First impression of Taiwan

Taiwan Living in Taiwan
41

Mwalimu,

Your ‘definition’ of 1st world is very vague. More like a ‘feeling’ that Taiwan doesn’t have. Are you sure you aren’t confusing that feeling with ‘western’.

Last time I saw some stats was three years ago in one of those annual ‘standard of living surveys’. This was purchasing power of the average citizen, and included for the first time things like health and education (but not crime and environment). Taiwan was 18th - one above New Zealand which is undeniably 1st world.

You mention infrastructure. I don’t think that infrastructure is unifromly good in western countries. When I was living in New Zealand, the biggest city, Auckland had no electricity for weeks becuase the underfunded power company had neglected to maintain 3 of the 4 mian power cables and the other one overloaded. I understand similar things happened in California. In England train times get changed, delayed and cancelled left right and centre and there’s a crash every other day it seems. Taiwan’s infrastructure may seem a bit different from most western countries, but the trains run on time and reliably, there’s a great MRT in Taipei, no more than usual electricity blackouts, good garbage collection, plenty of roads etc. Not really infrastructure, but how about when people back home were dying of heart problems while on the (2 year) waiting list for operations because there weren’t enough hospital beds or doctors?

You’re really going to have to come up with some decent reasons if you want to claim that Taiwan isn’t first world.

Bri

42

Here’s a couple dictionary definitions of First World:

the industrialized and wealthy countries of the world

the highly developed industrialized nations often considered the westernized countries of the world

Bri

43

As I was thinking about how I wanted to reply to both ABCguy and Bri, I realized that the whole issue of “First World” and whether or not to include Taiwan among the group of “First World” nations, was kind of ridiculously semantic.

My definition of “First World” was vague, yes - because there is no official members list. It is, very much a “state of mind”, a question of perspective and perception.

I still contend that the conventional understanding of the term implys a degree of economic maturity, a signifcant presence as a global player in terms of economic policy, and a fully developed infrastructure.

Is it really worth arguing whether or not Taiwan fits these criteria? It’s ABCguy and Bri’s perception that Taiwan does, It is my perception that, despite it’s “wealth”, a tour around the Island will leave you with the impression that Taiwan still has a ways to go.

The fact is that Taiwan IS an Advanced Economy (according to the CIA), and enjoys the world’s 18th highest standard of living (as Bri points out - the results of these kind of annual polls are published in the newspapers every year). People in Taiwan have a deserved sense of pride in their remarkable achivements over the past 50 years. Who cares how we classify this?

44
quote:
Originally posted by Mwalimu: As I was thinking about how I wanted to reply to both ABCguy and Bri, I realized that the whole issue of "First World" and whether or not to include Taiwan among the group of "First World" nations, was kind of ridiculously semantic.

My definition of “First World” was vague, yes - because there is no official members list. It is, very much a “state of mind”, a question of perspective and perception.

I still contend that the conventional understanding of the term implys a degree of economic maturity, a signifcant presence as a global player in terms of economic policy, and a fully developed infrastructure.

Is it really worth arguing whether or not Taiwan fits these criteria? It’s ABCguy and Bri’s perception that Taiwan does, It is my impression that, despite it’s “wealth”, a tour around the Island will leave you with the impression that Taiwan still has a ways to go.

The fact is that Taiwan IS an Advanced Economy (according to the CIA), and enjoys the world’s 18th highest standard of living (as Bri points out - the results of these kind of annual polls are published in the newspapers every year). People in Taiwan have a deserved sense of pride in their remarkable achivements over the past 50 years. Who cares how we classify this?

Yep, just like I figured…Taiwan as well as any other asian country will never be considered “first world” in most white western eyes. It’s a play on words really to connotate cultural and western superiority. There is no true “first world” it’s a complete misnomer. Can you honestly argue that Scandanavia is in the forefront of the world economic policy and a global player anymore than Taiwan? Yet, you’ll never see a white westerner criticizing Scandanavia as being anything less than “First world” even though they have a very socialist economic/welfare system. I’d even go as far as to say that Taiwan is far more of a economic free market than scandanavia and much of the tech manufacturing sector hinges on Taiwan. Ever see where your motherboards, microchips, etc… are made? Usually designed and built in Taiwan. Asus and Abit both are largely Taiwanese based products. Also…going by looks on what constitutes “first world” by taking a tour around the country and nitpicking problems is largely B.S. It’s like driving around South Central LA and making up your mind that the U.S. is not first world afterall.

Even when confronted with the facts that Taiwan enjoys a ranked 18th high standard of living they are still unwilling to capitulate. Like I said it’s very curious how most white westerners refuse to give even an ounce of respect to Asia. Very curious indeed…

I can also point out a lot of incidences regarding this western double standard when it comes to human rights issues, environmentalism,corporate exploitation of nations, and whaling. Western countries can do no wrong or commit no error in this world…they will after all always be considered “first world” to the very exclusive racial/cultural good ole’ boys club.

45
quote:
Originally posted by LittleIron:

Geez, man, can anybody say ANYthing without you throwing a tantrum?

Look at what I wrote. Then look at what you wrote. Have I ever said, in ANY of my posts that the West doesn’t have problems? Did I say a country had to be completely assimilated by Western culture to be considered ‘first world’? Bigotry against Eastern society? Are you kidding? Christianity? I’m not even Christian. Why do you think you know me?

What’s with you? If somebody says something 1% different from you, you jump down their throat, tell them you’ll give them a bloody nose, say they said things they never did, and then call them a bigot ‘whitey’ for disagreeing with you.

You have serious, serious issues. The fact that you’re now trying to use big words doesn’t give what you’re saying any more clout; they just make you sound like you’re trying to sound adult.

The problem is that you’re extremely sensitive to racism against any Asian. A good quality. Yet where did I say anything racist? You also say the very things that make you upset in the first place; you say many racist things. Is it ok to be racist against whites then, but not other ethinicities? I’m confused. Personally, I don’t believe its right to be racist in any form.

I actually wrote a previous answer to the issue of the ‘separation’ of Taipei with other areas of Taiwan, and the meaning of ‘first world’ to me in terms of society. But then I realized I shouldn’t even bother, as you’ll never hear me. I’d be happy to discuss this issue sometime in a calm and rational manner, but it doesn’t look like you’re capable of discussion quite yet. No offense intended.

I would, however, be interested in hearing your thoughts on my original point of your comment about how ‘white westerners always…’?

(although by saying all of this, I realize I’m risking a, quote, ‘mouth full of blood and teeth’…)

Why don’t you just come clean and admit that you have no particular reason for not calling Taiwan first world? It’s based on your own prejudices…not really any solid facts. I’ve already posted several economic comparisons…and I can post even more comparing population figures, environmental issues, etc… with western countries. Trying to throw a wrench into the cogs of the argument by attacking me personelly and bringing in irrelevant issues is quite sad really.

Also i’ve never used the terminology “whitey” and please highlight these “racist” things that i’ve said. I’ve also never said it’s ok to be racist against whites…who is putting words in whose mouth? Matter of fact, you claim that i’m “sensitive” about issues yet you devolve into unnecessary histrionics once confronted with possible double standards in western perception. Does your acting like a drama queen indicate that you really had no solid argument to put on the table to begin with? I find this all mildly interesting and quite entertaining to say the least.

Anyways if you did indeed write a explanation with your point of view on why Taiwan isn’t first world and why Taipei should be considered separate from the rest of Taiwan wouldn’t a simple cut and paste suffice?

46

Okay. I can see this exchange has become an excercise in futility. Like I said, this is just a silly argument about semantics. I don’t really want to pursue it, as it comes down to differing very subjective perspectives.

There are however a couple of classic ABCguy-isms I do feel a need to comment on…

First;

quote:
Yep, just like I figured..Taiwan as well as any other asian country will never be considered "first world" in most white western eyes.

We have been talking about Taiwan, not Asia as a whole. Where does this pan-Asian thing come from? Frankly, I think you have a wee bit of a tendency to make gross generalizations.

quote[quote]Yet, you'll never see a white westerner criticizing Scandanavia as being anything less than "First world" even though they have a very socialist economic/welfare system.[/quote]

Again, this seems to be a bit of a broad generalization. Actually, many people regard the social welfare system in Scandinavia as a very positive thing. It works so well, not because hordes of people expolit the system, but rather because it provides for excellent social services for all members of society. Generally speaking people are satisfied paying high tax rates in exchange for the quality services and benfits they recieve.

quote[quote]Also..going by looks on what constitutes "first world" by taking a tour around the country and nitpicking problems is largely B.S. It's like driving around South Central LA and making up your mind that the U.S. is not first world afterall.[/quote]

I don’t think your analogy is very well chosen. I probably chose the wrong word when I said, “tour”. Sorry. My perspective is based on 12 years of living in Taiwan, with extensive travelling, and some work experience beyond Taipei City limits. While I’m not an “expert”, I don’t think my impression is particularly superfical either. Again, ABCguy - I have to wonder if you are willing to credit at all the fact that some of the posters who post here, have a lot more practical experience in Taiwan than you do. Your folks evidently are from Taiwan, but my impression is that you have only been to the ROC as a visitor.

quote[quote]Even when confronted with the facts that Taiwan enjoys a ranked 18th high standard of living they are still unwilling to capitulate. Like I said it's very curious how most white westerners refuse to give even an ounce of respect to Asia. Very curious indeed...[/quote]

What can I say? This is simply laughable, you discredit your argument with ranting stuff like this. “Capitulate”?! “Most white westerners”?! “Refuse to give an ounce of respect to Asia.”?!

47

Thanks ABC for proving my points for me. You still have to answer my original questions, and didn’t acknowledge my follow-up statements by refuting statements I never made in the first place. (And accusing -others- of personal attacks…?) And I would like to ask again, we’ve never met, right? You sure pretend like you know me.

Also, what does “Anyways if you did indeed write a explanation with your point of view on why Taiwan isn’t first world and why Taipei should be considered separate from the rest of Taiwan wouldn’t a simple cut and paste suffice” mean? I don’t quite understand. Perhaps there was a thread on this that I missed…?

Although I do have to give my apologies in that I actually don’t think you ever flatout called anyone a ‘whitey.’ I don’t believe you have, although you’ve said a fair amount of racist things on par with even MLD sometimes. I don’t wish to ‘paste’ all of these comments, as I believe someone already has, and it’s not going to help this discussion anyways.
My only humble suggestion would be to stop brushing all white people together, as in ‘white western eyes’ and other similar comments. I assume you don’t mean to do this on purpose and are not so racist, but you might want to pay more attention to these. It’s small details like those that make you -sound- racist, and turn many people off to any decent points you have to make. (I’m being very sincere in this, by the way)

I’m tired of everyone calling everyone a racist (not that I’ve done it officially once, I’m tired too); it doesn’t advance discussion.

Anyways, I’d have to agree with Mwalimu and Bri’s direction in this thread – before you have a serious discussion on this kind of issue, the definition of ‘first world’ needs to be nailed down as a frame of reference; it’s just too vague. Does it include hardware (infrastructure, economy…)? Or also software (respect, values…)? For both of these you would also have to arrange a set of standards that everyone could agree with. Have fun guys!

48
quote:
Originally posted by Mwalimu: Okay. I can see this exchange has become an excercise in futility. Like I said, this is just a silly argument about semantics. I don't really want to pursue it, as it comes down to differing very subjective perspectives.

Simply ridiculing my comments and brushing them off in a non sequitur fashion doesn’t help you prove anything at all. Like I said…your “subjective perspective” is probably based on your own prejudice. The sooner you own up to it the sooner you can be honest with yourself and others on this forum.

       <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Geneva">quote:</font><hr>

We have been talking about Taiwan, not Asia as a whole. Where does this pan-Asian thing come from? Frankly, I think you thave a wee bit of a tendency to make gross generalizations.

Why not? The western world views itself as wholely unified as one “first world” entity. Why shouldn’t pan-asian comparisons against the western world exist?

The Grand Chessboard by Zbigniew K. Brzezinski

  • “…To put it in a terminology that harkens back to the more brutal age of ancient empires, the three grand imperatives of imperial geostrategy are to prevent collusion and maintain security dependence among the vassals, to keep tributaries pliant and protected, and to keep the barbarians from coming together.” (p.40)

This is an example of western thought…divide and conquer politics in Asia.

       <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Geneva">quote:</font><hr>

Again, this seems to be a bit of a broad generalization. Actually, many people regard the social welfare system in Scandinavia as a very positive thing. It works so well, not because whordes of people expolit the system, but rather because it provides for excellent social services for all members of society. Generally speaking people are satisfied paying high tax rates in exchange for the quality services and benfits they recieve.

Many people also consider Taiwan a first world country as well. However, when I imply that scandanavia might not hold entirely free market ideals that western countries tout you come up with a jingoistic defense. Strange isn’t it?

http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml? itemNo=159474&contrassID=2&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y

“Study discovers Swedes are less well-off than the poorest Americans”

You could say I have a little bit of knowledge about economics…here are some issues that aren’t so rosy red with a “first world” chocolate frosted layer:

Problems with a social welfare system

  1. Rapidly aging workforce
  2. Stagnant scandanavian birthrate
  3. Immigration factors
  4. Undue burden on business/corporate mobility & venture capitalism
  5. Vastly lower personal income
  6. Extreme co-dependency on government tax/income regulations.

Even the swedes acknowledge they are well below U.S. standards of living. Yet you refer to them as “first world” but not Taiwan. Why?

       <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Geneva">quote:</font><hr>

I don’t think your analogy is very well chosen. I probably chose the wrong word when I said, “tour”. Sorry. My perspective is based on 12 years of living in Taiwan, with extensive travelling, and some work experience beyond Taipei City limits. While I’m not an “expert”, I don’t think my impression is particularly superfical either. Again, ABCguy - I have to wonder if you are willing to credit at all the fact that some of the posters who post here, have a lot more practical experience in Taiwan than you do. Your folks evidently are from Taiwan, but my impression is that you have only been to the ROC as a visitor.

So you have travelled and lived a longer length of time in Taiwan. Big deal? Does this make you a world economist or someone able to benchmark first world nations? Not really…you accuse me of making gross generalizations but yet you view western nations as nigh untouchable when it comes to their first world status. Whereas, you are unable to come up with a single solitary expansive reason as to why Taiwan wouldn’t be considered first world. You are purposely vague because you have no leg to stand on in this debate and you know it.

  <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Geneva">quote:</font><hr>

What can I say? This is simply laughable, you discredit your argument with ranting stuff like this. “Capitulate”?! “Most white westerners”?! “Refuse to give an ounce of respect to Asia.”?!

Nice try at changing the subject…

You still haven’t stated what Taiwan is in your opinion if it’s not first world.

49
quote:
Originally posted by LittleIron: Thanks ABC for proving my points for me. You still have to answer my original questions, and didn't acknowledge my follow-up statements by refuting statements I never made in the first place. (And accusing -others- of personal attacks...?) And I would like to ask again, we've never met, right? You sure pretend like you know me.

What original questions? Oh you mean the barrage of 4-5 irrelevant questions that had nothing to do with the argument at hand in an attempt to smokescreen the issue.

quote:
Also, what does "Anyways if you did indeed write a explanation with your point of view on why Taiwan isn't first world and why Taipei should be considered separate from the rest of Taiwan wouldn't a simple cut and paste suffice" mean? I don't quite understand. Perhaps there was a thread on this that I missed..?

This was my mistake…I misread that you had already posted something about this elsewhere.
Then I just realized you were avoiding the issue altogether.

quote:
Although I do have to give my apologies in that I actually don't think you ever flatout called anyone a 'whitey.' I don't believe you have, although you've said a fair amount of racist things on par with even MLD sometimes. I don't wish to 'paste' all of these comments, as I believe someone already has, and it's not going to help this discussion anyways.

I’ve pointed out racist actions and the hypocritical stance of many posters of the caucasian persuasion in this forum but i’ve never made blatantly racist comments myself. There’s a difference.

quote:
My only humble suggestion would be to stop brushing all white people together, as in 'white western eyes' and other similar comments. I assume you don't mean to do this on purpose and are not so racist, but you might want to pay more attention to these. It's small details like those that make you -sound- racist, and turn many people off to any decent points you have to make. (I'm being very sincere in this, by the way)

Well why not? After reading these forums for awhile everyone seems to lump asians altogether into one faceless, mindless, and stereotypical caricature.

quote:
Anyways, I'd have to agree with Mwalimu and Bri's direction in this thread -- before you have a serious discussion on this kind of issue, the definition of 'first world' needs to be nailed down as a frame of reference; it's just too vague. Does it include hardware (infrastructure, economy..)? Or also software (respect, values...)? For both of these you would also have to arrange a set of standards that everyone could agree with. Have fun guys!

I agree,it does need to be defined…as of yet i’ve not heard any solid definition produced by anyone on this forum. Noone seems to know what first world is yet individuals like Mwalimu and yourself are so willing to include all western nations in it but exclude asian countries. Very interesting to say the least…

50

Posted by ABC gut 24: “Also…going by looks on what constitutes “first world” by taking a tour around the country and nitpicking problems is largely B.S. It’s like driving around South Central LA and making up your mind that the U.S. is not first world afterall.”

Posted by Mwalimu: “I don’t think your analogy is very well chosen. I probably chose the wrong word when I said, “tour”. Sorry. My perspective is based on 12 years of living in Taiwan, with extensive travelling, and some work experience beyond Taipei City limits. While I’m not an “expert”, I don’t think my impression is particularly superfical either. Again, ABCguy - I have to wonder if you are willing to credit at all the fact that some of the posters who post here, have a lot more practical experience in Taiwan than you do. Your folks evidently are from Taiwan, but my impression is that you have only been to the ROC as a visitor.”

This whole discussion of what is “first world” is fairly silly, but I have to go with ABCguy on this point. It’s a good analogy, and he could have chosen instead rural or urban areas of many US states. We won’t even get started on Native American reservations.

Then again, I’m not sure why ABCguy singles out white westerners as not being likely to view Asian countries as first world. I’ve met very few westerners who would not view Singapore as a first-world country. Moreover, in my experience, Taiwanese people tend to be more critical of their country (at least in terms of development) than most I (white, yes, westerner, yes) am.

51

I’m avoiding the subject? You mean my original subject of your the comment that you made that sounds very racist? The one I still haven’t gotten an answer too? Or the sudden subject that you brought up that ‘sooner or later I’ll ‘give in’ and admit Taiwan society is a first world country’? Where I apparently ‘lump all Western countries as first world but not Taiwan.’ Funny… did I ever say that? Perhaps you confused my post with someone elses. Please let me know if I did, because that would clearly be a mistake on my part, as I -don’t- think that way. At what point did you decide I am a racist bastard? When I said Taiwan isn’t perfect?

I simply disagree with the way you put things in other’s mouths, or at least assume if they say one thing, that it means they think think another way as well. Perhaps you missed the fact that I stated that I believe in terms of economics and general standard of living, Taiwan is a first world country in my first post… I’m sorry if you can’t accept the fact that I also said I believe Taiwan society still has some issues to work out (and, no, me beleiving that Taiwan has issues doesn’t mean I don’t think the US has major issues as well…).

Furthermore, that wasn’t even the point of my original post, which was concerned with your comment:
“…they (white westerners) are still unwilling to capitulate. It’s curious how white westerners always try to
downplay asia’s advancement…very curious indeed.”
(That would explain that speech I gave two years ago praising Taiwan’s advancements and social and economic achievements…)

But there is no point in finally talking about this anyways, as what you’ve said in your last couple of posts seems to have responded well enough.
Basically you’re saying (and please correct me if I’m wrong):

*Everybody else says racist things (on this forum), so it’s ok if we do too.

*All white westerners lump all asians together in a demeaning stereotype, and look down on them and their culture.

*Therefore Asians should do the same.

*The entire ‘white Western world’ actively tries to keep Asia from developing (through tactics such as divide and conquer politics).

Please tell me you don’t think these things, because it looks pretty clear that you do. Hopefully I’m mistaken.

52

Sheesh… you forget to log onto the forum for a day and the thread goes to first world hell in a handbasket!

How did a post about First Impressions of Taiwan degrade into a virtual school yard fight about whether Taiwan is first world or not? A better question is, why did it?

One of the things I’ve learned from personal experience is that whatever you type is bound to be misinterpreted by someone. Someone will “hear” a tone of voice you didn’t intend. Someone will misread what you wrote. Someone will feel they understand you from a few words. Then words start to fly and all virtual hell breaks loose.

Can we please get back to the original intention of this post. As someone who just arrived here, I’d like others first impressions of Taiwan. Those impressions, not these rants (by anyone - asian, white, christian, non-christian, first world, second world, third world, etc…), will be helpful to me.

I don’t give a flying fig whether Taiwan is considered first world or not by anyone. So far, I like the country as it is… no definitions needed.

OK… who will be the first to misinterpret what I said? I know I opened myself up for criticism and a rant? I’m ready!!!

Jonathan

53
quote:
Originally posted by Jeff: We won't even get started on Native American reservations.

Have you ever visited an aborigine village in the mountains here in Taiwan? Believe me, there is NO comparison. Also, when was the last time you heard of American Indians being held as slave by those terrible white people in America.? Check up some on sex slavery here. Aborigines having to sell their daughters to Chinese brothels has been common here for at least 57 years. (The mother of a good friend of mine here was sold by her father to a Chinese soldier from Hupei for 15 Chinese dollors back in 1949 in Taoyuan).
Back around 1986-87 an aborigine was held in chains for several years to work as a slave in a Taipei bakery. He finally killed his “master” and managed to escape. He was caught, tried and executed. There were appeals from Amnesty International to that wonderful democrat ROC President Chiang Ching-Kuo but…he shouldn’t of killed a Han.

Oh excuse me…I said something critical of Chinese. I must be a racist!

54

First World Third World has NOTHING to do with the technolgy…it’s the way people THINK!

Example: If you take a headhunter out of Borneo and dress him up like a German businessman, give him a Nokia handphone and a bottle of Becks, do you REALLY expect he’s going to be manufacturing BMW’s anytime soon? And, if he has an argument with his neighbors…what are the odds their heads might end up gracing the wall of his livingroom?

Americans always think that if someone dresses like us and can speak English, well gee, they must think like us and so we can do a deal. Everything is based on Economics. WRONG. WRONG. WRONG.

55

LJ has a point; perhaps a separate thread should be started on the whole ‘first world’ issue. Although topics like this this tend to degenerate, because sometimes people have negative opinions on certain issues, and then there are criticisms of those and then…

56
quote:
Originally posted by ABCguy24: Yep, just like I figured..Taiwan as well as any other asian country will never be considered "first world" in most white western eyes.

I’ve lived and worked in Singapore. Have you? Do you consider Singapore part of Asia? Can you tell us some of the differences between Singapore and Taiwan? Why are they different?

Guess what? Most Singaporeans consider Taiwan to be a 3rd world hell hole. Are they racists?

57

LJ,

For better or worse, you will find that digressions are quite the norm on Oriented threads. They usually run their course, and or, people start putting up posts that are back on track, and the genral flow of replies follows.

I guess you’ll just have to be patient, and understand that the content that goes up is spontaneous, ever changing, and not for your individual benefit.

58
quote:
Originally posted by Mai Longdong: [QB]

Have you ever visited an aborigine village in the mountains here in Taiwan? Believe me, there is NO comparison. Also, when was the last time you heard of American Indians being held as slave by those terrible white people in America.? QB]

There are hardly any Native Americans left at all today…because get this… drum roll MOST OF THEM DIED UNDER THE ORIGINAL COLONIAL EXPANSIONIST REGIME DURING THE FOUNDING OF THE UNITED STATES. You can’t enslave what is already practically extinct from genocide.

Just like Chris Rock said…native americans got screwed the most out of any minority in the U.S. When was the last time you saw a full native american family eating at the red lobster?

Your comparisons between the treatment of Taiwan’s aborigines versus the treatment of native americans is a joke. The U.S. exercised what is widely regarded as colonial genocide against a native people. I won’t even get into what other western countries have done to natives such as Australia’s aborigines.

Btw…the native american population in the U.S. numbered 7 million at one point during the colonial era. I suppose all those native americans just upped and disappeared right?

I’m sorely tempted to ignore any further points you introduce “mai long dong” simply because you’re an acknowledged racist on this board. You are barely even able to cogently argue the U.S.'s own historical past much less pass judgement on any other country.

59
quote:
Originally posted by ABCguy24: Just like Chris Rock said

Chris Rock?!?!?!?!? WOW! You’re pulling out the experts now, aren’t you?

60
quote:
Originally posted by Mai Longdong: First World Third World has NOTHING to do with the technolgy......it's the way people THINK!

Example: If you take a headhunter out of Borneo and dress him up like a German businessman, give him a Nokia handphone and a bottle of Becks, do you REALLY expect he’s going to be manufacturing BMW’s anytime soon? And, if he has an argument with his neighbors…what are the odds their heads might end up gracing the wall of his livingroom?

Americans always think that if someone dresses like us and can speak English, well gee, they must think like us and so we can do a deal. Everything is based on Economics. WRONG. WRONG. WRONG.

You’re a moron plain and simple…comparing Taiwanese and Chinese to people from Borneo or as inferior in mindset shows your true agenda. The only thing i’m happy about concerning your existance is that you aren’t further polluting the U.S. with your insipid thoughts.