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LETTERS: 'Taiwanese' is propaganda

I read with interest a letter by Ben Goren (Letters, Dec. 17, page 8) in which he argued passionately for redefining the term `Taiwanese' to be more inclusive.

Goren's analysis was articulate, but at the same time heavily partisan -- betraying an agenda of supporting the DPP in the upcoming elections.

Like many letters from foreigners in Taiwan, in his letter, Goren has allowed himself to be influenced by the propaganda spread by President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and his government. This propaganda aims to exclude and vilify those referred to as "Mainlanders" in an attempt to secure votes from speakers of Hoklo.

Goren's letter tying identity to Taiwan's environment is a fantasy that ignores and refuses to accept the long standing historical, cultural and ethnic ties between Taiwan and China.

His analysis encourages readers to sympathize with a groundless "Taiwanese" nationalism that not only lacks support but is also driven by political interests and is not welcomed by the international community.

Pie-in-the-sky postulations like his fail owing to their core misunderstanding of Chinese culture and identity.

Goren's Utopian platform does not go even so far as to recognize the importance of the Republic of China to the economic welfare of residents in Taiwan. His prioritization of environment over the economy is amusing, revealing his isolation from the day-to-day hardships faced by ordinary people under a government that cares more about symbolic victories than sound governance and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Over the past seven years -- Chen's administration -- ?Mainlanders have suffered ethnic discrimination and have been ostracized by society simply because they happened to have been born -- or have parents who were born -- across the Strait.

They are increasingly bewildered that the Chen administration and cheerleaders like Goren direct an invective towards them when a majority of the country clearly identifies with a culture and heritage shared across the Strait.

Rather than glossing over this cultural connection, Goren should see that, apart from Taiwan's Aborigines, nearly everyone in Taiwan shares a similar history and point of origin in China. This shared history will prove to be stronger than imagined nationalities cooked up for local power concerns.

Milton Liao

Chicago, Illinois
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