From the perspective of Ethnic Politics, ethnic group is a kind of
social group, which will act like an interest group in order to strive for
political or economical resources from the government or the society. Since
1960s, research about Ethnic Politics had become more common because most of
the countries in the world are consisted of multicultural ethnic groups. To
analyze Nationalism from the perspective of Ethnic Politics involves two key
points: identity principle and ethnic relation theory. Generally, ethnic or
national identity is concluded into primordialism, structuralism and constructuralism.
In the behalf of the contemporary discourse of Taiwan nationalism that inclined
to be independent, it attempts to establish Taiwan as a multicultural country
though the ancestors of the residents in Taiwan were mostly Han race that came
from China with Chinese culture. Relation Theory contains Assimilation Theory,
Conflict Theory and The Pluraist Theory.
When it comes to the question whether Taiwanese should accept being
treated as part of China, I think we can first look at Taiwanese identity. Not
all of the people in Taiwan have a strong identification with Taiwan this
island. If we analyze Taiwanese with identity principle, we can say that Taiwan
ethnic groups are the mixture of three identity principles. Some Taiwanese
think they are Taiwanese because their relatives born, grow and share rather
the same custom with other people in Taiwan. Others think the inequality in
political powers and economical sources make the sense of group. The others
think identification is built by human on the basis of the same experience.
With these different kinds of identification, one can hardly identify with the
other, and thus is difficult to form a common consensus.
If we consider Taiwan as a multicultural country, the phenomenon that different
ethnic groups meet and conflict can also be explained in three relation
theories. First, one ethnic group is transplanted into another ethnic group,
and gradually become very similar. Second, different ethnic groups conflict
because of different interest. Third, the culture of minority should be kept,
and we should respect different ethnic groups in a society. Nowadays, the third
theory is more valued in order to make the society more harmonious. From this
perspective of view, it seems that we shouldn’t create the conflict between different
ethnic groups by refusing any interaction in any form with China. Chinese
should not be discredited and that to get along harmoniously and peacefully is
the long road to go.
References
林國章. (2010). 民族意識與兩岸關係: 孫中山研究的新面向. Taipei, 海峽學術出版社
You made a great analyst about the identity theory! However, we all know there're four elements to become a country: authority, territory, people and government. Taiwan is definitely fitted in these conditions of consisting of a country. But I'd like to know the reasons why other countries still don't offer positive affirmation to Taiwanese being a country despite the fact that most of Taiwanese have already identified themselves as one of country in the globe. Is there any factor other than China's influence in determining the rest countries for Taiwan? This is my comment, thank you! :)
回覆刪除Your analysis of relation between Taiwan and China and theory of Taiwanese identity are really clear to understand. It's truth that as time goes by, the conflict between Taiwan and China has diminishing. However, there's still an invisible line which stock us to achieve real independence. Recently, there must be more people concerning about independence of Taiwan because of the Sunflower Movement. I'm wonder if people are more sensitive about this thing and have an answer or not, especially college students. From this part, maybe you can analyze this Movement that has strong influence on all of Taiwanese to give us more specific example.
回覆刪除It is the important annotation for me to understand the identity problem just as you mention that when it comes to the question whether Taiwanese should accept being treated as part of China, you think we can first look at Taiwanese identity. When I was little, I am confused about this sensitive question. Until now, I still have no answer and good way to deal with my identity and my attitude toward China. Maybe I will find the new solution after reading your whole issue paper. I think this is a good issue for me to mediate it for the long time.
回覆刪除You provide a variety of ways to explain ethnic relation and some of the theories, which is sensational for me. However actually, different from others’ opinion, it is also a little bit complicated when you are discussing such many perspectives. In first paragraph you mention several definitions of ethnic or national identity. In second paragraph you are dealing with Taiwanese ethnic identity against China. And in the last paragraph you talk about the three ethnic relation theories and your own opinion: we shouldn’t create the conflict between different ethnic groups by refusing any interaction in any form with China. You provide various points of view. If connecting them more strongly, your thesis might be more specific and clear. All in all, this article quite broadens my view!
回覆刪除Though I am not familiar with political issues, your annotation presents a clear understanding for me of the ethnic politics. By using the vague relation between Taiwan and China, since it is something related to our life, it shortens the distance of politic and most people. But since terms such as primordialism, structuralism and constructuralism are words not familiar in daily life, I think you can talked more about the definitions and examples of these terms. Also, beside the Sunflower Movement Olive mentioned in her response, I think what happened in Hong Kong recently (umbrella revolution) may be another reference for you.
回覆刪除I agree with your point that “Not all of the people in Taiwan have a strong identification with Taiwan this island.” for that I am this kind of people. Although I do not like to hear of the news that foreigners cannot tell Taiwanese from Chinese, I don’t have clear standpoint about the relationship between Taiwan and China. What’s more, I appreciate that your article offers clear and detailed information about the ethnicity and the culture from the previous to the present.
回覆刪除The descriptions of the three ethnic theories are clear and highlighted to make us understand more about Taiwanese multicultural phenomenon. It is always be a tough and controversial question between Taiwan and China, however, after viewing your article, it gives me a more possible ways of thinking in an ethnic points of view. Clarifying the relationship between Taiwan and Chinese through these clear and attentive questions can make us going forward to the core of issue more and more.
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