S5-E3 - 228, White Terror, the Formosa Incident, and Nylon Deng: PART TWO
Mar 2, 2025
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Delve into the life of Nylon Deng, a Taiwanese activist whose fierce dedication to democracy and free speech led to dramatic clashes with authorities. Discover the impact of the Formosa magazine and the Kaohsiung Incident on Taiwan's political landscape. Explore Deng's unconventional tactics against censorship, his controversial self-immolation, and the nuanced legacy he left behind. This narrative challenges the black-and-white views of heroism, offering a rich perspective on the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom.
Nylon Deng's journey highlights the challenges of pursuing individual freedom and democratic ideals in a politically oppressive environment in Taiwan.
His self-immolation acted as a critical catalyst, igniting national conversations around freedom of speech and the complexities of martyrdom in activism.
Deep dives
The Personal Struggles of Nylon Dung
Nylon Dung faced significant obstacles in both his personal and professional life, particularly around his marriage to Ye Zhulan, which was initially met with familial disapproval due to their differing ethnic backgrounds. After marrying in 1972, Dung changed career paths multiple times, attempting various business ventures such as working for a solar water heater company and importing health foods, but none were successful. Realizing his independent spirit was stifled in corporate environments, he eventually turned to freelance writing, starting in 1981. This period was marked by political turmoil in Taiwan, including the Formosa Incident, which would shape his later activism and writing endeavors.
Rise of Political Activism
As the political climate in Taiwan began to shift, with the emergence of opposition media, Dung became a prominent voice for democracy through his writing in critical magazines like the Liberty Times Weekly. He challenged the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) government, advocating for freedom of speech, human rights, and Taiwanese independence, which led to frequent arrests and harassment. Dung and his co-founders were pivotal in using their publications to shine a light on government corruption and the need for democratic reform. Their efforts coincided with the gradual easing of censorship laws, evidenced by changes in the 1980 elections that saw increased voter participation and representation from independent candidates.
The Tragic Self-Immolation of Nylon Dung
In 1989, Dung's escalating defiance culminated in a dramatic act of self-immolation in protest against the KMT government, a decision driven by frustration over ongoing censorship and political oppression. His final stand coincided with the publishing of an article advocating for a new constitution for Taiwan, which led to a court summons for treason. Days before his self-immolation, he set up barricades in his office, indicating his intention not to be taken alive, which ultimately ignited a fire during the police's attempts to arrest him. Dung's death shocked the nation, propelling discussions on democracy and freedom of speech but also raising questions about the complex circumstances surrounding his actions.
NOTE: This episode is not suitable for young children.
The story of Nylon Deng is too often painted in terms of good/bad, black/white…but almost nothing is ever so binary. January 1989: Deng is summoned to answer charges of sedition/treason for publishing an idea for a constitution for the “Republic of Taiwan.” He vows not to be taken alive.
However, unlike almost every article about him, Formosa Files isn’t going to stick to the script of “the police tried to break in and he self-immolated.” Instead, we try to offer some new perspectives on his fiery end. Was Deng a “martyr”? Were he and his followers’ actions actually non-violent?
Taiwanese independence and democracy activist Nylon Deng (Cheng Nan-jung 鄭南榕) will forever have a place in the pantheon of Taiwanese democracy heroes. But heroes – of course – are human.
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