This Feels Weird

For every birthday I've ever had, there's always something to look forward to. I think this time it's a bit different because it will be the expected. It's rather nice that my mom is flying back to Japan today to have a family birthday dinner. Just me, my brother and my mom. :) I love her. She is the pillar of our family. I'm not exaggerating, either. Mom really does everything for us. Ok, maybe not chores or housework, but she provides us with ...money. Haha. I'm so materialistic when I think about my mom. I don't know why I give her so much trouble sometimes.

It will be exciting to see Mom after a week. She's been in Japan again for a business trip. It's nice, she won a prize for the best group during the conference. I'm not telling what it is! :P I can't wait to see her.

Oh, I don't know if I should go out with my friends or not. It's a weekday. Next time, I'll plan a party or someone can help me..or someone can plan one for me :) It seems I always plan my own parties. It's fun to plan though. And not so fun when poeple call last minute saying they won't come. Pisses me off. Well that was last year. Maybe if I plan something this year it will turn out better.

Gay RIghts in Taiwan Questions

1. Not wanting to know if a son or daughter is gay or lesbian is probably one of the biggest stigmas we have in our society. I think that as a parent, the expectations and hopes for grandchildren would be a big factor in not wanting to know. Naturally, finding out must be a big shock and blow to parents who were raised in traditional societies and taught values that led to straight relationships in adult life. I think it is less about being correct about the issue than being respectful and supportive of any family member who decides they want to let the world know about their sexual preference(s). Every one has their own personal boundaries and space. Once you cross that boundary and start to humiliate or put others down, then you have also broken your own personal space. I don't think when the article was written is relevant to these kinds of issues. any time some one's rights are violated, then the whole of humanity is violated. It shows the person who insulted or acted out towards someone else does not have any respect for human beings who live on this Earth; it violates basic human understandings without which we wouldn't be able to survive-namely trust and love. So, no I don't think things have changed as much as they should have during the four years since the article was written. Maybe it seems like giant strides have been made, but not if those who really care can let go of their biases and stop fighting. If the government wants to give people rights, then they should have already done so rather than playing favorites with the media and other countries to save face. There's enough red tape for straight people, why make others who can't or don't want to live that kind of life suffer? Can't help ranting sometimes at unjust issues.

2. From what I have researched, Taiwan shelved the law because it would clash with elections and the government didn't want to look too liberal. Well the government didn't want to really do anything, because it was just for show. It should have definitely passed. I don't think it will happen anytime soon with the current president. He has enough economic and foreign issues to deal with that he won't look at the gay community's problems until the world economy gets better. So, maybe the fight will drag on until the next president or even the one after.

3. Homosexuals Better Off In Taiwan Than China Yup, I agree with what they said "politicians typically support gays before elections, then distance themselves after they are in office." It's also quite typical of American politicians, along with other governments across the board. It's hard to get ahead when people don't take one's complaints seriously. I feel terrible when others are marginalized, because I feel that I could also be mistreated or not heard in the future. It's a tough world.

Domestic violence law to include homosexuals I think I laughed during the whole article. It;s sad that homosexuals can be recognized only as "family members" and that legislators actually have to ask if they can be included in the law. What is the point of the law system if one needs to "apply for protection"? Again, I must say if legislators want to do things, they should do them right the first time. If they don't want complaints from the public, then why include clauses that only hinder the process of protecting and aiding citizens? It seems quite brainless. On the other hand, it's good they are aware it's a problem. It was amusing when the article mentioned Brokeback Mountain. Media portrayals of this issue has definitely helped in breaking down cultural barriers and ideas of different types of people. And it also helps when the director is a famous national figure, or who is now an international known figure. Common people are affected and bombarded with news, movies, and oter sorts of media almost every day. If the media of Taiwan reported homosexuals in a positive light, then that's how the public would begin to see them.

IMDB Comments on 'The Times of Harvey Milk'

Message Board Comment

Personal Review of Documentary

Ok, here is the reply to another classmate's (teresa 7533)Message Board comment I did comment on her comment, I remember, form last week. I guess I juse wasn't sure she was in our class.

This week is going to be exhausting!

Today, we're going to Taipei to see this play about the history of my mom's side's ancesotors. We (brother, me, and an uncle) have to catch the HSR at 6 PM, so I have to leave class early. On Wednesday, my mom is coming home from Japan. And finally, Thursday (12/11) is my birthday. We're going to have dinner I think and that will be it. Well, at home I might drink a little to celebrate and maybe sing karaoke. I shold ask my mom if we can get newer songs onto our karaoke machine. I'll update again later. :P