feel out of place中文的八卦，YOUTUBE和Yahoo名人娛樂都在討論

【Joshua Wong speaking to the Italian Senate】#意大利國會研討會演說 —— 呼籲世界在大學保衛戰一週年後與香港人站在同一陣線

中文、意大利文演說全文：https://www.patreon.com/posts/44167118

感謝開創未來基金會（Fondazione Farefuturo）邀請，讓我透過視像方式在意大利國會裡舉辦的研討會發言，呼籲世界繼續關注香港，與香港人站在同一陣線。

意大利作為絕無僅有參與一帶一路發展的國家，理應對中共打壓有更全面的理解，如今正值大學保衛戰一週年，以致大搜捕的時刻，當打壓更為嚴峻，香港更需要世界與我們同行。

為了讓各地朋友也能更了解香港狀況，我已在Patreon發佈當天演說的中文、英文和意大利文發言稿，盼望在如此困難的時勢裡，繼續讓世界知道我們未曾心息的反抗意志。

【The Value of Freedom: Burning Questions for Hong Kongers】

Good morning. I have the privilege today to share some of my thoughts and reflections about freedom, after taking part in social activism for eight years in Hong Kong. A movement calling for the withdrawal of the extradition law starting from last year had escalated into a demand for democracy and freedom. This city used to be prestigious for being the world’s most liberal economy, but now the infamous authoritarian government took away our freedom to election, freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and ideas.

Sometimes, we cannot avoid questioning the cause we are fighting for, the value of freedom. Despite a rather bleak prospect, why do we have to continue in this struggle? Why do we have to cherish freedom? What can we do to safeguard freedom at home and stay alert to attacks on freedom? In answering these questions, I hope to walk through three episodes in the previous year.

Turning to 2020, protests are not seen as frequently as they used to be on the media lens, partly because of the pandemic, but more importantly for the authoritarian rule. While the world is busy fighting the pandemic, our government took advantage of the virus to exert a tighter grip over our freedom. Putting the emergency laws in place, public assemblies in Hong Kong were banned. Most recently, a rally to support press freedom organized by journalists was also forbidden. While many people may ask if it is the end of street activism, ahead of us in the fight for freedom is another battleground: the court and the prison.

Freedom Fighters in Courtrooms and in Jail

Part of the huge cost incurred in the fight for freedom and democracy in Hong Kong is the increasing judicial casualties. As of today, more than 10 thousand people have been arrested since the movement broke out, more than a hundred of them are already locked up in prison. Among the 2,300 protestors who are prosecuted, 700 of them may be sentenced up to ten years for rioting charges.

Putting these figures into context, I wish to tell you what life is like, as a youngster in today’s Hong Kong. I was humbled by a lot of younger protestors and students whose exceptional maturity are demonstrated in courtrooms and in prison. What is thought to be normal university life is completely out of the question because very likely the neighbour next door or the roommate who cooked you lunch today will be thrown to jail on the next.

I do prison visits a few times a month to talk to activists who are facing criminal charges or serving sentences for their involvement in the movement. It is not just a routine of my political work, but it becomes my life as an activist. Since the movement, prison visits has also become the daily lives of many families.

But it is always an unpleasant experience passing through the iron gates one after one to enter the visitors’ room, speaking to someone who is deprived of liberty, for a selflessly noble cause. As an activist serving three brief jail terms, I understand that the banality of the four walls is not the most difficult to endure in jail. What is more unbearable is the control of thought and ideas in every single part of our daily routine enforced by the prison system. It will diminish your ability to think critically and the worst of it will persuade you to give up on what you are fighting for, if you have not prepared it well. Three years ago when I wrote on the first page of prison letters, which later turned into a publication called the ‘Unfree Speech’, I was alarmed at the environment of the prison cell. Those letters were written in a state in which freedom was deprived of and in which censorship was obvious. It brings us to question ourselves: other than physical constraints like prison bars, what makes us continue in the fight for freedom and democracy?

Mutual Support to activists behind-the-scene

The support for this movement is undiminished over these 17 months. There are many beautiful parts in the movement that continue to revitalise the ways we contribute to this city, instead of making money on our own in the so-called global financial centre. In particular, it is the fraternity, the mutual assistance among protestors that I cherished the most.

As more protestors are arrested, people offer help and assistance wholeheartedly -- we sit in court hearings even if we don’t know each other, and do frequent prison visits and write letters to protesters in detention. In major festivals and holidays, people gathered outside the prison to chant slogans so that they won’t feel alone and disconnected. This is the most touching part to me for I also experienced life in jail.

The cohesion, the connection and bonding among protestors are the cornerstone to the movement. At the same time, these virtues gave so much empowerment to the mass public who might not be able to fight bravely in the escalating protests. These scenes are not able to be captured by cameras, but I’m sure it is some of the most important parts of Hong Kong’s movement that I hope the world will remember.

I believe this mutual support transcends nationality or territory because the value of freedom does not alter in different places. More recently, Twelve Hongkong activists, all involved in the movement last year, were kidnapped by China’s coastal guard when fleeing to Taiwan for political refugee in late-August. All of them are now detained secretly in China, with the youngest aged only 16. We suspect they are under torture during detention and we call for help on the international level, putting up #SAVE12 campaign on twitter. In fact, how surprising it is to see people all over the world standing with the dozen detained protestors for the same cause. I’m moved by activists in Italy, who barely knew these Hong Kong activists, even took part in a hunger strike last month calling for immediate release of them. This form of interconnectivity keeps us in spirit and to continue our struggle to freedom and democracy.

Understanding Value of freedom in the university battle
A year ago on this day, Hong Kong was embroiled in burning clashes as the police besieged the Polytechnic University. It was a day we will not forget and this wound is still bleeding in the hearts of many Hong Kongers. A journalist stationed in the university at that time once told me that being at the scene could only remind him of the Tiananmen Square Massacre 31 years ago in Beijing. There was basically no exit except going for the dangerous sewage drains.

That day, thousands of people, old or young, flocked to districts close to the university before dawn, trying to rescue protestors trapped inside the campus. The reinforcements faced grave danger too, for police raided every corner of the small streets and alleys, arresting a lot of them. Among the 800+ arrested on a single day, 213 people were charged with rioting. For sure these people know there will be repercussions. It is the conscience driving them to take to the streets regardless of the danger, the conscience that we should stand up to brutality and authoritarianism, and ultimately to fight for freedoms that are guaranteed in our constitution. As my dear friend, Brian Leung once said, ‘’Hong Kong Belongs to Everyone Who Shares Its Pain’’. I believe the value of freedom is exemplified through our compassion to whom we love, so much that we are willing to sacrifice the freedom of our own.

Defending freedom behind the bars

No doubt there is a terrible price to pay in standing up to the Beijing and Hong Kong government. But after serving a few brief jail sentences and facing the continuing threat of harassment, I learnt to cherish the freedom I have for now, and I shall devote every bit what I have to strive for the freedom of those who have been ruthlessly denied.

The three episodes I shared with you today -- the courtroom, visiting prisoners and the battle of university continue to remind me of the fact that the fight for freedom has not ended yet. In the coming months, I will be facing a maximum of 5 years in jail for unauthorized assembly and up to one ridiculous year for wearing a mask in protest. But prison bars would never stop me from activism and thinking critically.

I only wish that during my absence, you can continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong, by following closely to the development, no matter the ill-fated election, the large-scale arrest under National Security Law or the twelve activists in China. To defy the greatest human rights abusers is the essential way to restore democracy of our generation, and the generation following us.

．．．．．．．．．．．．．．．．．
💪小額支持我的獨家分析及文章：https://bit.ly/joshuawonghk
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台北去哪玩？！學學柏妤當個文青吧😏😏

#timefortaiwan
#康青龍

台北的康青龍街區，是一個充滿魅力的地方，我已經迫不及待了！
Kang Qing Long district is a place full of passion. I can’t wait..

2016-2017 Episode 16 Taipei Cultural Antiquities Walking Tour (1) 康青龍文藝街區(台北)
Transcript 影片文字稿：

歡迎來到台灣，我是林柏妤
Welcome to TAIWAN, I am Poyu Lin

我熱愛旅行，也喜歡在台灣趴趴走，如果你也和我一樣，告訴我最喜歡到台灣哪裡?
I love to travel ,love wandering around in Taiwan,if you are a travel junkie like me, let me know,What is your favorite place in Taiwan?

康青龍文藝街區
Kang Qing Long

康青龍文藝街區，是我的最愛
Kang Qing Long district is my favorite

台北的康青龍街區，是一個充滿魅力的地方，我已經迫不及待了！
Kang Qing Long district is a place full of passion. I can’t wait..

在台灣旅行，交通非常的方便，只要選擇台灣觀巴，就能搞定一切
Getting around Taiwan is really simple; all you have to do is jump on Taiwan Tour Bus.

車上有無線上網，平板電腦提供資訊，有英文、韓文、日文，當然還有中文
On the bus, there are WIFI and tablets available that provide information in English, Korean, Japanese and of course Chinese.

在開始文藝之旅前之前，年青人喜歡把自己打扮的有書卷氣息一點，在台灣，這樣的風格，我們稱為「文青」
Before this kind of trip, youngsters will dress up with an artistic feel, in Taiwan we call this style“Wun Cing”.

深受各國觀光客喜愛的「康青龍街區」，是由永康街、青田街、龍泉街，所構成的特色區塊，這裡聚集許多特色小店。
This foreigner-beloved Kang Qing Long district consists the streets of Yongkang St., Qingtian St., and the Longquan St., This area is scattered with boutique shops.

體驗茶文化，是觀光客來台灣很重要目的之一。
Experiencing tea culture is an important goal for tourist on their trip in Taiwan.

要泡出一壼好茶，步驟是相當複雜，在台灣我們會稱這叫「功夫茶」
To make a good cup of tea, it’s not that easy. We call this “kongfu tea”

讓我來為您示範，這茶葉是大禹嶺
Let me show you,How to make it?
大禹嶺，它是一種烏龍茶，保持高溫的水，1分鐘之後，我們就要來喝茶了
“Dayuling” a kind of oolong tea, which requires high temperature water. The warm cup and hot tea will bring out the best of the teas aroma. Let’s try it out.

茶泡好之後，我們還不能急著喝它，因為要先聞它的香味
After making the tea, don’t rush into it. Smell the tea part first.

哦～真讚，我覺得這就像是芳香療法，接下來我就要來喝它了
Oh～,is awesome,it’s like getting an aromatherapy,and now I,m going to try it.

很清香
It is refreshing.

我們踏出了認識台灣的第一步，接下來我們要進入時光隧道，有一間台灣歷史文物館，展現了早期台灣多元文化的珍藏品，其中有荷蘭時期、清廷、日治時間，乃至國民政府遷台等
Now that we have tasted the first step of knowing Taiwan, let’s step back for some history.The collection in “Formosa Vintage Museum” shows the transformation and diversity of Taiwan’s culture from the Netherlands, the Qing dynasty and the Japanese period, to the KMT government period.

走在康青龍街區的巷子裡，就像是進行一場城市冒險，
As I stroll down Kang Qing Long district is like an adventure.

這家超酷的店，可看見手工布袋戲偶和台灣花布文創商品，這些台灣人早期的共同記憶，到了現在藝術工作者的手，重新被賦予新的生命。
This is an awesome store; they have these traditional handmade puppets and flourish clothing. These traditional items have been reborn in hands of our local artist.

我看起來怎麼樣？
So how do I look?

你看路邊的這顆老樹上，掛的紅布條嗎？這在台灣代表著敬畏之意，我們相信老的東西都有靈魂。而說到老樹最多的地方，就在青田街，這裡的老樹被譽為「綠寶石」。
Can you see where the red cloths are hanging on the tree by that road? It symbolizes respect .We believe that there’s a soul in every treasure of the past. Speaking of old trees, Qingtian St. has the most oldest trees. These old trees here are called “emeralds.”

走在青田街，參天的老樹讓人感覺好棒，在日治時代，這裡都是教授住得地方
Look at these trees; it’s makes me feel good. During the Japanese period, this was a residential for professors.

在我們身後，是一棟和洋式建築，事由足立仁教授，於西元1931年興建的
Behind us,it’s the Japanese and Western style of the building, it was built by Professor Adachi in 1931

它的最後一任屋主，是台大地質學系的馬延英教授，經過翻修整理後對外開放
It’s last owner is Professor Ma, Ting Ying from the department of geography of NTU. After some renovation, it is now open to public.

在離開之前，証明我真個文青，我給你看一個東西，這是我今天在康青龍街區，用GPS留下的足跡，你們看，像不像恐龍
To prove that I am a real artsy, let me show something. This is the path we travelled today tracked by GPS. Look, does it look like a dinosaur?

你也可以用GPS，在旅行台灣時留下你的足跡，也歡迎你上傳到我們的粉絲頁，和我們一起分享！
You can also use GPS to track your trip in Taiwan. We welcome you to share your memories with us on our fan page!

我是林柏妤，享受你在台灣的時光，我們下次見。
I am Poyu Lin, enjoy your time in Taiwan! Chow～see you next time.

我哥之前因為陪朋友去考街頭藝人證照看到一些評審對街頭藝人的態度發聲 而上了新聞。我覺得他很勇敢的去做了一件對的事。

希望政府不會時間過了就不關心這些事情。希望我們都可以更客觀的去看藝術，尊重不一樣藝術和藝術家。我覺得以下我哥說的非常好，想跟大家分享。

想知道之前的事可看新聞連結：
http://www.storm.mg/article/270611

親愛的大家：


我想感謝所有支持我、以及給予我鼓勵意見的每個人；同時也要感謝熱情關注此事、協助揭露街頭表演者們應試處境問題的許多媒體與記者們。我很抱歉這些日子我保持著沉默—僅有一個原因：我並不希望這件事情，在台北市文化局正式給予溝通管道之前就發展到無法控制的程度；我很抱歉遲至今日我才發表這篇文章，但我確實需要一些時間來沉澱彙整我心中的感受和想法，而我也需要時間及一些協助使這篇文章能夠以中文來呈現。

在我採取更進一步的行動之前，我其實未曾預料到這件事情在媒體與社交媒體上的感染力如此龐大；我受寵若驚的感動能夠聽見發自你們每個人內心的聲音，而我也著實感到抱歉，面對著如潮水般湧來的各種訊息，似乎超過我所能負荷。請原諒我未能夠逐ㄧ去回應每個人的訊息，但我真的想讓你們知道，你們每ㄧ個人都讓我感到不可思議、帶給我深深的感動及感謝。

我不認為自己是一個勇敢的人，我也自知自己並非街頭藝人的代表或者發言人。但我是一個藝術創作者，一個表演藝術家，一個教育者，而最重要的，我身為一個 "人"。我的家人、朋友及師長們，總是教導我應該為正確的事情挺身而出。

我明白事情有時候總是不像我們所期待的永遠是非分明。但發生在5月21日星期天的街頭藝人評審事件，是對藝術群體的一種「極不尊重」。不論反面評論者所提出的藉口、理由或是文化差異等緣由，這些應試的表演者們，很顯然是被視為次等公民，或者（經驗與技能不夠成熟？）的學生等級。而與此同時，同樣非常清晰的是，街頭藝人評審制度或許是立意良善，但其審查過程的執行層面，卻是嚴重缺失連連。

藝術並非一種特權的這件事情如今已完全被遺忘。台北市文化局本應提倡所有具有文化及藝術可能性的事情，但它並未做到這ㄧ點。很顯然的，一個「對表演者的基本尊重」並不存在 — 許多表演者都如此感覺，有些人則深感受傷。

就算是得到全世界所有理應被如此對待的原因及理由，他們仍然感受到自己的不被尊重；因為這就是事實。

再一次的我想強調我並不是認定台北市文化局與該評審是一個「壞人」，我想強調的只是這個評審街頭藝人表演的執行環節，究竟有多麼的不妥當與糟糕。

我試著回應一個反面評論者所提到的觀點：若街頭藝人證照是ㄧ場「考試」、考試就會有考試的規則。評審無需與應試者惺惺相惜，掉頭就走是因為模擬街頭現場環境以及時間到了。再一次的，在我描述現場狀況的前ㄧ篇文章中，大家或許還記憶猶新：許多表演者根本沒有完整的短至一分半鐘的時間可以好好表演，遑論是超過2-5分鐘的時間限制了。

而這樣的回應是否也指出了另一個值得我們去思考的問題： 為什麼我們會將它視為一種「考試」，而不是ㄧ個表演者的「試鏡」呢？

首先，這些表演者們並不是學生。事實上，許多人更可能是一個專業的音樂家、舞者、或者正從事著表演藝術的人。當然，我不否認也可能會有些正在學習中的族群。但，最重要的是，當他們「在屬於他們應得的演出時間與機會裡 (而且還是付費才有的），他們就是ㄧ個真正的表演者。」

他們不應該被看待成一個不成熟的學生或者次等的公民。而就算一個人擁有著學生的身分，這個身分也不應該影響或侷限他或她，作為一個藝術創作者的身分及所有可能性。「藝術家」並非是透過一個人的職業身分或者社會地位來定義的。

所謂「考試」的這個字眼指涉著ㄧ個學術教育機構，而我們都知道台北市文化局所應該扮演的角色與作用，並非一個學術性的教育機構，也並非是用來教育藝術創作者們該知道些什麼？該怎麼表現？藝術教育及審美的養成也從來不是在追求填鴨式教育裡的ㄧ個標準答案。將街頭藝人的徵選視為「考試」的視角，或許本身就有待商榷。

評審的場所是在一個公共場合，許多居民與遊客都會圍觀欣賞著表演，其中有些人或許不了解藝術；因而這些人也許會將在場的評審們，視做為某種藝術的衡量標準；試問，當這些人看到評審對待表演藝術家的行為與態度，當他們看到評審總是任意打斷演出，並且掉頭就走不帶ㄧ句回應時，人們日後還能懂得尊重街頭表演藝術家嗎？

沒錯，我們都知道這是一場「考試」，我們也很清楚這些手上拿著計分表的人們就是評審；因此，事實上評審們根本無需「模擬」街頭現場那些會隨時走掉的陌生人們。

這些評審以及相關單位的人員，理應提倡藝術，並且作為ㄧ種示範與典範，讓普羅大眾都能夠看到該如何去欣賞ㄧ場演出。一個表演者並不會因為他選擇在街頭表演，就因此比不上一個在大舞台演出的藝術家。我自己就曾在世界各地超過百個不同的絢麗舞台演出過，但我仍然汗顏自己可能也不比這些街頭藝術家們來的優秀。

我曾擔任過ㄧ些國際比賽的評審，我也曾舉辦過專業的試鏡；我從來沒有聽過關於尊敬一個人的這件簡單事情，會需要在時間充裕的前提下才能夠發生。

如果一點表情會洩漏出評審成績的好惡，其實也真的可以不用笑或是無需在表演結束時說一聲謝謝。而評審也真的「不需要」與考證照的街頭藝人感覺惺惺相惜，因為這些都不是我想討論的重點。

我在意的是，表演者所需要的，只不過就是一個對人與對一個演出者的「基本尊重」而已。這樣的尊重存在與否，如人飲水冷暖自知，在人與人的接觸中就能直接感受的到，著實無需仰賴規則或語言的贅述。

我作為一個藝術創作者和教育者，穿梭各地工作超過15年的職業生涯經驗，或許會因此被視為一個外國人，但我的身分就是一個台灣公民。身為一個39歲的成年人，我可以分辨何謂尊重，而表達尊重甚至不需要浪費到任何一秒鐘。如果一個人會需要至少五分鐘以上的充足時間才有可能表達出對另外一個個體的尊重的話，那他可能需要重新再思考一下，尊重對他而言意謂著什麼？


再度回應一位也曾擔任過街頭藝人評審的老師所提出來「中途要求更換曲目或要求表演者改唱另ㄧ種語言的歌」的理由，是因為評審們不會希望一個街頭藝人一整年下來只會唱同一種語言、甚至是只唱同ㄧ首歌。

我所思考的是當一個街頭藝人遵守規定，付費且努力準備去應試時，他ㄧ定會準備了符合完整時間長度的、同時也是自己最擅長、最喜歡或者是最期待能被看見的那些內容；表演一首歌曲或者ㄧ種風格並不代表他就只會唱那ㄧ首歌；而且就算是當做他只會唱ㄧ種語言、ㄧ首歌，如果他能把這首歌反覆演繹的淋漓盡致時, 又有什麼不好呢？

難道我們不曾注意到百老匯的音樂劇就是同樣的那幾部，而獅子王也已經在舞台上展演了20年了嗎？許多同樣內容重複的音樂劇票房始終歷久不衰，持續帶給觀眾們心靈的滿足。而人氣歌手愛黛兒從頭到尾也只會用英文唱歌，而且幾乎都是類似的曲風，我們可曾在乎過她有沒有能力去唱中文歌呢？

ㄧ部舞蹈作品光在荷蘭本土就能有至少五十場大大小小的演出機會。但在台灣，ㄧ部作品如果能有五個場次的演出，可能已經算是很長壽了。這樣的環境迫使藝術創作者們必須不斷快速的「生產新作」，而將舊有積累的作品與經驗拋在腦後。就所有對於藝術的挹注與投資（不僅僅是金錢）來說，這樣的情況對藝術的生產是ㄧ種過度消耗與浪費，也並未真正教育到民眾如何去看待藝術的價值。

而最終，這樣的評審過程與態度並不僅僅是對街頭表演藝術者的不尊重，同時也是對於藝術的不尊重。

台北市文化局星期ㄧ曾經聯絡過我，親切向我表示將與我進一步聯絡並討論這件事情；他們要求我先將評審的照片拿掉—我答應取下照片，但前提是他們必須確實誠意的允諾一個面對面的溝通。這幾天我也暫時迴避了一些報導媒體的詢問（還請大家見諒）只因我衷心希望能先與台北市文化局及該評審當面談一談。我ㄧ直等待，但我也持續的看到了相關機構或人員回應給媒體的諸多理由與藉口； 自從將照片從網路上取下之後，直到今日都沒有人再跟我連繫過。慢慢的我突然明白星期一的那通電話，或許純粹只是ㄧ個希望我能將照片取下的操作手法，而並非真的試圖去了解整個經過以及解決問題。我對這個本應提倡藝術與文化的機構感到無比失望。

我知道我並非一個公眾人物，而我也不能代表所有想要考取街頭藝人執照的表演者們；自從我的臉書網頁訊息爆炸之後，我就不斷的在思考這件事情，我反覆思考自己是否該繼續爭執此事，這似乎並非與我切身相關的事情，然而，身為一個藝術教育者，我卻又感受到深切的責任。

經過反覆的思考以及與朋友們的討論，我意識到不論我們的展演形式如何不同，我們同樣都是表演藝術群體中的一分子。台北市文化局最後很可能將持續充耳不聞，而這位被我所抱怨的評審也可能繼續做他這些年來ㄧ直在做的事—用他ㄧ貫的態度。除非他們願意傾聽與改變，否則我無法改變任何人。

我真心相信有些事情值得改善，也可以改善。我必須強調我並不是想要攻擊或羞辱任何人。我只希望能有機會去討論如何讓審查的過程變的更適當。我看到台灣有許多優秀的藝術家，但環境對藝術和藝術家的不尊重不但打擊同時也限制了他們的發展；更遺憾的是，這一切可能是在許多疏忽之中造就出來的環境。

許多評審過程如果能夠在尊重藝術的前提之下思考和進行，事情或許會截然不同。
只要有一點點可能去拋開面子的問題，或許也就有機會明嘹我們所期待的結果其實是一樣的。

事實上我之所以說了這麼冗長的話語，並非是要不尊敬所謂的評審或師長，而正是因為我對藝術的尊敬，使我更深切的關注身為一個教育者所代表的意義。今天我看到了街頭表演藝術家是如何被不當的對待，而很顯然的我也不會是唯一的目擊者。某個程度上我的聲音似乎被放大了，但我也知道我的聲音並不是唯一的一個，我是許許多多的聲音中的ㄧ份子。

William

---------

Dear All,

I would like to thank you for all the encouraging messages and supportive comments. I would also like to thank all the journalists and reporters who are passionate about this issue and are so willing to expose the problem that was faced by these street performers. I am sorry that I have been quiet but with a reason: I don’t want it to get much bigger than it already was until I talked to the Taipei Cultural Affair. I apologize that it took me a while, but I needed some time to gather my thoughts and help to translate my writing into Chinese.

Before I go on any further, I never expected my story would go viral on the media and the social media. I am humbled and touched to hear from many of you. All the messages I’ve received have been overwhelming. I am not able to reply to all of them, but I’d like you to know that I am honored, thankful, and touched by every single one of them.

I do not consider myself as a brave person, nor do I consider myself a representative for the street performers. BUT I am an artist, a performer, educator, and most of all I am a human being.I have always been taught to stand for what’s right by my family, friends and mentors.

I understand things are not as black and white as we all wish sometimes. However, what happened on Sunday 21st of May was a disgrace to the art community. Regardless of all the excuses that were given or cultural differences, it was very obvious these performers were treated like lower-class citizens; if not, students. It was also very clear that the intention might be well, but the execution of the busker’s exam was done horribly.

Somehow the idea that ART is NOT a privilege had been forgotten. Taipei Cultural Affair is supposed to be advocating for all things cultural and artistic but it was not conveyed that day. It was very clear the respect was not there. Many felt it and some got their feelings hurt. Even with all the excuses there are in the world, many experienced the disrespect. That was the truth. Again I have to emphasize that I believe Taipei Department of Cultural Affair and its adjudicators are good people, but the execution of the exam was poor.

It brings to the question…. why is it called an exam? Shouldn’t it be an audition?

These performers were not students when they took the exam. Some of them were actually professional musicians, dancers, or performers. Just because one is a student, it doesn’t make him or her less of an artist. Artists are not defined by their social status or occupation.

The term exam suggests an educational institution, but we know Taipei Department of Cultural Affair is not an educational institution. They do not decide what these artists need to know. These performers were not given any materials to study, thus the term exam is very misleading.

The exam took place in a public space. Many tourists and residents were there to enjoy the event. Many do not understand arts. So they may look up to these adjudicators as role models who are experienced in the arts. When they saw how this exam was being done, do you think they would have any respect for these performers afterwards? They saw these adjudicators interrupting the performers and left without saying a “thank you.” We all knew it was an exam, we all knew these people were adjudicators. They did not need to pretend to be street spectators who just walk away. They all carried their score boards in their hands.

Just because a performer performs on the street, it doesn’t make that performer any less of a performer than someone who is performing on big stages. I myself have performed over hundreds of stages around the world and I do not dare to think myself better than these performers.

I have judged a handful of international competitions. I have also held professional auditions. I have never heard an excuse that respect can’t be shown when time is limited. You do not need to smile to simply say “thank you.” Since when, a smile means “I favor you.” What a performer need is respect. Over the 15 year span of my professional career as an educator and artist, and 39 years of being a human being, I know what respect looks like. It doesn’t take more than a second to show it. If it takes longer than 5 minutes to show what respect is, I think you may need to rethink what respect means to you.

Another excuse that was presented was that they don’t want a street artist performs only one kind of songs or genre throughout the year. Don’t they know broadway musicals? Lion King has been performed over 20 years. They’ve been doing the same musical numbers for years to sold out audiences. Adele has been singing the same genre of music and always in English. Does it matter that she doesn’t sing in other genre or sing in Chinese?

One dance production in the Netherlands can be performed up to 50 performances within the Netherlands itself. In Taiwan, a dance work only performed 5 times the most. They are forced to constantly create new works and leave the old works behind. That is a waste of arts funding and it doesn’t educate the public on the value of the arts. These performers is old enough to decide what they want to show these judges with their limited time.

In the end it wasn’t just disrespectful to the performers, but also to the arts.

I was contacted by the Taipei Cultural Affair on Monday, the representative spoke nicely promising that they would discuss further with me. He asked me to take the adjudicator’s picture down, I agreed with the condition of meeting in person to further discuss what could be done better. I have refused to talk to reporters for the last few days. I have been waiting but I then heard the excuses given to the media. Since I’ve taken down the picture of the head adjudicator, they haven’t made any attempt to contact me. I came into a realization that when they made the call, it wasn’t to address the problem but simply to manipulate me to take down his picture. I’m disappointed at this institution that was supposed to promote the arts and culture.

I realized I am not a public figure, nor am I responsible for the well being of all artists who want to get a busker license. After my Facebook post went viral, I’ve been thinking so much about this issue. I kept going back and forth questioning whether I should keep fighting for this. It doesn’t feel like my fight, but at the same time I feel responsible as an art educator.

I truly believe this can be fixed. I need to emphasize, I am not attacking anyone. And I don’t want to shame anyone. I want to start a discussion how to make it better. Taipei has some of the best performers I’ve seen, yet the lack of respect for the arts and artists has suppressed their ability to excel. And ironically, it’s often done unintentionally.

If the exam is done based on respect for the arts itself, things might have come out differently. And just maybe if we all let go the “face” culture, we could possibly see further to realize that we are all wanting the same thing.

I saw mistreatments towards performers that day. It was very obvious I wasn’t the only one witnessing it. It was not that I don’t respect these adjudicators/teachers, but because I respect the arts and the meaning of a teacher that is why I had to speak up. Somehow my voice had been amplified this week. But my voice wasn’t and isn’t singular. I am simply a voice amongst many.

Sincerely,
William Lü

Taipei National University of the Arts 國立台北藝術大學
寶藏巖國際藝術村 Treasure Hill Artist Village
Taipei National University of the Arts
臺北表演藝術中心 Taipei Performing Arts Center
National Theater and Concert Hall, Taipei
中正紀念堂 Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
National Taiwan University of Arts
Department of Cultural Affairs, Taipei City Government

REITACREW - REITAKU HOUSE
Singer 歌手 : REITACREW - the Candyman x Jasho x Txek
Music 曲 : Jasho
Lyrics 詞 : Jasho, the Candyman, Txek
Recording錄音：淡江大學文錙音樂廳
Producer 混音 : YANG
Videographer 攝影 : Jacky
Editor 剪輯：YANG

A video in promotion for Taiwanese and International Students to join REITAKU HOUSE, an international dormitory in TKU, and also a Big Family

這次麗澤國際學舍出身的REITACREW，一個由一位台灣生與兩位來自芬蘭與西班牙的交換生所組成的新生代樂團與淡江大學國際暨兩岸事務處合作推出這首出道主打單曲!
Big thanks to the office of International and Cross-strait Affairs, Tamkang University

Welcome to the basement, Listen to the beat
Let it be the year of your life, let it be one of your beat hits
Moi moi, this is Varissuo the Candyman aka MC Yeh, are y’all ready for this?
Then let’s go get them!

the Candyman:
Remember the first day here in Reitaku House
All seems unreal, bizarre enough
Maybe feel hopeless, but let it be
Cause Taiwanese here for you (savage move), PEACE!!!
Take you to places you’ve never been before
share memories we own together once
eat the best food there ever can be
see beautiful views you’ve never seen

Welcome to the basement, Listen to the beat
Let it be one of your best hits
Txek:
We just came here to make everyone feel
Wanna make it real that’s the only deal
And if there’s something that doesn’t feel right
Don’t think about it for now hands up!
台湾について分からん事だらけ
(We arrived at Taiwan and we are surrounded by things we don't understand)
悲しい出来事も含めて笑え
(Laugh even at the sad events)
泣きたくなるのも悪くない
(It's also OK if you feel like crying)
持つのはただ将来への信頼
(You just must believe in the future!)

It’s only two weeks that we’ve been together
but somehow it feels like I knew you for longer
I hope we’ll live things that we won’t forget ever
but are we prepared to pay that price I wonder

So let all of us be welcomed to the dorm
A place that every time makes your heart feel warm
The good things in life and before you realize
So become friend of your worries and burn out the real life

the Candyman:
Two weeks have gone away real fast
Better cherish the times we still have
Never forget why we came the first place
you gotta hold on your dreams and extend it
The time we had will always reserve them
Maintain the friendship between us
Stay clear we will never be apart
Our hearts forever be with each other

REITACREW - IG:
https://www.instagram.com/bkrtbros/

the Candyman - IG:
https://instagram.com/varissuothecandyman?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=17plsdze25t9a

Txek - IG:
https://instagram.com/ekutorukun?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=kkvsbs08haq7

#饒舌 #嘻哈 #中國有嘻哈 #中國新說唱 #中國好聲音 #台灣嘻哈 #台灣饒舌 #饒舌歌手 #rap #rapper #hiphop #nickthereal #diss #track #disstrack #mv #糖果人 #candyman #musicvideo #randb #blues #藍調 #爵士 #jazz #music #video #lyricvideo #lyrics #高爾宣 #中文饒舌 #中文嘻哈 #說唱 #mv #糖果人 #candyman #musicvideo #他們那些都帶不走 #頑童 #爵士 #jazz

LYRICS:
Welcome to the basement, Listen to the beat
Let it be the year of your life, let it be one of your beat hits
Moi moi, this is Varissuo the Candyman aka MC Yeh, are y’all ready for this?
Then let’s go get them!

the Candyman:
Remember the first day here in Reitaku House
All seems unreal, bizarre enough
Maybe feel hopeless, but let it be
Cause Taiwanese here for you (savage move), PEACE!!!
Take you to places you’ve never been before
share memories we own together once
eat the best food there ever can be
see beautiful views you’ve never seen

Welcome to the basement, Listen to the beat
Let it be one of your best hits
Txek:
We just came here to make everyone feel
Wanna make it real that’s the only deal
And if there’s something that doesn’t feel right
Don’t think about it for now hands up!
台湾について分からん事だらけ
(We arrived at Taiwan and we are surrounded by things we don't understand)
悲しい出来事も含めて笑え
(Laugh even at the sad events)
泣きたくなるのも悪くない
(It's also OK if you feel like crying)
持つのはただ将来への信頼
(You just must believe in the future!)

It’s only two weeks that we’ve been together
but somehow it feels like I knew you for longer
I hope we’ll live things that we won’t forget ever
but are we prepared to pay that price I wonder

So let all of us be welcomed to the dorm
A place that every time makes your heart feel warm
The good things in life and before you realize
So become friend of your worries and burn out the real life

the Candyman:
Two weeks have gone away real fast
Better cherish the times we still have
Never forget why we came the first place
you gotta hold on your dreams and extend it
The time we had will always reserve them
Maintain the friendship between us
Stay clear we will never be apart
Our hearts forever be with each other

#饒舌 #嘻哈 #中國有嘻哈 #中國新說唱 #中國好聲音 #台灣嘻哈 #台灣饒舌 #饒舌歌手 #rap #rapper #hiphop #nickthereal #diss #track #disstrack #mv #糖果人 #candyman #musicvideo #randb #blues #藍調 #爵士 #jazz #music #video #lyricvideo #lyrics #高爾宣 #中文饒舌 #中文嘻哈 #說唱 #mv #糖果人 #candyman #musicvideo #他們那些都帶不走 #頑童 #爵士 #jazz