S5-E2 - 228, White Terror, The Formosa Incident, and Nylon Deng: PART ONE
Feb 28, 2025
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Dive into the poignant events of 1963 Saigon, where self-immolation became a powerful symbol of protest. Explore the haunting legacy of the 228 Incident in Taiwan, revealing the brutality of the Chinese Nationalist government and its societal impacts. Discover the inspiring story of Nylon Deng, a pro-democracy activist whose ultimate sacrifice underscored the struggle for freedom. The journey also touches on the evolution of student activism and the complex interplay of ideologies in Taiwan's quest for identity and resistance.
The podcast highlights the role of self-immolation as a potent form of protest against oppressive regimes, exemplified by both Thich Quang Duc and Nylon Deng.
It discusses the impact of government control over media narratives, which affected public recognition of dissenting acts like Nylon Deng's self-immolation in Taiwan.
Deep dives
The Buddhist Protest in 1963 Saigon
On June 11, 1963, in Saigon, a significant protest occurred led by approximately 300 Buddhist monks and nuns against the persecution they faced from the Catholic government. The Catholic regime had enacted measures that included banning Buddhist flags and raiding monasteries, reflecting a broader conflict in a predominantly Buddhist society dominated by a Catholic elite. The protest reached a harrowing climax when a Vietnamese monk, Thich Quang Duc, immolated himself at a busy intersection, symbolizing the depth of suffering and resistance to oppression. This act of self-immolation captured international attention, with a powerful photograph taken by journalist Malcolm Brown quickly becoming iconic and highlighting the stark realities of religious intolerance and civil unrest in Vietnam.
Historical Context of Self-Immolation
Self-immolation as a form of protest has deep historical roots, particularly in Asian cultures, where it has been seen by some as an ultimate act of sacrifice for one's beliefs. The episode references several instances of individuals, including Tibetan monks protesting against Chinese rule and other figures like Mohamed Bouazizi, whose self-immolation sparked the Arab Spring in Tunisia. These acts of desperation often evoke strong emotional responses and can lead to significant social or political change, although the outcomes can be complex and vary widely. Such drastic measures raise questions about the effectiveness of nonviolent protest in effecting change and the responsibility of observers in amplifying their messages to drive societal transformation.
The Legacy of Nylon Deng's Protest
In April 1989, Nylon Deng's self-immolation in Taiwan served as a protest against the government's authoritarian practices and its oppression of political dissenters. Despite the gradual easing of martial law in Taiwan, Deng felt compelled to act against ongoing repressive measures, as he faced severe charges for advocating a new Taiwanese constitution. His protest, however, did not gain the same immediate recognition as those of Thich Quang Duc, partially due to the government's control over the narrative and media coverage at the time. While Deng's act was shocking and emblematic of the societal struggles, it remained largely overshadowed, reflecting the challenges faced by dissidents in conveying their messages amidst political repression.
NOTE: This episode is not suitable for young children.
In part one, we begin in Saigon in 1963 before returning to Taiwan in the days before the nation became a full democracy. The stories and asides lead to Nylon Deng (Cheng Nan-jung 鄭南榕), a hardcore Taiwanese pro-democracy and pro-independence activist, who was born a few months after the 228 Incident in 1947. In 1989, after a long stand-off with the police, he chose self-immolation over arrest.
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