Attitude

Attitude is one of the integral topics in the discussion of culture and identity. If one is open to cultures of foreign countries, he or she may identify with those countries better. With the current stage of global culture and media, we are constantly bombarded with information about all facets of life and cultures of the world. One tipping point between those who are able to obtain their identity and those who are fickle about it is their attitudes toward those information.

From participating Taiwan Tech Trek (internship) for two summers, I have realized that a lot of second generation overseas Taiwanese are very reluctant in accepting Taiwanese culture, especially second generation Taiwanese Americans! Sometimes they would critique the differences between the two countries. I heard a group of people complaining about the differences in direction of travel between railroads and normal roads in Taiwan. Others would act in ways that may seem appropriate to America but less so in Taiwan, such as the dormitory incident in Taipei. But of course if they had been paying attention to Taiwan history, they would have known that most rail roads were built by the Japanese, and to preserve that section of history the government maintained the left-hand traffic system for railroads. If they pay more attention to the culture, they would have known that most Taiwanese school systems are more conservative. But after all, one can only learn so much about another country right? Maybe it’s the pride of the American people, or maybe it’s the parents who did not promote their Asian culture to their children. Taiwanese Americans need to learn more about their background! And for those who are eager to learn about other cultures, I congratulate you.

I like to think that I am very台. I don’t think that’s anything wrong. But I’m not biased against American cultures either (though it's hard to say what exactly is American culture)…well sometimes I’m not biased…However, when I go back to Taiwan, a lot of people said I look ABT (Amerian-born Taiwanese). Now how does that work? I don’t pretend to have accents or purposely get American style haircuts. I just do whatever I think suits me...like Khaki pants and polo shirt... And whatever others think, it is their business; I do not stress to blend-in. People also do not need to blend in to where they are living (though they still need to obey the laws of course). They don't need to hide behind their masks. Once they come to terms with who they are, the paths they choose will not be determined by materialistic views but by optimistic attitudes.

I think to truly be a well educated and globalized individual, we have to appreciate other cultures as well as our own. What is our own culture? Well it’s up to all of us to decide.