Tai-Ke Culture

In Taiwan, there is a group of people who are called "Tai-Ke". Tai-Ke culture has been flourished for 6~8 years. According to scholars' comments, some people dont consider that the Tai-Ke culture is a culture, whereas, others think themselves as a typical culture to stand for Taiwan. However, put simply, the Tai-Ke culture is a subculture.

At the beginning, Tai-Ke was invented by northern residents and used for people who live in the southern part of Taiwan. In Taiwan, there is a worse phenomenon that some northern people usually look down on southern people. They think they have more influences on Taiwan. In fact, I hate this word so much, I lived in northern part of Taiwan though. I think this word was invented by politicians, in which was used to divide Taiwan people.

In the past, Tai-ke meant someone was a kind of local Taiwanese, except native residents(aborigine). But the real meaning is changed with time, for now, it means someone who has some strange or unusual behaviors and unfashionable dress style. In the words, now Tai-Ke's meaning is kind of Newyorkers, Hippies or Ganguro Girls(Shibuya,Japan).However, a lot of Tai-Kes are proud of themselves because they regard that they are protecting the Taiwan's culture.

Undoubtedly, Tai-Kes also have some special behaviors and dress styles.I saw and observed a lot of Tai-kes when I studied in the Chia-yi university which is near southern Taiwan. Through my observation, they always put on the "blue and white slippers" which is very cheap and hard-wearing, and "colorful shirts" and "golden watch". In addition, they like to tattoo dragon or tiger on their arm or back,and also like to reconstruct their cars and motorcycles, always noisy!! Sometimes, they are dangerous because they drive or ride as a snake, which scare people away and provoke cops. The most interesting observation is that they never make their helmets drop down when they ride speedily without binding belts.

So far some teenagers are involved in the Tai-ke culture, even we can find the Tai-Ke rock music and some shops whcih sell the Tai-Ke's necessary products. How interesting it is! In my views, I think the Tai-ke culture is supposed to research. Next time when I call you " Tai-Ke", that means you are not in vogue and not graceful!!