ITASA

The Role of Taiwanese-Americans

This winter break, I was more excited than ever for my visit to Taiwan. In addition to mouthwatering food and heartwarming company, I was also looking forward to voting in the presidential election for the first time. Despite my excitement, I felt unprepared to make an educated vote. Having spent the greater part of my life overseas, I found myself unfamiliar with the candidates and the current needs of the Taiwanese. Not wanting to become merely an extended vote of my parents, I attended a presidential rally to be able to make a more informed decision. However, when surround by the impassioned energy and shouts of the crowd, I began to question whether or not I should vote. Having only lived in Taiwan for six short years of my childhood, I was hesitant that my vote should hold as much sway as that of citizens whose lives would be deeply impacted by the results of this election.

At the same time, I reflected on the distance that I sometimes felt with the local people whom often ask if I am from abroad. Perhaps to them, the depth of my Taiwanese identity only goes as far as my Taiwanese passport. For every ABT that has received extra glances from passers-by or been told that we look “westernized”, perhaps you can relate to how being Taiwanese-American sets us apart. I used to fret that being different was because I was not “Taiwanese-enough” or that I am losing my roots. However, my American background does not have to lessen my Taiwanese identity. Being Taiwanese-American, our views are an unique compilation of these two countries. Even if different from that of local Taiwanese, the views of Taiwanese-Americans can offer more a global perspective. Ever after being years elsewhere, we can use experiences abroad to guide the political standing and international relations of our beautiful island.

Written by Maggie Chung - East Coast District Chair (Brown University)