Sometimes the worst timing could be the best one as hope is hidden in it. Some people like to blame bad luck or lack of help from someone. It seems that these are not always determined by a person’s belief. That is, however, not always true. It is difficult to predict whether the timing is for the worst or the best. The answer is actually quite intriguing.
Surely, it requires strenuous efforts to judge if an era is good or bad, as it involves the judgment of a country as well as its citizens. In a country, some people feel that the days are good; others the opposite. Even if the ruling government thinks that the economy is getting better, it is the laymen who cannot know better, because they can only know the environment in which they live and the money they earn, all of which influences their lives directly. Some people say that Taiwan is an independent country; others believe that Taiwan has to rely on China in terms of economy, and therefore, it is impossible to completely cut its ties with China. Chances are that various kinds of discussion exist, yet people insist on their own beliefs, and this is democracy. Only in a democratic country can different ideology co-exist. Ideology cannot be changed, but respected. Only when this consensus is recognized, can an invincible cohesion and power be possible.
Since martial law ended in 1987 in Taiwan, indigenous peoples have continually moved to the big cities over the past 30 years. The indigenous population in Taoyuan City has reached over 75 thousand, and is going to exceed that in Taitung County. It is an inevitable trend that they migrate to cities, for there are fewer job opportunities in indigenous communities. Is the idea “We Are One” formed by indigenous communities still practiced? In fact, yes, it is, but the living environment, which has changed the way indigenous peoples think about life, and the convenience brought about by transportation all hinder the development of indigenous communities.
These years what concerns several indigenous communities is the preservation of their cultural heritage, and hence they have eagerly followed and practiced cultural activities. The new generation born in urban areas, in particular, come back to communities to attend the annual harvest ceremony. This is an important change of behavior, which demonstrates one’s identity with his own culture.
Taiwan is a melting pot. Everyone lives peacefully with one another on this island. Even though the international community is not so friendly, life still goes on. Now, is this a good or bad era? For indigenous peoples, at least we are down-to-earth, trying very hard to lead our lives. This era can be the worst as well as the best. Be it politics, elections, political parties, they are just temporary. We eventually need to return to the basics, i.e. facing our life and creating value for it.
Acting CEO of Indigenous Peoples Cultural Foundation
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