Is the most beautiful scenery people? Foreigners say so... Living in Taiwan means giving up "3 things"

▲A schematic map of Taiwan. (Photo / Darby / Schematic diagram)

Life Center / Comprehensive Report

ForbesColumnist Ralph Jennings recently published an article stating that although Taiwan has made progress in human rights, same-sex marriage, and the rights of indigenous peoples and workers, based on his 10 years of living experience in Taiwan, he said that living in Taiwan requires giving up three things,namely “a peaceful living and working environment,” “right of way,” and “the effectiveness of complaints.”

Jennings’ article indicates that although Taiwan strives to become Asia’s most exemplary country in terms of human rights and has indeed gradually improved the rights of various groups, he also pointed out“Human rights are a relative concept”. According to what he observed in Taiwan, there are still many “phenomena” suggesting that if you want to live in Taiwan, you have to give up these three rights:

1. A peaceful living and working environment
Taiwan’s noise pollution problem is quite severe. The sounds of karaoke, construction noise, and fireworks fill every corner of daily life and workplaces, but even though they are disturbing, the situation cannot be improved.

▲Schematic of construction. (Photo / Reporter Huang Kexiang)

2. Right of way
The article points out that although Taiwan’s laws protect pedestrians' right of way, fast-moving vehicles often infringe upon pedestrians' rights. Illegal parking by cars and motorcycles, motorcyclists riding on sidewalks—various behaviors that violate traffic regulations are often ignored by the police, allowing unlawful acts that endanger pedestrian safety to continue unchecked.

▲Schematic of illegal parking. (Photo / Taichung City Government)

3. The effectiveness of complaints
Governments and police at all levels in Taiwan have set up complaint and service hotlines. When you call, they will answer, but the “effectiveness of complaints” is very low. For example, when reporting noise or traffic violations, the police often say that by the time they arrive, the violation is no longer happening and they can’t issue a fine; sometimes when you call to complain, the person who answers the phone may chat with you enthusiastically and then advise you to drop the complaint... Jennings said“I’ve never heard of any case that was followed up consistently”.

Jennings’ article highlights the “drawbacks” of living in Taiwan from a foreigner’s perspective, butthis doesn’t mean we really have to “give up” these “human rights” of living on this beautiful island. Instead, it gives us an opportunity for reflection.As long as we make some small changes in our own lives, we can make the living environment better.