"Why Bringing the World Home is Important to Me"

I was born in Taiwan and came to the United States when I was six years old. The last time I went back was in 1995. At the time I didn’t think much of the United State’s relation to Taiwan and China. Taiwan and China had been estranged since the 1950s. China says that Taiwan belongs to them, and Taiwan wants to be independent. China and Taiwan has always held a policy of one country, two states.

Since I am in college and almost graduating, I notice that Taiwan and China are becoming more and more like separate countries. Taiwan has a democratic government, and China has a communistic government. Even though I am for Taiwan independence probably due mostly to my family’s influence, I am trying to keep a neutral stance and see what the advantages and disadvantages are for Taiwan to be part of China and for Taiwan to be independent. I also try to keep my mind open to why China is so adamant about Taiwan straying from them. Lots of times I just think about how America broke away from Europe and how that is just what Taiwan is trying to do. When I bring the world into my home by reading the news and discussion forums, I remind myself that other people also have differing opinions, not just myself. In this sense, I try to remind myself to stay neutral and see what opinions people have.

Hearing and reading what others have to say can help me modify my way of living so I create a less wasteful environment for others around me.

-K K