The recent enthusiasm for revisionism in Taiwan is a reminder that the nation's democracy is still in its infancy. At the same time, it is a sign of vigor.
In the latest edition of history textbooks for high school students, Sun Yat-sen (
This change to a 60-year-old practice was inspired by more than just the realization that Sun's position in Taiwanese history is a result of concerted efforts by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT). Rather, it's recognition of the fact that much of what is ailing Taiwanese politics today can be traced back to the KMT's attempts to glorify the occupation of Taiwan by Chiang Kai-shek (
In fact, the new depiction of Sun is just one part of the first significant overhaul of high school textbooks in an attempt to make them more Taiwan-centric. The revamp's purpose of bringing education more in line with the political reality in a country where three direct presidential elections have taken place in the last dozen years should not overshadow its significance in the overall scheme of decolonization of Taiwan. The outcry from former KMT chairman Ma Ying-jeou (
There were years when these colonialists -- disavowed by their home country and severed from their homeland -- were left without much hope of ever being able to fulfill their dreams of returning home in triumph. At one point, late president Chiang Ching-kuo (
But the visits by former KMT chairman Lien Chan (連戰) and People First Party Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) to Beijing nearly two years ago changed everything. The pact Lien made with Chinese President Hu Jintao (胡錦濤) rekindled the dormant colonial sentiment in diehard Chiang followers.
This rekindled hope is the real reason why Ma and the KMT are so resistant to the idea of a new constitution and continue to drag their feet on arms procurement -- they dream of one day unifying with China.
It also helps to explain the pan-blue legislative coalition's fondness for coffer-busting measures such as the 18 percent interest rate on public employee pensions and the NT$40 billion (US$1.21 million) package of largesse for veterans.
Ma's claims that the KMT's stolen assets were acquired legitimately is a tacit admission that the party has always been a colonial presence.
The self-righteousness which Ma and his like exude, seemingly oblivious of how outrageous their attitudes are in the context of a modern democracy, only reinforces the idea that they live in a colonial cocoon of their own creation.
What's most astonishing is that while many are preoccupied with combating the onslaught of colonialism, former president Lee Teng-hui (
At a minimum, he appears to be on the fence.
The public would do well to realize that while individuals might vacillate when it is politically expedient to do so, democratic principles remain constant.
The removal of two paternal icons could serve to strengthen Taiwan's democracy.
Huang Jei-hsuan
California
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