June 15 (M), 2026 Dedication - found!

 

06-15-26 (M)

          While cleaning out some old digital files recently, I stumbled upon a piece of my own history: the dedication page of my dissertation, completed back in 2015. Re-reading these words a decade later brought back a flood of memories about my academic journey and, more importantly, the woman who inspired me. I have excerpted the dedication below, alongside a translation, to share a personal story about how my mother's struggle with illiteracy became an important motivation to learn, teach, and grow.  (最近在清理一些舊數位檔案時，偶然發現了一段小歷史, 寫在2015年完成的論文獻詞頁。十年後重讀這些話，喚起了對學術旅程的幾段回憶，尤其是支撐我完成這段學習的幾個小故事. 以下是我摘錄了論文中的獻詞及簡譯，分享一個關於我母親不識字的掙扎如何成為我的學習、教學與成長的主要動力).

                                         Dedication (in my dissertation, 2015)

          If “illiteracy” has any positive function at all, I would say that it served as one of most powerful motivations for me to pursue and ultimately complete a terminal degree under challenging conditions. The connection between illiteracy and the pursuit of knowledge in my life is embodied by my mother, Yu-bay Tsai Huang. Like many women of her generation, and generations before her, she never had the opportunity to attend school for even a single day.

          Like many women of her generation, my mother experienced firsthand the profound geopolitical upheavals and socioeconomic hardships that defined 20th-century Taiwanese history. These challenges originated under Japanese colonial rule and intensified during the social instability and conflict resulting from the Chinese Civil War between the Nationalists (KMT) and Communists (CCP). In 1947, prior to the retreat of the Kuomintang (KMT) to Taiwan, the 228 Massacre occurred (note: a topic of another thesis archived at the Madison general library), initiating the repressive era known as the White Terror. Subsequent martial law was maintained over the Taiwanese population until 1987—rendering it one of the longest continuous periods of military rule in modern history. Amid these severe economic and social deprivations, my mother managed the essential survival and resource provisions for her ten children - an unbelievable endeavor that ever happened - from my understanding!

           A couple of episodes illustrate how her life inspired my own educational journey. I vividly remember one day during my teenage years when my mother asked me to write a letter to one of my brothers living far away, who was not in good shape. Preoccupied with my school homework and house chores, I failed to write the address carefully, and the letter was returned. My mother had been anxious to learn about my brother’s condition, yet I had not completed the task properly. Sobbing and speaking in anger and frustration, she said to me: “If I knew how to read and write, why would I need to bother you? If I could read the stop-signs at the bus station, why would I have to walk miles and miles every day to deliver food for others?” Those words weighed heavily on my heart and left me filled with guilt and regret. (Note: I have always been regarded by family members as mother’s obedient and diligent daughter).

           Like most of my brothers and sisters, I developed a strong interest in learning and eventually built a career in military, politics, and journalism. One day, in a casual chatting, my mother jokingly remarked, “How wonderful it would be if I had a daughter with a doctorate.” I was surprised to hear such a statement from a woman who had never had the opportunity to attend an elementary school. Lightheartedly, I replied, “Well, perhaps, sometime in the future, I can earn one for you.”

            Luckily, after winning a national competition that awarded me a two-year scholarship to study in the United States, I was given the opportunity to turn those words into reality, thought it took 12 years to complete through being an instructor and part-time student.

           Throughout my long journey in military education, journalism, congressional /official services, and during more than two decades of teaching at universities and a technical college, I have continually reminded myself that my passion for learning and for education was inspired by a woman who could neither read nor write, yet who wanted her child to become someone capable of serving humanity.

            Therefore, I dedicate this research project to my mother, who passed away in 2005. I hope that, wherever she may be, she can see me striving each day to become a better person.

                                                              獻詞 (2015)

          如果寫說 “字不識人,” 或所謂的 ”文盲” 有任何正面功能的話，我會說它是驅策我努力去完成一個學位的強大動力之一。 “不識字” 把我在追求世俗的所謂知識與學位之間的做了一個重要的連結. 這個驅動力要從我的母親說起。她像她那一代, 以及更早之前的許多女性一樣，不識字, 是一種很普遍的現象。

          一如她那一代的許多女性, 我母親, 親身經歷了20世紀台灣歷史的深刻地緣政治動盪與社會經濟困境。這些挑戰起源於日本殖民統治時期，並在國共內戰引發的社會動盪與衝突中加劇。1947年，在國民黨撤退到台灣之前，發生了228大屠殺 (也是我另一個碩士論文的主題)，開啟了被稱為白色恐怖的壓制時代。隨後台灣民眾持續被戒嚴管控, 直到1987年，成為現代史上最長的連續軍事統治時期之一。在這樣精神與物質極端匱乏的環境之下，她努力不懈地養育十個孩子存活下來, 我覺得是一件相當了不起的事。

          在做完這項教育的研究, 要寫下致意之詞, 就想起一兩件與母親之間的小故事. 它把母親的人生, 與我自己的教育旅程連結起來。我清楚記得青少年時期, 有一天，母親要我寫一封信給遠方情況不是很好的哥哥。我由於忙於自己功課與家中雜事，一時疏忽, 沒能仔細寫好地址，信件被退回。母親一直很擔心哥哥的狀況，但我卻沒有好好完這項託付, 她是多麼信任我地啊, 而我卻是如此地不小心! 對她而言, 這是一件無比重要的大事。她既憤怒又沮喪地對我說：「如果我會讀寫，為什麼還要打擾你？如果我能在公車站看懂車牌標誌，為什麼我每天還得走好幾公里送餐給別人？」這些話, 沉重地壓在我心頭，讓我充滿愧疚與難安。(註: 我一直是被親戚家人認定是母親心中聽話勤快的女兒…)

        像我幾位兄姊們一樣，我對學習也產生了興趣. 最終在軍事教育、政治, 和新聞領域有所涉獵。有一天在閒聊中，母親開玩笑說：「如果我有一個拿到博士學位的女兒該多好啊。」我很驚訝聽到一位從來沒有讀過一天書, 更不曾了解學術領域或知識生活的母親說出這樣的話。我輕鬆地回答：「嗯，也許, 有一天, 我可以幫你爭取一個。」

          幸運的是在1990年全國競試, 贏得兩年獎學金前往美國深造後，有了機會把那個原本輕鬆的話題, 兌現為事實的機會, 雖然是歷經12年, 在一面教書, 一面上學的情況下, 才逐漸完成了這個學位. 此後在漫長的學術旅程中，以及十多年來在大學和科技學院任教的過程中，我不斷提醒自己，我對學習和教育的熱情，來自一位既不會讀寫，卻希望自己的孩子能成為能為人類服務的人。

          因此，我將這個研究計畫獻給我於2005年過世的母親。我希望無論她身在何處，都能看到我每天努力成為更好的人。

          Looking back at these words today, I am reminded that education is never just an individual endeavor. Every book I read, every lecture I give, and every milestone I reach rests on the sacrifices of those who came before me. My mother never held a diploma, but she understood the true power of knowledge better than anyone I have met in academia. I hope this story serves as a reminder to cherish our roots and honor the quiet giants in our own lives who helped us fly.

      今天回頭看這些話，我再次意識到，求知從來不只是個人的奮鬥歷程。我讀過的每一本書、每上過的一堂課, 做過的一場演講、每一個跨過的里程碑，是建立在前人們, 以及周遭親人的期盼或者是犧牲之上。我母親連上小學的機會都沒有, 但她比我在學術界遇過的任何人都更懂得知識的真正力量。

       我想 - 真誠的感恩, 大概是對默默幫助我們飛翔的巨人, 所能表達的最高敬意。

May 30 (Sa), 2026 A Sincere Wish

Some previous posts:

May 23 (Sa), 2026 At least, these three things / 至少這三件事 (with a brief translation in English).

Here is a brief translation:

May 21 (Th), 2026 戲 / Dramas - 抓麻

May 17 (Sn), 2026 Singular!

Krystal Huang
Here are some facts about Taiwan's conditions in the international community, despite the frequent earthquakes, typhoons, lack of natural resources, and the constant threats of invasion from the CCP regime:

Taiwan holds several notable global number one rankings, most prominently for its healthcare system (Recalling, the Universal Health Care Act was enacted in 1995 when many countries and world health organizations predicted it would go bankrupt within a few years...)

Some ranking facts- just to name a few:
1. Global Index RankingsHealthcare System:
Taiwan consistently ranks No. 1 (7 years in a row) in the world on Numbeo’s global Health Care Index. The index evaluates overall quality, medical infrastructure, accessibility, and affordability.

2. Happiest Economy: Taiwan has been ranked No. 1 in the world as the "least miserable economy" according to Hanke’s Annual Misery Index. This is credited to exceptionally low unemployment and inflation rates relative to economic growth.

Taiwan GDP per Capita Breakdown (2026 Estimates) Nominal GDP per Capita: ~$42,100 USDGDP per Capita (PPP): ~$98,000 USD. Global Standing: Ranks in the top 40 worldwide on a nominal basis and climbs into the global top 10 on a PPP-adjusted basis.
In 2026, the very first time, Taiwan is ranked first one in Asia.

3. Regional Leader in Happiness & Freedom: While not number one globally, Taiwan ranks No. 1 in Asia on the Human Freedom Index, as well as No. 1 in East Asia on the World Happiness Report.

4. Pop Culture ("Taiwan Number One")The Slogan: The phrase "Taiwan Number One" (台灣 No. 1) originally went viral as an online gaming meme.The Origin: Coined by American streamer Angrypug while playing the multiplayer game H1Z1. It was used to humorously provoke ultranationalist Chinese players during matches and has since evolved into a broader pop-culture catchphrase regarding cross-strait geopolitics.

Krystal Huang
Some previous posts relevant to this issue:

A brief translation:

A brief translation:

Krystal Huang
I am still looking for a country as unique as Taiwan  (Japan, seems quite close).

Krystal Huang
Most countries, IGOs, and NGOs require tremendous courage to recognize her. (The "Big"-ccp-Brother is watching YOU !)

May 16 (Sa), 2026 The whole world is watching...

Krystal Huang
A society hijacked by the super- technocapitalism and a regime lacking basic human rights "concern" about an independent, democratic, contributive nation?
Could anything be more ironic (if not absurd) than this?

(Note: The ROC, represented by Taiwan now, was established in 1911, and the CCP- (Chinese Communist Party), an offspring of Soviet, usurped the power to become an illegitimate political entity in 1949).

Is "Big" qualified to be a "Good" bullier?

Krystal Huang
Does open-bullying seem taken for granted by the 'civilized' societies?

Krystal Huang
I am wondering if friends have information about how much taxpayer money was squandered on this extravagant trip for the personal gains. Didn't both regimes lavishly waste the hard-earned money from the people to quench the ruling class' thirst for power?

Marcie B
Obscene waste of money.

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Krystal Huang
On the other hand, didn't this unnecessarily extravagant trip allow the head of the CCP to solidify his position as an undisputed ruler (re-enthroned) in the coming up 21st Party Convention? How much of the taxpayers' hard-earned money did the leaders of the two regimes squander on this quid pro quo deal?

Krystal Huang
You know - the intriguing nature of this weird type of communist regime （Fascist Capitalism)... a gigantic honey-mouse-trap, aiming at the US.

May 13 (W), 2026 The Precious Life / 珍貴的生命, 那經得起蹂躪? ( with a translation in English).

A brief translation:

May 11 (M), 2026 Through

May 10 (Sn), 2026 When Diversity of Motherhood – Is Understood… / 母性的多樣態 – 可被了解…

May 6 (W), 2026 BeeBe's Story - If AGI can replicate Bees, then most of my brothers wouldn't starve to death...

 

May 6 (W), 2026 A Brief View of A Foreseeable Drastic-Potential

April 29 (W), 2026 Learning via sayings #120 焚書坑儒

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Yesterday, on facebook:

Krystal Huang

Well, let me check something interesting (which I shared last week.)

Krystal Huang

Here it is:

Krystal Huang

"While cleaning my laptop drives, I found some old teaching documents (I retired). The following one is the soul of sociology. So I converted it into a video dubbed with English ( not my original voice). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-BESZbTLPE Some ideas in the video might interest you (if you have not taken sociology) ?

Due to the limited time for video, I deleted many real life examples or case studies. The 1 hour slides were condensed into 10 minutes.

YOUTUBE.COM

離水三寸 - 加蚋艋舺 - Formosa (Non-profit channel)

Krystal Huang

They are mainly, US sociology with ingredents derived from Euopean sociological schools. Nothing Asian.

In Taiwan, my majoring in Sociology was assigned by the national entrance exam scores. The climate at that time, from my recollection, was quite similar to this governer's concens. Students should not know how to open their brain, release their mind (Ya, Taiwan was under Martial Law from 1949 to 1987, the world longest martial law imposed on Taiwanese people. The One-Ruling-Party controlled everything for fear of the CCP regime's invasion..). And the college professors just read through yellowish lecture notes which were older than my age.

Jo N H

Within the first 5 slides I understand why this administration would reject the study of sociology.

Krystal Huang

Jo, glad you know that. During late 2015 to 2016, our department's sociology sections were reduced, replaced by Psychology. I preferred to teach Soc for Psy.

Mary S

I enjoyed teaching both but I thought Sociology was more fun.

Krystal Huang

Mary, I agree. Reminds me of a tiny story. One semester, a student took my sociology at the very last mintute. After a couple of sessions, she came to me and said, "In fact, Sociology is quite interesting, not like they told me- better to choose Psychology instead of Sociology." I asked, "Why did they tell you so? " She said, "Just some common friends. They felt that Sociology was not good for human life." She also mentioned that her relatives were very religious, and Sociology was not good for them.

Well... Religion tneds to be concervative but can also play the liberating roles..., depending on whom/what is behind it...

Krystal Huang

Verified. Not fake news! Why, Florida, only? Might as well, Texas, Louisiana, Indiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, and the like - shalll, catch up?

https://www.cbsnews.com/.../florida-removes-sociology-as.../

CBSNEWS.COM

Florida removes sociology as a core subject in public universities as part of a push against DEI in education

Florida removes sociology as a core subject in public universities as part of a push against DEI in education

Crystal Huang

一國五十制 : 萬花筒國 ！