Red Room Summary by Kevin Ke, April 2012

一位歐洲客戶來臺北拜訪時，問及在哪裡可以看到臺灣的文化。我當時馬上回答：故宮博物院。那時只想著：這是當然的，每個觀光客都會去那裡。但過了一會，卻有點後悔這樣子的回覆。一個博物館怎能代表臺灣的文化呢？應該有更好的回答才是。因為工作的訓練，我習慣在回答一個問題之前，先找出問題的定義。我找到了一個對於文化的定義，它說：文化是一種生活的模式，有一群人真實地相信它，並持續在他們的日常生活中實施。

依照這個定義以及個人觀點，臺灣有幾個獨特的文化。第一個是補習班文化。到台北火車站附近走走，尤其是南陽街，就可以發現高中學生是如何拚命地爭取好成績、大學以及他們的未來。數不盡的小吃、流行服裝、飾品配件、玩具及遊戲，也會讓你對夜市文化感到驚訝。此外，你很難不會去注意到臺北便利商店的密度。在一個小區塊裡，是很容易就發現兩、三間便利商店的。再者，臺灣寺廟的建築也是值得參觀的。即使是在其他亞洲國家也不容易找到如此生動、豐有色彩的、壯觀的屋簷裝飾，如：神明、龍、鳳、老虎、魚及其他雕像。

最後，有一個特別的臺灣文化，但也是很重要的── Red Room，一個聆聽的文化。因為它的確是一種生活模式，有著一群來自不同國家及背景的人們，在每個月，藉由分享他們的音樂、詩、感受、謎語或故事，來表達對這個生活模式的真實信仰。我真誠地向大家建議來參加Red Room，並且享受這個創新且愉悅的臺灣文化。

A client from Europe once visited Taipei and asked where to see the Taiwanese culture. My quick answer at that time was National Palace Museum. “Of course, it is. Every tourist goes here,” I thought at that moment but regretted it later. How could a museum represent the culture of Taiwan? There must be some better answers. Due to my job’s training, I am used to finding the definition of question before giving the answer. A definition of culture I found says, “Culture is a life style which a group of people truly believe in and conduct frequently in their daily life.”

In accordance with the definition and my personal opinion, there are some unique cultures in Taiwan. The first one is “cram school culture”. Take a trip to Taiwan Main Station area, especially Nanyang Street, and you will see how high school students struggle for better scores, university, and their future. Also, night market culture here will surprise you with its countless snacks, fashion clothes, accessories, toys and games. Besides, it is not difficult to notice the density of convenient stores in Taipei. People can easily find two or three of them in one block. Moreover, the architecture of Taiwanese temple is worth a visit. Even in other Asian countries, it is hard to find such vivid, colorful and spectacular decorations on the temple’s roof or eaves, such as Gods, dragons, phoenixes, tigers, cranes, fishes, and other statues.

Last but not least, another special culture in Taiwan—- the Red Room, a culture of listening. It is certainly a life style which a group of people from different countries and backgrounds truly believe in by sharing their music, a poem, feelings, riddle or  a story every month. I would sincerely suggest that visitors attend the Red Room to enjoy this innovative and delightful culture in Taiwan.

KEVIN KE
I grew up in Taiwan and studied in United States with a major in law. Currently work in a law firm, and desire to understand the society and the world more. My dream is to have adventures in different countries while I am still young. I am interested in anything creative, such as sci-fi movies, industrial design, or high technology stuff. I hope to meet many talented people by listening and sharing in the Red Room.”

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