For the Unfazed,
You have seen the ads posted by some defunct Foreign Nationals who have a problem with the small population of descendents from countries who’s National holiday doesn’t involve two tens. You have heard the moans about the influx of “other” foreigners arriving in Taiwan and of course you have witnessed the like who complain about such matters which in itself answers the sought after “Why?” question.
When walking the streets most foreigners tend to acknowledge the others presence whether it be a verbal greeting, nod of the head or a simple smile. Then you have the foreigners who outright disregard your cordial greeting after making obvious eye-contact and after said greeting was offered there way.
A variety of reasons could be garnered for this affliction of avoidance and verbal contempt involving the foreign passport holders. Some of these elitist types left there home country on an adventure and whether it be an interest in Taiwan’s culture, an interest in educating the young, an interest in language, an interest in money whatever it was the bottom line was they arrived in Taiwan and those that we speak of didn’t leave. The “I was here first” syndrome got into there heads and now all they feel is an exaggerated resentment towards all others who probably for one reason or another initially came hear for the same reasons. These individuals put themselves up upon a pedestal for their reasons of “I have been here longer than you” when in the beginning it was all about new adventures, new experiences and somewhere along the way it was lost in a sea that flows of black hair and Taiwan beers.
While in your home country, one doesn’t stand out unless your doing something a little over the top with your language, attitude or attire. Here, most foreign passport holders stand out more than an ecstasy user at a Taiwan Policeman’s Ball, while doing nothing remotely “criminal.” With an influx of other Foreigners, the ones who stand out and love this new found attention are finding themselves in a near saturated market and henceforth the negativity.
Now take the male Foreigners, who have found themselves with an attractive looking Chinese girlfriend and whether it be looks and/or attitude realize that if they were back in their homeland, would have to sever an appendage or two for even her autograph. You have seen this guy before. Maybe in the MRT, maybe in a pub, maybe walking down the street, but when you make eye contact with the fellow you see the whites of his eyes. What is it? Fear. In his head he’s thinking “Oh no, another foreigner, come on man, I know I’m a loser, please don’t tell her, she thinks I’m cool.” And after you have passed, the fear is gone and this individual has stepped back into the room of contempt and frustration of others like “him.”
At the end of it all your going to meet people that you don’t get along with, but that is no reason to judge an entire group of foreigners. Every country you set foot in has a number of foreigners. Maybe this group has forgotten that many foreigners are here to make money to continue traveling or possible pay off school debt amid a host of other reasons. There are basically 3 countries in Asia where all this money can be made and Japan and South Korea are no different in there ammount of foreign numbers.
People of the world relax and this country and world will become a lot more friendlier. Get off your high horse and come to grips with others like you. You want a destination where your the only foreigner, try Enderby Land, Antartica. You’ll be the only foreigner alright, you’ll be the only person and that would probably bode well for the rest of us.
), but I saw one guy that I just couldn’t place. He reminded me of an old school player I would have seen back home (aka my dad). That was the first time I missed home 
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