So I have just recently passed 1 year of living in Taiwan. In that year, I've learned a lot about not only myself, but about Taiwan and Asia. Being here has allowed me to talk to all sorts of Taiwanese at all different paths and stages of their lives. In general Taiwanese people are very friendly and positive. Unfortunately, I've also come across quite a few Taiwanese who have 1 of 2 unproductive mindsets. However, with a few mindset changes (see the end of this post), I think that it is possible to eliminate or at the very least limit the influence of them.
2 Types of Unproductive Mindsets
1. Toxic Mindsets: Mindsets which not only negatively affect themselves, but everyone around them. In most cases, nothing can be done to change them unless the person themselves is willing to change, no matter how hard other people try to help them.
2. Unaware Mindsets: Mindsets which aren't negative, but strongly hinder future growth. Oftentimes, the person themselves just need a mentor, some guidance, a new environment/experiences or even just a bit of self-reflection.
Since my parents are Taiwanese who moved to Canada for university, I grew up with some of the best parts of Asian culture: stable and loving family, investment in education, and consideration for others; the three Asian Cultural Concepts I mention below were not a significant part of my upbringing. However, growing up or being in an environment which follows these three Asian Cultural Concepts too closely can yield to these unproductive mindsets. It's why I don't solely fault the person, but the environment as well. If I grew up in such an environment, I'm sure I would also exhibit some of these unproductive (toxic and/or unaware) mindsets.
Asian Cultural Concepts
1. Obeying Authority (Parents/Elders/Teachers/Bosses)
In Asian culture, there is this idea that authority figures are always right and that you should listen and obey their instructions (for family: 孝順). In the workplace, disagreeing with your boss, or even giving another option can be seen as a sign of disrespect and is frowned upon. There are often many times that the individual "goes along" with their boss while completely disagreeing with the boss' decision, but not saying anything (except after work, complaining to friends).
2. One Right Answer/Path
This is essentially a manifestation of Asian philosophy of group over individual (群體). In Asian culture there is this idea of group harmony so everyone should think alike. Having a different opinion or doing something different from the group makes that individual an outsider and "wrong". Therefore diverse opinion is seen as a negative, causing everyone to think alike. This is most evident in the education system, where everything is multiple choice (as opposed to open-ended questions) and if you ask any parent what they want for their child, they will say that they should be one of a doctor/engineer/lawyer etc...
3. Face/Group Think (Showing your "Best" Self)
The last thing related to the emphasis on group is the concept of "Face" (面子) which is basically how the group sees this individual. There is a belief that everyone should hold the same opinion (group think) and diverse opinions, because of the "One Right Answer/Path", are seen as "bad". Additionally people tend to only show their "best selves" (group identity) which can drastically differ from their actual selves (completely different opinions, emotions, etc...). An example is living lavishly when you actually don't have that much money or girls who are 30 and aren't married yet cause the family to "lose face", even if the girls are very happy themselves.
The Results: Two Types of Unproductive Mindsets
Toxic Mindsets
1. Seeing Things as "Good/Bad"; Not Considering Tradeoffs/Whole Picture
Some people in Taiwan can have very simplistic thought processes or decision making. The idea of the "One Answer/Path" makes people see a decision or something as "good/bad", "right/wrong". They don't really understand under what circumstances make a decision "right/good" and when they try to apply it to a situation which has different circumstances, they make a "wrong/bad" decision. For example, some people will value money/prestige vs. day-to-day work differently. Based on perspective, the day-to-day work person could see the money/prestige person as greedy or unfulfilled while the money/prestige person could see the day-to-day work person as not providing for their (future) family. In actuality, their job choice can both be "right" for themselves, based on their own standards.
Another example is not understanding tradeoffs. In Taiwan, there are several engineering companies where you can make a lot of money (relatively speaking) and so a lot of people want to work there. However, those companies are also notorious for long working hours, poor management and a traditional "Obey Boss" work environment. The workers will complain about the poor working environment (not acknowledging the high salary); outside people will be jealous of the high salary (not acknowledging the poor working environment). Neither fully understand or appreciates the whole picture. As the saying goes: "You can't have your cake and eat it too."
2. Comparing to Other People
In Asian society, no matter how different two people are, if they are the same gender and around the same age, they will undoubtedly be compared and judged to each other. Because "Face/Group Think" is so important, people (especially parents) tend to use the same standard ("One Right Answer/Path") to judge their own and other people's kids in a very superficial way, focusing on things like career, money and boy/girlfriend while neglecting things like individual personality, interests and happiness (which are much harder to compare). As Einstein said: "If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid."
If you listen to a conversation between family members during holidays, "Your daughter is 29 and doesn't have a boyfriend, that is such a shame, she is actually quite good-looking." Or sometimes with younger people, mostly girls: "X's grades are so much better than mine (Y)", not realizing X puts in many more hours in school where Y puts her time into things outside school. None of these comparisons actually make a difference or have a tangible effect on their life. The only effect is that you are "right/wrong" or "better/worse", but that doesn't change any meaningful circumstances.
3. Lack of Personal Responsibility/Negative Talk/Complaining
From a local Taiwanese: "No matter how insignificant a problem is, (some) Taiwanese love to complain!" This actually stems from doing something you don't fully agree on. It is a combination of all 3: "Obeying Authority" when you do something someone tells you, even if you don't agree; "One Right Answer/Path" when you just follow the "right" path or reply with the "correct" answer; "Face/Group Think" where you do things for the group (as opposed to what you personally would do). Because to these people, they do not make their own decision, they blame others and do not take personal responsibility for their actions.
1. Seeing Things as "Good/Bad"; Not Considering Tradeoffs/Whole Picture
Some people in Taiwan can have very simplistic thought processes or decision making. The idea of the "One Answer/Path" makes people see a decision or something as "good/bad", "right/wrong". They don't really understand under what circumstances make a decision "right/good" and when they try to apply it to a situation which has different circumstances, they make a "wrong/bad" decision. For example, some people will value money/prestige vs. day-to-day work differently. Based on perspective, the day-to-day work person could see the money/prestige person as greedy or unfulfilled while the money/prestige person could see the day-to-day work person as not providing for their (future) family. In actuality, their job choice can both be "right" for themselves, based on their own standards.
Another example is not understanding tradeoffs. In Taiwan, there are several engineering companies where you can make a lot of money (relatively speaking) and so a lot of people want to work there. However, those companies are also notorious for long working hours, poor management and a traditional "Obey Boss" work environment. The workers will complain about the poor working environment (not acknowledging the high salary); outside people will be jealous of the high salary (not acknowledging the poor working environment). Neither fully understand or appreciates the whole picture. As the saying goes: "You can't have your cake and eat it too."
2. Comparing to Other People
In Asian society, no matter how different two people are, if they are the same gender and around the same age, they will undoubtedly be compared and judged to each other. Because "Face/Group Think" is so important, people (especially parents) tend to use the same standard ("One Right Answer/Path") to judge their own and other people's kids in a very superficial way, focusing on things like career, money and boy/girlfriend while neglecting things like individual personality, interests and happiness (which are much harder to compare). As Einstein said: "If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid."
If you listen to a conversation between family members during holidays, "Your daughter is 29 and doesn't have a boyfriend, that is such a shame, she is actually quite good-looking." Or sometimes with younger people, mostly girls: "X's grades are so much better than mine (Y)", not realizing X puts in many more hours in school where Y puts her time into things outside school. None of these comparisons actually make a difference or have a tangible effect on their life. The only effect is that you are "right/wrong" or "better/worse", but that doesn't change any meaningful circumstances.
3. Lack of Personal Responsibility/Negative Talk/Complaining
From a local Taiwanese: "No matter how insignificant a problem is, (some) Taiwanese love to complain!" This actually stems from doing something you don't fully agree on. It is a combination of all 3: "Obeying Authority" when you do something someone tells you, even if you don't agree; "One Right Answer/Path" when you just follow the "right" path or reply with the "correct" answer; "Face/Group Think" where you do things for the group (as opposed to what you personally would do). Because to these people, they do not make their own decision, they blame others and do not take personal responsibility for their actions.
Talking with certain Taiwanese, they will often complain loudly and frequently about their jobs or blame others. They do not take a proactive role or see that they are in fault in any way or are unwilling to change (like quitting a terrible job). They will often say things like "If only I was/had..." or "It's not my fault, I can't do anything" which makes it very frustrating to talk with them and conversations just seem to go in circles. Again, complaining will not have a meaningful effect (apart from emotional); something that will have an effect is to take responsibility and do something about it.
Unaware Mindsets
1. Lack of Personal Identity/Self-Awareness
Many Taiwanese seem to lack or hide their own personal identity/personality. Stemming from "One Right Answer/Path", people, especially those in the same social groups, seem to be almost identical as they all try to be the same type of "ideal" person or have the same opinions as everyone else. As well, to give "Face/Group Think", you only show the "best side" of you which removes a lot of personal identity and personality from showing through. As a result, these people often struggle between their two identities (group and personal) and can have trouble adjusting to new environments where the group (and therefore what they think is their identity) changes.
A very common example is when you talk to someone about their job/school in a group setting and then you talk one-on-one. Their responses and opinions are often are completely different. When I ask them why don't have the same opinions when asked, they tend to reply they have to "respect the group." This can lead to them working or studying and be seemingly satisfied on the surface, but deep down they can actually be very unhappy and don't know who they are or what they want. It will often take a large (external) event for them to realize/change.
Many Taiwanese seem to lack or hide their own personal identity/personality. Stemming from "One Right Answer/Path", people, especially those in the same social groups, seem to be almost identical as they all try to be the same type of "ideal" person or have the same opinions as everyone else. As well, to give "Face/Group Think", you only show the "best side" of you which removes a lot of personal identity and personality from showing through. As a result, these people often struggle between their two identities (group and personal) and can have trouble adjusting to new environments where the group (and therefore what they think is their identity) changes.
A very common example is when you talk to someone about their job/school in a group setting and then you talk one-on-one. Their responses and opinions are often are completely different. When I ask them why don't have the same opinions when asked, they tend to reply they have to "respect the group." This can lead to them working or studying and be seemingly satisfied on the surface, but deep down they can actually be very unhappy and don't know who they are or what they want. It will often take a large (external) event for them to realize/change.
2. Lack of Different Opinions; Lack of Problem-Solving/Critical Thinking
The education system in Taiwan (before university) is strongly based around multiple choice tests. In an effort to pass these tests, students will unknowingly fall into the (only) "One Right Answer/Path" mentality; studying becomes about memorizing and accepting "right" answers at face value without critically thinking about them. Outside school, people might not actually consider under what constraints/requirements this is the "right" answer or whether someone's advice does actually apply to themselves. Because of "Face/Group Think", some Taiwanese can not think of a different opinion/answer to the "right" one. This can lead them to all follow the same path which might is very often not suited for them for what may be months, years or even decades.
A lot of people I talk to, especially those that go to the "top" schools which have the "top" students exhibit this the worst. The "best students" always give the "right answer" but have a hard time grasping a different perspective/opinion. If they are looking for help and describe a stressful situation at school/work, I simply follow up with: "Why?", "What do you think caused it to happen? which they often have a hard time to answer clearly. In other situations, I ask "Why can't you do X?" and they are often surprised because although X may solve their problem, it is not way other people would take. An example would be they have a hard project to do, I will ask "Why don't you ask your boss for clarification?" which they reply with it will make them seem not "good". I often calmly ask "What do you want? Not understanding and doing a bad job, or asking for clarification and doing a good job?" which (hopefully) leads them to do the latter and take a more proactive role.
The education system in Taiwan (before university) is strongly based around multiple choice tests. In an effort to pass these tests, students will unknowingly fall into the (only) "One Right Answer/Path" mentality; studying becomes about memorizing and accepting "right" answers at face value without critically thinking about them. Outside school, people might not actually consider under what constraints/requirements this is the "right" answer or whether someone's advice does actually apply to themselves. Because of "Face/Group Think", some Taiwanese can not think of a different opinion/answer to the "right" one. This can lead them to all follow the same path which might is very often not suited for them for what may be months, years or even decades.
A lot of people I talk to, especially those that go to the "top" schools which have the "top" students exhibit this the worst. The "best students" always give the "right answer" but have a hard time grasping a different perspective/opinion. If they are looking for help and describe a stressful situation at school/work, I simply follow up with: "Why?", "What do you think caused it to happen? which they often have a hard time to answer clearly. In other situations, I ask "Why can't you do X?" and they are often surprised because although X may solve their problem, it is not way other people would take. An example would be they have a hard project to do, I will ask "Why don't you ask your boss for clarification?" which they reply with it will make them seem not "good". I often calmly ask "What do you want? Not understanding and doing a bad job, or asking for clarification and doing a good job?" which (hopefully) leads them to do the latter and take a more proactive role.
3. Inability/Unwillingness to Proactively Change their Situation
Many Taiwanese seem to be stuck in a same, unpleasant, ongoing situation which they can be in for months or even years. As part of "Obeying Authority", their family and education has taught to respond and react to other people's wishes. This causes them to be more passive/reactive, waiting/hoping for something to change instead of proactively making a change themselves. Even if they are proactive and want to change, they might still end up not doing it, because it is risky and would cause them, their family or their company to lose face or seen is "wrong" because of "Face/Group Think".
A good example is the multitude of students who don't seem to be satisfied with their major. Many of them are in their fourth and final year, having seemingly auto-piloted through their education up to this point. Now that they have to think about what they want do next, they seem to want to stay safe (continue studying a masters) hoping that the extra time will (magically) help them realize what it is they want to do without them having to do anything. If it doesn't help them, they might continue to study a PhD or go working still hoping to find an answer. Again, the result is that they can often spend several years or even longer struggling in the same situation or with the same problems.
What Can Be Done to Change These Mindsets
If you are a Taiwanese/individual, the best thing is to self-reflect and think about the three Asian Cultural Concepts in relation to your environment and mindset. Once you understand that they are influencing you, you can change them slightly for success (especially for toxic mindsets):
1. Obey Authority => Make Own Decisions
Although it is important to respect authority, don't just blindly follow their decision. Make your own decisions and take responsibility for your actions. If you can't and to have to follow someone, understand why someone is making the decision and why you are following it.
2. One Right Answer/Path => Each Answer/Path has Tradeoffs; See the Whole Picture
No decision/thing is perfect, there will always be good and bad tradeoffs no matter what it may be.
Try to ask yourself "why" an answer/thing is "right/wrong" or "good/bad". Are there any other "right/wrong" answers? Under what requirements is this answer "right/wrong"? Am I considering all the pros and cons of this (ie: seeing the whole picture)?
3. Face/Group Think => Individuals in a Group; Support Diverse Opinions/Personalities
Understand that while you are part of the group, each individual in that group does not have to be the same, they should have their own personality and goals. Instead of negatively judging the differences, you should celebrate and respect them. Let and support others to be themselves and say/do who they truly are without judgement and be yourself in the same way without caring about what others think.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, I don't think all Taiwanese people have these unproductive mindsets, it is only a few that have left a deep impression on me (toxic mindsets). Frankly, there are a lot of Taiwanese who have so much potential (unaware mindsets); they just need some guidance or mentoring to help with their mindsets/paths. I also think compared to what I've heard/talked with friends about other Asian societies (Japan, Korea, China), Taiwan is actually the most open-minded about changing the value of these three Asian Cultural Concepts. If the culture can shift, I believe that Taiwan will end up with much happier, well-rounded people and society. Taiwan 加油!
