The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files
Bits & Pieces: “Women of the Orient” and Around the World in a “Half-Safe” Amphibious Jeep (1956) – S5-E33
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Oct 23, 2025 Dive into cringe-worthy historical portrayals as hosts read offensive excerpts about Asian women. Discover the bizarre expedition of 'Half-Safe,' an amphibious jeep that navigated the world's waters in a quest for adventure. Learn about Ben Carlin's audacious journey to Taiwan in 1956, complete with warm welcomes and military intrigue. Join them as they recount Carlin's captivating tour across Taiwan's cities and interactions with notable figures, ultimately reflecting on how history can be both fascinating and problematic.
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Recent Episodes Cluster Around Mid-20th Century
- Recent Formosophiles episodes clustered around the 1960s–1970s, revealing a pattern in subject matter and era focus.
- Hosts connected memoirs and diplomatic history to show how that era shaped Taiwan's modern story.
Contextualize Dated Source Material
- Source material often reflects dated, problematic views about women that historians must contextualize.
- The hosts stress cautious use of such material while acknowledging its historical value.
Cringe Quotes From A 1967 Travel Guide
- John read cringe-inducing quotes from a 1967 Golden Guide about Asian women to illustrate outdated attitudes.
- Eric and John reacted with disbelief and humor while emphasizing historical distance.
