The New Generation of Taiwanese...Southeast Asians!

 

When we hear about Southeast Asia, what is the first thing that comes to our mind? Beaches in Thailand? Vietnamese cuisine? Indonesian spice? The Merlion in Singapore? Or perhaps the Angkor Wat in Cambodia? Though it is true that Taiwanese people are becoming more and more familiarized with the southeastern culture, there is still a serious issue in our society nowadays...discrimination.

This week in one of my classes, we saw videos and documentaries reflecting family and social issues concerning new immigrants and their children. According to the teacher, out of ten new born babies in Taiwan, one of them is of Southeast Asian descendant. Taiwan has become more internationalized with different people coming from different countries to start a new life. However, many of these new immigrants, especially labors and caretakers, are often looked down upon. There is a stereotype that they are all dark-colored, dirty, uneducated, impolite, and poor. Though it is true that most Southeast Asian people come to Taiwan from a less fortunate family background to live a better life, it is not right to think less of them and assume that they are less civilized than we are. My family has been living in Thailand for over 20 years, so it hurts when I hear Taiwanese speak ill of the people from my country. After all, Thailand is my hometown and Taiwanese is my nationality.

Many associations in Taiwan have risen up to provide new immigrants and their children education of their native countries, as well as support for abuse or discrimination. It is comforting to know that there are still people who care for the rights of these minorities, who will soon become the majority of Taiwanese, since their children will be the new generation of Taiwan. I guess what I want to say in this blog post is that I wish people would open up their minds and learn to accept and appreciate these people who come to Taiwan to do the jobs that no one else here is willing to do. Many have given up their life there and made a lot of sacrifices to come to an unfamiliar environment with a whole new language, which must be hard for them to adjust to. Other than compassionate, we can also try to approach and engage in their rich, diverse cultures and their wonderful customs and traditions...Let's be honest, who doesn't like delicious Vietnamese food and a relaxing Thai massage?