On 4th March 2015, I was invited by Center for Indigenous Studies of National Taiwan University to talk about my own experience in indigenous international affairs and historical research. They named the session, "Crushing Waves and Chasing Dreams: International Relations from Indigenous Perspectives".
My presentation was in Mandarin, and I based it upon many of my blog articles where I discussed similar issues in depth with personal reflection. My blog is my archive.
After my presentation, the NTU professor (an anthropologist) that invited me gave me a big hug, telling me how touched she felt by my genuineness, and students flocked over to exchange opinions. A few days later, a part-time journalist who also heard the presentation that evening made an interview appointment with me, saying she wanted to know more and to write about my pursuit of historical truth. Our interview went over four hours, and I wonder if that is the reason why she seems to have a hard time to get the article out. I haven't heard from her since.
In comparison, I always find it very difficult to talk about myself or personal experience. It's not like talking about the fieldwork I did; it's about me, the fieldworker. Such topic requires a look back on personal history, while life is going on and thoughts developing still. Besides, there is also a certain amount of bashfulness. These combined create resistance against opening oneself up in front of an audience.
Yet, an invitation accepted is a promise to fulfill. So I did my part faithfully and sincerely hope for the best.
