Immigrants' Implicit Protest in Taiwan Abstract

• In Event: Poster Group 8
  In Poster Session: Immigrants' Implicit Protest in Taiwan Abstract

Proposal

The number of immigrants and their children in Taiwan has already exceeded one million (Guo, 2022). Whether they come to Taiwan for work or through marriage, they have significantly altered the social landscape of Taiwan. However, many immigrants faced difficulties such as language barriers, cultural differences, childcare, and even unfriendly treatment when they arrived in Taiwan. Especially when they encounter discriminatory remarks or actions, it can lead to a lack of self-confidence, and in the long run, they tend to hide their voices. Our research aims to reveal their hidden voices.
This study organized a nine-month art expression program for Indonesian immigrants in Taiwan. The participants were primarily six new immigrant families, totaling approximately 25 individuals, with Indonesia being their heritage country. They were encouraged to draw, dance, and carve their thoughts, feelings, and memories about Indonesian and Taiwanese cultures and their cross-cultural lives. Through art, immigrants can showcase their creativity, communicate and interact with other Indonesian families, increase their understanding of their heritage culture, then cultivate a sense of identity. The art expression and release of emotions would reduce the negative feelings of immigrants in Taiwan.
Stakeholders' uncomfortable feeling signifies the presence of discrimination. Critical race theory (CRT) suggests that studying racial discrimination should focus on the experiences of the individuals involved (Yosso, 2005). In this study, the researchers designed a multicultural art curriculum for Indonesian immigrants and their children. During the program, some participants expressed that they lacked cross-cultural sensitivity and unintentionally used prejudiced language, making them anxious and frustrated. In the research, we interviewed the participants and their children about the feeling of racism. One mother expressed that when she heard words that made her unhappy, she released her emotions through dances from Indonesia. Another young girl mentioned that doodling on paper helped her find peace when angry or anxious. In the interviews, this girl also said that if someone doesn't mind her dark skin, they can become friends, and she is happy to share her mother's Indonesian culture with friends. Such conversations demonstrate the existence of racism.
Art has become a powerful means for Indonesian immigrants to express their feelings and emotions. Through painting, dancing, music, and other forms of creation, they sincerely express their cultural identity and values. This artistic expression of emotions is an aesthetic enjoyment and a form of implicit protest.

Authors

• Ming-Kuo Hung, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology

• Yu-Ting Liu, National Taichung University of Education