I came to realize that many of my behaviors, such as doing makeup every day, are largely influenced by society's expectations for females. As a result, I can't say that I do these things solely for myself, even though I try to act that way. However, these contradictions are definitely the starting point for change.
I believe there is a prevalent issue among many Chinese students: they tend to be too hesitant in expressing their own opinions and fear diverging from the consensus, afraid of potential isolation. While this approach may provide a sense of safety during group discussions, it hinders the development of critical thinking and the clash of diverse perspectives.
An interesting thought JUST crossed my mind: those who prioritize appearance as the most important factor in life are simply taking the easy way out and pursuing a superficial notion of success. When compared to the effort required to obtain a valuable diploma and gain knowledge, achieving physical beauty is undoubtedly simpler and more apparent.
Honestly the reason why I persist in practicing public speaking and intense writing is that I cherish the feeling of "challenging something." This feeling is important as it constantly reminds me that I can always surprise myself and push beyond my limits.
Crystal Boys
Novel by Pai Hsien-yung
My favorite gay literature. With youth, sexuality, and traditional Chinese family dynamics as its starting point, this is a vignette of how the sexual minority groups of the 1970s Taiwan built their community and fought against mainstream society. In today's Taiwan, where the LGBTQ+ rights movement has made significant progress, through the beautiful words of Pai Hsien-yung , we can catch a glimpse of the struggles and pains of the past, and may those young people who once struggled in the wrong era have found their ideal home.
The awakening journey of the lower-class women is ultimately filled with pain, hardship, and twists. This is my favorite book of the beginning of 2024, and I am also excited to see it being adapted into a movie. We must continue to strive, as there is still a long way to go.
The Color Purple
Novel by Alice Walker