Podcast Summary
Mint Mobile lowers prices during inflation, Taiwan grapples with identity and China's threats: Mint Mobile adapts to inflation by lowering prices, while Taiwanese society debates its identity and responds to China's threats, with open political conversations in Taiwan contrasting China's censored discourse.
During inflationary times, Mint Mobile is lowering its prices instead of raising them. They brought in a reverse auctioneer to help set the price at an affordable $15 a month. Meanwhile, in Taiwan, a divided society is grappling with the question of whether it is Chinese or not, as China offers a terrifying choice between unification and war. Taiwanese people want neither, but have not yet reached a consensus on their identity or how to respond to China's threats. In contrast, Taiwan's democracy allows for open conversations about politics that are not found in China. David Rennie, The Economist's Beijing bureau chief, noted the difference in conversation dynamics when he visited Taiwan after being in Beijing during COVID. Alice Su, The Economist's senior China correspondent, who grew up partly in Taiwan and has lived and worked in Taipei, observed that despite Taiwan's increasing unity as a Taiwanese society, there are still heated social divisions over the question of China.
Taiwan's ambiguous status preserves its unique identity: Taiwan's ambiguous international and domestic status has allowed it to maintain a distinct identity, as seen in the life and work of Taiwanese writer Chun Yao Chang.
The ambiguous status of Taiwan, both internationally and domestically, has played a significant role in preserving the current situation. However, this ambiguity is becoming less pronounced as both sides of the strait become more defined in their identities. This was exemplified in the life of Chun Yao Chang, a Taiwanese writer with a rich history and diverse heritage. Chun, who is originally from Taiwan but has part aboriginal and Chinese ancestry, grew up during a time when there was a clear distinction between "islanders" and "mainlanders" in Taiwan. While mainlanders saw themselves as exiles, islanders like Chun had a deep connection to the land. Chun's writing, which focuses on Taiwan's history before the Republic of China, has resonated with many Taiwanese and has even been turned into television shows. Chun's journey reflects the evolving identity of Taiwan and the complexities of its history. As Taiwan continues to navigate its place in the world, the stories of people like Chun will undoubtedly continue to shape its narrative.
Born Taiwanese, raised with Chinese identity: Chen Yatong's upbringing illustrates the complex history of Taiwan's political identity, shaped by conflicting education systems and authoritarian rule, leading to a sense of dual identity and fear of expressing true feelings.
The complex history of Taiwan's political identity can be seen through the experiences of individuals like Chen Yatong. Born on the island in 1949, during the period when the Nationalist Party (KMT) took control after losing the Chinese Civil War, Chen grew up with a sense of being both Taiwanese and Chinese. However, the education system imposed by the KMT, which emphasized the idea of taking back the mainland and being good Chinese citizens, led to a sense of conflict and dual identity for Chen and many other native Taiwanese. This was further complicated by the authoritarian rule of the KMT, which suppressed dissent and encouraged a public facade of unity. The massacre of 1947, commemorated annually on February 28th, is a stark reminder of the violent suppression of local opposition and the fear that kept many Taiwanese from openly expressing their true identities.
From massacre to democracy: Taiwan's gradual transformation: The democratic transformation of Taiwan was a gradual process marked by decades of activism, geopolitical shifts, and the need for the KMT to expand their base.
Taiwan's transformation from a place of brutal massacre and authoritarian rule to a democratic society was a gradual process marked by decades of activism and geopolitical shifts. Chen, a young Taiwanese man born after the massacre, grew up suppressing his Taiwanese identity but witnessed the slow changes unfolding around him. These changes included the KMT's loss of its superpower backer, the United States, and the resulting need to expand their base and include more Taiwanese people in government. Additionally, activism from brave Taiwanese people pushing for change, the lifting of martial law, and the election of Taiwan's first Taiwan-born president all contributed to Taiwan's transition to democracy. This bloodless, gradual transition has led to a complex Taiwanese society, where both Chinese and Taiwanese identities coexist.
Hope for Taiwan-China unity based on shared cultural ties during the 1990s: Despite shared cultural ties, Taiwan and China's political differences and instability make it challenging for them to unite and defend their identity, providing opportunities for China to exploit and weaken Taiwan's unity.
During the 1990s, Taiwanese political figure Chen Yaochang held hope that if both China and Taiwan became democracies, they could potentially unite as one country due to their shared cultural ties. However, China's lack of democratization and Taiwan's resulting political divisions have made it difficult for the two sides to come together. This disunity and political squabbling have provided opportunities for China to exploit and weaken Taiwan's unity in defending its identity. The complex history and deep-rooted family divisions continue to trigger fresh arguments, making it challenging for Taiwanese people to agree on their national identity. This political instability and uncertainty remain significant challenges for Taiwan's future.
Appreciation leads to transformative changes in Taiwan's democratization and identity: Appreciation for democratic reforms inspired historical research and led to a new definition of Taiwanese identity centered on citizenship and individual relationships with the state, particularly among younger generations.
Appreciation holds significant value, and it can lead to transformative changes, as seen in the case of Taiwan's democratization and the evolution of Taiwanese identity. Chen, a doctor turned historian, was inspired by the democratic reforms and began studying Taiwanese genetics to understand the diverse makeup of Taiwanese people. The late 1980s and early 1990s marked a turning point in Taiwanese society, with the election of the first non-KMT president and the emergence of a new definition of Taiwanese identity centered on citizenship and individual relationships with the state. This shift was particularly noticeable among younger generations, who grew up after martial law and had different perspectives on Taiwanese identity compared to older generations. Despite the generational divide and political tensions, people like Luofengge, an avid KMT supporter, continued to find common ground through shared experiences and simple pleasures, such as singing and enjoying snacks together.
Older vs Younger Generations' Political Perspectives in Taiwan: Older generation's political cynicism shaped by martial law contrasts with younger generation's empowerment and engagement in democratic Taiwan
People's political beliefs and perspectives can be shaped by their experiences and upbringing. The older generation in Taiwan, who grew up under martial law, may hold a more cynical view of politics and see every political party as corrupt. However, younger generations, who have grown up in a democratic Taiwan, may have a more positive view and feel empowered to participate in politics. The Sunflower Movement, for instance, was a pivotal moment for many young Taiwanese, pushing them to reconsider their identity and engage with politics in a new way. Despite the corruption that exists in every political party, the treatment and connections people receive can influence their loyalty and perception.
Taiwanese author's perspective on Taiwan-China ties: Taiwanese author Chang Ta-chun believes Taiwan and China's values and institutions are too different for successful union, emphasizing identity based on shared values, not ethnicity, and challenging ethnonationalist unity narrative.
Taiwanese author Chang Ta-chun, who once held hopes for closer ties between Taiwan and China, now believes that their fundamental values and institutions are too different for a successful union. During the early 2000s, increased trade and exchanges between the two sides brought hope, but Chen came to realize that China's lack of democratic values and institutions made unity unattainable. He emphasizes that Taiwanese identity should be based on shared values, not ethnicity. This perspective challenges the Chinese Communist Party's narrative of ethnonationalist unity and has led some Taiwanese businesspeople, who once prospered in China, to consider leaving. Chen's views reflect the sadness and loss felt by many Taiwanese as they confront the reality of an uncertain and potentially authoritarian future.
Taiwan's democracy and uncertain identity: Younger generation leading Taiwan's democratic political system, but China's Xi Jinping poses a threat and Taiwan's role in global supply chains adds complexity
Taiwan's democracy is still maturing and its identity is uncertain, but the younger generation is leading the way in separating from the given identity and building a democratic political system. However, there's a sense of urgency due to the China threat, and Taiwan's indispensable role in global supply chains adds to the complexity of the situation. Ultimately, the Taiwanese people will decide their identity, but China's Xi Jinping holds the power to invade, with potential military, economic, and technological consequences. The intricacies of this geopolitical issue will be further explored in the next episode of Drum Tower.
Chips: Unseen Essentials in Our Lives: TSMC highlights the crucial role of chips in daily life, their destruction could cause impacts greater than a global oil shortage.
Chips, though often unseen, play a crucial role in our daily lives, just like the sun, water, or air. They're essential components in various appliances, including those in our homes and even in marathon bibs. TSMC, the leading semiconductor company, underlines their importance, as their destruction could result in impacts larger than a global oil shortage. Subscribe to The Economist Podcast Plus for exclusive access to their special shows and more content, and remember, the link is available in the show notes or by googling "economist podcasts." A listener named Jasmine shared her thoughts on identity, and if you'd like to do the same, send an email to drum@economist.com. Lastly, a fun fact: a crocodile can't stick out its tongue, and UnitedHealthcare offers short-term health insurance plans for flexible, budget-friendly coverage.
