Kolorierte Erinnerungskultur

Taiwan und Jahrestage von politischer Bedeutung

Abstract

Thirty years after Taiwan lifted martial law in 1987, Taiwanese society today is now open to a reevaluation of its authoritarian past. Following the beginning of the Tsai presidency in 2016, Taiwan’s quest for a national identity has become more perceivable in its memory culture. The year 2017 marks the 70th anniversary of the February 28 Incident as well as the 80th anniversary of the beginning of the Second Sino–Japanese War. Questions of whether and how to commemorate the 1937 Marco Polo Bridge Incident, as well as the search for historical equivalences, are overshadowed by two large political camps: the green one around the ruling DPP and the blue one of the KMT, as well as their respective allies. Third parties such as the CCP or Japan also offer conflicting narratives, and seek to influence Taiwan’s historiography — which will ultimately shape Taiwan’s future. More than just the prerogative of the interpretation of memory, these issues also lead to a more fundamental question besides: What should be considered Taiwanese history?