We're always on the losing side

The Wall Street Journal today has the interview with director Ang Lee. His words probably explain why many Taiwanese have the defeatist mentality. Here are some excerpts:

Mr. Lee tells me that growing up in Taiwan influenced his career in other ways as well. He says that in his films, he always takes "the losing side." ("Somebody dies, somebody loses, well, gay cowboys -- they're not going to win," he explains.)

You might be wondering what all this has to do with Taiwan. "I grew up in Taiwan, we always lose," Mr. Lee says. He laughs good-naturedly. "Nobody wins anything, that's just how I grew up. We're always on the losing side. My parents get beat by the communists, they escape to Taiwan. Taiwan's a small island, hardly anybody pays attention. Up until the late '80s I still get this: I come here, 'Where are you from?' I say, 'Taiwan.' People say, 'Oh, I love Thai food!'"

Taiwan, of course, also has more serious dilemmas. "You live in fear that communists will take over . . . China's so big and Taiwan is a small island . . . . We look at America as the big brother, the protector, the good guys. So after the Vietnam War it's very frightening, [America's] . . . in trouble and you feel very insecure. So I think Taiwan needs Americans to be the good guys."

It is no surprise that we Taiwanese are more likely to succeed in gray areas where nationality matters the least. In science and business (arts to a lesser degree), Taiwanese have more share in the world stage than the size of population indicates. It also reminds me of why many of my classmates want to be Chinese or Indian economists while all I can be is a good economist.

(Picture: wsj.com)