Sun, Apr 10, 2005 page3

• Wu Ching-fa strives for cultural diversity within unity

  SEARCH FOR IDENTITY The author, researcher and cultural affairs official Wu wants Taiwanese to embrace their various pasts while combining to seek a common destiny

  • By Mo Yan-chih / STAFF REPORTER
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  On March 26, the day of the rally opposing China's "Anti-Secession" Law, Council for Cultural Affairs (CCA) Vice Chairman Wu Ching-fa (吳錦發) joined the crowd, encouraging Taiwanese people to voice their abhorrence of China's threats by reading his English-language poem Don't say I have no tears.

  In January, the artist-turned-politician published his latest book, The Boyhood Trilogy. It is a semi-autobiographical account of the complex relationship between Taiwan's ethnic groups as seen through the eyes of a teenager living in a Hakka village, and who encounters Hoklo people, Aborigines and Mainlanders as he grows up.

  Wu, who grew up in a Hakka village with an Aboriginal heritage from his father, has contributed to Taiwan's search for a national identity and growing cultural expression through his novels, movies and efforts to promote cultural awareness as an administrator.

  Born in the Hakka community of Meinung, Kaohsiung County, Wu is famous for his depictions of idealistic and romantic youths struggling to adjust to the adult world.

  His novels, including the well-known Spring and Autumn Tea House, and The Autumn Chrysanthemum, which were later made into the film Youth Without Regret, explore conflict between ethnic groups during the 1980s.

  Wu later became an editorialist -- with the alternative viewpoint of a southern Taiwanese. The versatile writer has also dedicated his life to researching the nation's history and literature, fieldwork and community development.

  All of these achievements helped Wu earn the position of CCA vice chairman last year.

  "Wu represents the voice of southern Taiwan, which has never been heard in the 22-year history of the council. I believe that his expertise in the field of literature and experiences in fieldwork and community development will be great assets in assisting the council with such matters," Council Chairman Chen Chi-nan (陳其南) said when he appointed Wu vice chairman last year.

  "In addition, with ethnic diversity and cultural awareness becoming an important direction for the council, I think Wu is the perfect person to incorporate Hakka and Aboriginal heritages into the council's efforts to promote "localization" in an era of globalization," Chen said.

  Speaking on his plans to reconcile ethnic groups and create a harmonious environment for the next generation, Wu said he would promote "peaceful development" in all communities.

  "Peaceful community reorganization is the key for Taiwan to move from politicizing ethnic issues to solving difficulties among ethnic groups in a practical way," Wu said.

  "We should empower each ethnic group to decide its cultural and historical values, and map out plans to reorganize the communities. The council's job is to assist each group in protecting their cultural and historical assets by communicating with local governments," he said.

  Wu said cultural awareness and ethnic reconciliation can be enhanced by reviving the unique experiences of local communities.

  "I am doing my fieldwork in every part of Taiwan and acting as the council's mobile office to hear people from various ethnic groups. We [the council] are holding local culture and history workshops to help people reorganize their communities," Wu said.

  Wu also encourages people of different ethnic backgrounds to understand and respect each other's circumstances and experiences.

  "The first step is to immerse people in minority groups, and make them experience and understand their lifestyles and cultures hidden inside," Wu told the Taipei Times.

  "For example, we held a camp in an Amis tribe in Taitung. Participants had to live with the tribespeople and learned things like hunting skills and the meanings of various ceremonies. I think this is the simplest and most profound way for different ethnic groups to better understand one another," he said.

  Although a busy schedule as an administrative figure occupies most of his time, literature and film have never left Wu's life.

  In addition to working on a new novel depicting Taiwan's political history and the changes in its cultural scene, Wu writes poems and keeps notes of his ideas whenever inspiration comes.

  He also talks about the decline of the film industry in Taiwan, and has plans to bring revive people's passion for local films by promoting film festivals.

  Developing Taiwan's national identity and cultural awareness, however, is what concerns Wu the most.

  "Taiwan is a place with many ethnic groups and a confused identity. We need to establish our own cultural and political identity, and find out who we are through localization, while embracing globalization at the same time," Wu said.
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