Peter Boghossian loves Taiwan!

Clean, safe, and seafood.

Where’s the travel?

He’s traveling in Taiwan and talking about his travels.

No he’s not. This does not look like a travel vlog. It looks like a political interview.

Taiwan, China, and the Fight for Democracy :x:

00:00 Intro :x:
2:18 Sona’s background :x:
4:05 How China controls the internet :x:
8:34 Living in Taiwan :x:
14:15 Potential Chinese blockade of Taiwan :x:
22:20 Visas to stay in Taiwan :white_check_mark:
24:00 Being Black in Taiwan / cultural differences :x:
28:33 What Americans should know about Taiwan :x:
35:13 Future of Taiwan :x:
40:12 Taiwanese cultural behaviors :x:
49:08 America’s current state :x:
1:00:50 Returning to America? :x:
1:06:40 Where to find Sona :x:

Maybe ONE thing a traveller might find useful. Even more importantly, is the interview even intended for travellers?

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If you watched the video, it’s clear he talked about night markets and other tourist spots.

Who is the intended audience of this video?

I assume his fans.

Do any of these look like travel videos to you?

Are his fans coming to these videos because decolonisation is the name of a tourist trap in Niagara Falls?

Are you seriously trying to tell me that a political interview containing a person that once lived in Taiwan and had some token things to say about it there in the context of Taiwan’s political situation, of which, was the content of the VAST MAJORITY of the video is somehow intended for an audience primarily made up of TRAVELLERS?

I’m part of the Italian diaspora. Like you, I grew up in North America as a third culture kid and barely lived in the old country. But these kinds of posts are cringe. It’s not necessary to squeal with glee every time someone briefly mentions Taiwan, Italy, Canada in a positive light. It’s Taiwan, it’s Italy, it’s Canada, best countries in the world. I know this so I don’t have to constantly remind people. You know who has to constantly remind people about shit that ain’t true anyways? CHINA!

Who the fuk is he? Never heard of him. Carry on.

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I learned about him as soon as sokal squared was revealed some years ago, that was good stuff

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I moved it to the Open Forum. So, the travel or not debate is over for me. :grin:

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I have no idea who this is or why I should care about his opinion on Taiwan anymore than anyone else’s opinion.

I hadn’t heard of him either. Here is what AI found out for me

Peter Boghossian is an American philosopher and former assistant professor at Portland State University who has gained prominence for his work in philosophy, critical thinking, and cultural commentary. Born in Boston in 1966, he taught at Portland State for ten years before resigning in 2021 due to what he viewed as a culture of illiberalism1

His current relevance to Taiwan residents stems from his recent active engagement with Taiwan’s sociopolitical issues:

  1. He has conducted significant discussions about Taiwan’s defense strategies against China, including interviews with military defense experts and political figures5, 6
  2. He is actively involved in discussions about Taiwan’s cultural identity, particularly regarding the preservation of Taiwanese language and culture against Mandarin dominance. His recent work has highlighted concerns about linguistic colonization and its impact on Taiwanese identity2
  3. His activism and commentary on China-Taiwan relations have resulted in him being barred from entering China and Hong Kong3, 6

Boghossian’s academic background includes degrees from Marquette University, Fordham University, and Portland State University1. He is known for his books “A Manual for Creating Atheists” and “How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide,” as well as his involvement in the controversial grievance studies affair1

Through his podcast and writings, he regularly addresses issues crucial to Taiwan’s future, including military defense, cultural preservation, and the complex relationship with China. His work particularly resonates with Taiwanese audiences concerned about maintaining their distinct cultural identity and national security2, 5

… and about why a foreign resident in Taiwan might be interested in his views:

There is no compelling reason why foreign residents of Taiwan should give Boghossian’s opinions on Taiwan any special weight or consideration above other commentators. While he has engaged with Taiwan-related topics, he does not possess unique expertise, language skills, or deep historical understanding of Taiwan that would make his perspective particularly valuable compared to:

  • Actual Taiwan scholars and experts who have spent decades studying the region
  • Local academics and policy experts who understand the nuances of Taiwan’s society
  • Long-term foreign residents who have direct experience living in and understanding Taiwan’s culture and society
  • Journalists and researchers who specialize in cross-strait relations

His commentary appears to be part of a broader pattern of Western public intellectuals opining on Taiwan issues without necessarily having deep regional expertise or linguistic/cultural competency. For foreign residents of Taiwan seeking to better understand their adopted home, there are many more authoritative and knowledgeable sources available, particularly those who can engage with primary sources in Chinese and Taiwanese languages and who have substantial on-the-ground experience in Taiwan.

I want to have his baby.

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In Taipei people tend to carry their trash with them?
That would be cool if true.

What I’ve found is that in parks and public areas without a wastebasket people leave their garbage because they probably know it will be cleaned up. I don’t blame them but it must teach bad habits.

Just the other day someone put their instant noodle garbage under my partners bicycle when there was a familymart across the street. At least it wasn’t thrown into the bike basket.

I do see more folks using stainless lunch box.

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NFI who this guy is, but his name is catchy, I’ll give him that.

I keep thinking of this guy:

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In real life, the actor that played Boss Hogg was US intelligence and a Columbia/Yale boy. Booke was fluent in English, French, Japanese, Spanish, Russian, and Italian. He said that he also “fussed" with a half-dozen other languages such as Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Dutch, Persian, Polish, and Swedish.
Sorrell Booke - Wikipedia

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Btw, the interviewee has dual nationality

Clean where? USA or Taipei?

They mentioned lack of trash bins and street trash in Taipei, a now Japanese brought sewers. Or is your comments refer to USA as a sewer.

Japan also question Taiwan not being clean or not.