- with too much pushing and shoving, how could harmony and happiness develop?
The Japanese left a little over 50 years ago, and mainlanders and locals have already gotten along for more than half a century. It is sad that by the time the mainlander-Taiwanese problem gradually became considered an irrational issue as a result of work or cross-marriages, "unificationist" and "independence advocate" instead gradually became the new ethnic labels, disturbing people and arresting social advancement.
Talking of unificationists and independence advocates, both factions were fearsome in their righteousness. Still, we only have to consider the fact that whether they are unificationists or independence advocates, they all make this island their home. Many independence advocates have sizeable businesses in China, and many of the rest criss-cross China on their travels. Every one of the unificationists feed off of Taiwan, use the Taiwanese currency, and after travelling to China, they all return to their homes in Taipei, Kaohsiung or Taichung. It is obvious that we need time to resolve the issues handed down to us by history, while current livelihood and business issues still must be handled according to the present situation. What's more, we cannot ignore the international situation.
I have never hidden my political position over the past few decades, so let me pose a question: If Taiwan does not belong to the Taiwanese, then to whom does it belong? What I am trying to do here is to emphasize the issue of freedom of expression in a democratic society. If it is only a matter of differing opinions, then there really is no need to take the position that I am completely right and you are totally wrong. If media workers and politicians exacerbate things, they are guilty of intellectual immorality. This kind of immorality moves in a direction opposite to peace, harmony and happiness.
Second, every kind of business has its values. The reason I especially highlight politics and the media is that these two have equally high profiles in society, and that they have a greater influence over the direction society will take.
All in all, if we assess Taiwan's media workers and politicians, their performance has been poor. In today's Taiwan, there are few unprejudiced media and few media workers who understand the fundamental principles of the fourth estate. Unknowingly, the majority of media are tearing society apart, cheered on by their supporters.
Even more criticism can be aimed at politicians than at media workers. Very few of them understand what "respecting the opponent" means, not to mention showing shame in the face of criticism or having a guilty conscience. Not many of them would readily admit to making a mistake or abstain from making excuses even if they were suddenly alerted to the fact that they had committed one.
History is a constant cycle of successes and failures. Every political party will hold to certain ideals, and every party will make a few foolish statements. They will all have their personalities worthy of respect, and they will also include some uglier characters. In mature societies, few people will be superstitiously faithful to a party or given to idolatry. I am, however, very sad to see many politicians in today's Taiwan still adopting the inferior methods of a past era in their attempts at political manipulation, and many irresolute leaders actually follow these suggestions, thus, deliberately or unwittingly, misleading the public.
Third, if we take an even higher vantage point to look back at everyday life in Taiwan, the chaos pointed out in the previous two parts in fact merely fills us with disgust. Although it might also cause development to come to a halt, society can actually continue to function in the midst of this hubbub. The most worrying thing in Taiwan is the issue of future economic development and national finances.
It is the good economic performance over the recent past that has caused the public to be satisfied with little Taiwan and the international community to look at it with respect.
Under the pressure of rising production costs over the past few decades, many companies have directed their investments toward China. Taiwan has been severely bled, there is massive unemployment and foreign trade has seen great changes. While all this has been going on, a new international economic order has gradually taken shape, and Taiwan is now becoming isolated. If this development continues, the Taiwanese economy will rot away, like a once lush tree. At the same time, the burden on the treasury will increase due to shrinking tax income, which will result in a towering national debt. The trunk of the tree will become hollow. If this situation is perpetuated, it wouldn't be so strange if one day the tree toppled over.
People observing the political situation in advanced countries for a longer period find that in situations similar to Taiwan's current situation, including the upcoming presidential election, the debate between candidates from all sides, as well as public concern, will all be aimed at the questions of how to plan economic development and social welfare strategies, and how to stabilize national finances. Strangely, however, politics in Taiwan do not work this way, and I have to say this comes as a surprise.
Fourth, many people often like to talk of politics as something deep and unfathomable. In fact, politics is a matter of those in power striving for power, and of the general public striving for happiness. Even though power was the main concern during the authoritarian era, the government didn't dare neglect the public's happiness. In the democratic era, there are restrictions on power, and the happiness of the general public has instead become a solid foundation of that power.
Although the universe is vast and things come and go, we can still use such a simple formula to view the future of Taiwan, and see that there is hope. If we all could look into our hearts and make some brave changes, Taiwan should still be capable of a quick turn-around, making an effort and returning to the correct road, the one leading forward.
Frank Wu is chairman of the Public Television Service Foundation.
Translated by Perry Svensson
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