Taiwan Popular Culture

1. What’s the most impressive example of Taiwan popular culture so far you learned from this course and why? 

To be honest, I do really impressed by the betel-nut culture. Though I don’t really like that culture at all, but I would’ve still respected it. Having seen a woman with a sexy clothes or being wore so explicitly in public, selling betel nuts beside the streets is really embarrassing, as it may create some social issues and may not be able to promote the true Taiwanese’ culture. I know this is the way on how are they going to make money in order to sustain their life and I do also understand they might just want to attract their customers and boosting their revenues as well, but it looked merely vulgar and offensive.

Some people might question on why they couldn’t behave like this, as long as it didn’t bother any other people and doing nothing illegal? I supposed, a healthy society should not only to have a rule as to protect an individual’s privacy, but also the moral standard which has included a certain amount of aesthetics within in the form of art where vulgar form of behavior shouldn’t be encouraged. Plus I can’t see the reason why putting yourself exposed in the risk of having trouble instead.  

There are thousand ways to promote the goods, and make profits. I’m not entirely opposed to this culture but government and related industries should corporate to change this unhealthy culture as it’s getting more serious, not to mention a news published before where it showed a betel-nut beauty was having a body conflict with a police on duty, seriously something has to be done.

2. If you were President Ma, what might be your ways to promote Taiwan to the world? Please list at least 3 ideas. 

I will sponsor some of the popular and famous Taiwanese singers as to invite them to become our ambassadors. Their jobs are simple and straight, nothing much but only to increase the exposure of Taiwan in the global world, for instance, they would be invited to attend some of the international activities, to get starred within some of the movies with an intention to promote the beauties of Taiwan, or produce some art works by featuring some of the tourist spots or famous individuals. Thus, fans or followers would have higher expectations and making them becoming more interested to travel in Taiwan.

Besides, I will encourage more art designers to have their works published into a famous forum or we could sponsor the brands. Much like what Wu has achieved when Michelle Obama wore a dress that designated by him. Nowadays, creativity has been a key component in the industry, for instance, a 2D bag gets viral when even a famous pop star, Katy Perry used it on the TV show. I do really think Taiwanese has much creativity but it hasn’t been really much explored yet, so it would be a good way to promote one of the core values of Taiwan – the innovation spirits.