Its a social statement; exposing the cultural bondage to traditions over common sense, logic and 21st-century-order. The obvious ineffectiveness of government, the lackadaisical enforcements of rules and laws, the selfishness of the individual superseding social orders. The beyond-time mentality over the salvages of most modern innovations - all in total contrast to the other. The daily lifes effect by traditional thinking; yet the attempt to link to the 21st century, in absurd attempts. In my conclusion Id say that Taiwan is still clearly a 3rd-world-country, however willing to pirate for all the modern gadgets, yet unable/willing to surrender outdated traditions and customs. And, in most, not willing to socially unite to and as one (society). Individualism is (still) way too prevalent to announce Taiwan a country and a society.

"Taiwan A to Z provides the essential information you need to know before you go to Taiwan. Whether you're planning to be there a week or three years, this book is a must-read for any foreigner to Taiwan who wants to be successful there. Do you know: Why it's a very bad idea to give a clock as a gift? Why so many Taiwanese people have PhDs? How Taiwanese parents choose names for their children? Why a new mother shouldn't take a bath for a month after giving birth? The answers to these and many other intriguing questions can be found in Taiwan A to Z, a product of the author's discovery of her own roots. Written by a Taiwanese who has a deep understanding of both Western and Eastern cultures, this book provides foreigners to Taiwan with true insights into the fascinating intricacies of Taiwanese culture. Taiwan A to Z explains the essential information any expatriate living and working in Taiwan should know."--Cover

Whether you travel for business, pleasure, or a combination of the two, the ever-popular Culture Shock! series belongs in your backpack or briefcase. Get the nuts-and-bolts information you need to survive and thrive wherever you go. Culture Shock! country guides are easy-to-read, accurate, and entertaining crash courses in local customs and etiquette. Culture Shock! practical guides offer the inside information you need whether you're a student, a parent, a globetrotter, or a working traveler. Culture Shock! at your Door guides equip you for daily life in some of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. And Culture Shock! Success Secrets guides offer relevant, practical information with the real-life insights and cultural know-how that can make the difference between business success and failure.Each Culture Shock! title is written by someone who's lived and worked in the country, and each book is packed with practical, accurate, and enjoyable information to help you find your way and feel at home.

* Insights into the people and their culture and traditions * Advice on adapting into the local environment * Essential information on the history, traditions, beliefs, etiquette, cuisine, and leisure activities of the country * Linguistic help and hints on how to learn the language and do business * A useful list of foreign words and phrases and a comprehensive resource guide * Lively and humorous illustrations that capture the essence of the text

This book is about the basis and scope of impact that Taiwan – a democracy with a population of around 23 million – has on China, the most powerful remaining Leninist state which claims sovereignty over Taiwan and has a population of over 1.3 billion. It examines how Taiwan has helped China in its economic transformation, but argues that the former exercises greatest influence through its soft power. The expert and timely contributions in this book demonstrate how Taiwan exerts real influence in China through admiration of its popular culture, be it in music or literature, as well as its reach into politics and economics. As mainland Chinese visit Taiwan, they are most impressed with civility in everyday living based on a modernized version of the traditional Chinese culture. However, discussions in the book also reveal the limits of Taiwan’s impact, as the Chinese government tightly controls the narrative about Taiwan and does not tolerate any Taiwanese posing a threat to its monopoly of power.