I am not sure if I can agree completely…
[quote=“headhonchoII”]1. In general I can’t go for a beer with them
2. I can’t discuss sport cos they are not really into it
3. I can’t talk about other places I’ve worked with them
4. I can’t discuss what a pack of wankers that nationality is…blah blah (although if i put in japanese it might work, thing is I don’t have any beef with the japanese) since most Taiwanese don’t have knowledge of these things[/quote]
Well, almost all of my American friends don’t do any of the above. Some of them have never even travelled out of their own state! some of them had to take out a loan, AND work two jobs just so they could stay in school; and to some of them I am their ONLY friend who’s not American. So I respectfully disagree with your points above if that’s what you have experienced so far… :?
If one really cares to spend time and the effort, one can certain find things in common; granted maybe not every Taiwanese men, but I’d be hard pressed if those of you who don’t have any Taiwanese friends can’t find even one person who can share some of the most basic interests, thoughts or ideas and through those become friends. It’s just absurd.
[quote=“headhonchoII”]If I learned Chinese better, took up online games or more KTV, mahjong and visiting special KTVs I guess I could have a couple of male Taiwanese friends but I think as long as I live here the likeliehood is low.
As another poster said, I have some pretty cool aquaintances but no real Taiwanese male friends.[/quote]
And to some, as long as the living condition, economy, luck (or whatever) does not change for the most locals, it’s probably unlikely they’d have to luxury to travel, go study abroad and do the things you have experienced. To this, I agree with most posters that this may be a cultural thing.
As I mentioned, this is a two-way thing. You can’t expect the locals to share the experiences that YOU have when you haven’t spent time or effort to experience what they have gone through. It doesnt’ have to be about mahjon, KTV or anything of that sort. What about discussions about travelling in Taiwan? Life in general? Politics (Taiwan-China relations, for example)? Or, heck, philosophy? Not that I am mocking anyone, but do you not think they are incapable of such discussions?
And for those who are not very good with Chinese, perhaps language is a good start. If you want to live like a “foreigner” in Taiwan, you become one. If you want to live like a “local” (so to speak), then immerse yourselves in what the locals do, care about what they care, learn about what they do… etc. One can certainly live in a foreign land, speak of no language and care nothing about the locals. But then, what’s the point of being there unless the entire purpose of it is simply make some quick English-tutoring bucks, enjoy the women and get out?
Sorry if I sound pissy or biased… just my two cents (yet again).