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CONFERENCE GOALS
This conference aims to 1) inspire interest in Taiwanese American identity and Taiwanese culture, 2) celebrate Taiwanese American creativity, 3) strengthen the Taiwanese American community, 4) increase awareness of ties to the larger Asian American community, and 5) allow participants to come to their own conclusions about Taiwanese and Taiwanese American identity. We hope to achieve these goals through programming relevant cultural, educational, and social events such as: Night market, workshops, speeches by keynote speakers, the end-of-conference banquet, and small group sessions.
Anatomy of the Conference Logo
CONFERENCE THEME
The theme “Creative Identity of Ambiguity,” a somewhat ambiguous title in itself, stemmed from a curiosity of what exactly defines Taiwan as “Taiwanese.” One may experience, upon deeper reflection of the topic, surprise with the difficulty of pinpointing what exactly “Taiwanese” means, despite widespread consensus about Taiwan’s presence and existence in today’s world. If Taiwanese and Taiwanese Americans recognize Taiwan as a distinct ethnic crossroads of many cultures and a de facto independent nation, the world at most sees Taiwan as an ambiguous droplet of political, social, and ethnic ambiguity. This ambiguity inevitably carries over to those who call themselves “Taiwanese,” and by extension, to those who call themselves “Taiwanese American.” This ambiguity can be empowering, however; perhaps it has united more people and created a stronger community. Perhaps this ambiguity even attracts and inspires people. The fact that Taiwan has its ambiguities by no means disproves Taiwan’s existence.
If there is no certain Taiwanese identity, we can be sure that there is no certain Taiwanese American identity. Taiwanese Americans may embody an even greater degree of ambiguity—not only is the question of Taiwanese identity vague, but their identities lie somewhere along the “Taiwanese American spectrum,” ranging from first-generation Taiwanese Americans to those who have never been to Taiwan. Despite this, and despite the fact that the Taiwanese American community has only been recently formed, Taiwanese Americans have established their names through their creative accomplishments. This creative identity has enabled Taiwanese Americans to pioneer various fields, such as the hi-tech, medical, fashion, and entertainment industries. As a result of Taiwanese Americans and Taiwanese channeling their dynamic creative energies, lives have been bettered and Taiwan has become more than just an uncertain name.
ABOUT ITASA
The Intercollegiate Taiwanese American Students Association (ITASA) is a non-profit organization providing events and resources that explore and celebrate Taiwanese American identity in order to inspire, empower, and activate its community. Through organizing annual regional conferences in the East, West, and Midwest; holding leadership retreats; and localizing information and updates regarding the Taiwanese American community on its website, ITASA aims to not only fuel participants to think about the Taiwanese American identity, but also support them in the development of it. In accomplishing this, ITASA strives to strengthen ties within the Taiwanese American community and contribute to the next generation of Taiwanese American leaders.
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USC TAIWANESE AMERICAN ORGANIZATION
The Taiwanese American Organization at USC is a non-political association that promotes the awareness and exploration of Taiwanese culture. In addition to participating in ITASA conferences, TAO members have the opportunity to take part in an annual Night Market Festival, intercampus trips, movie nights, and Taiwanese food workshops, among many other events. The diversity that TAO enjoys at USC, one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse universities in the United States, ensures that involvement in TAO serves as a unique learning experience as well as a socializing and networking opportunity for all.
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