If Australia teaches us that everyone looks stylish in thongs and a beanie, Taiwan has taught me HELLO KITTY IS FOR EVERYONE, not just five year old girls. Taiwanese men of all ages love this icon of Japanese imperialism. This is not to say Taiwan doesn’t have the macho, macho, macho man of course – Confucius has made sure men keep their ‘rightful’ place. However, instead of worshipping the clueless, D-cupped, beer-sculling blonde who frequents the Grand, the Taiwanese macho goes for cutesy, whining, pouting creatures, who act as helplessly as humanly possible, and dress in hot pants and fur parkas. These traits ignite his desire to protect and guide the weaker sex, and justify catering to her every childish whim. He also insists on paying at all times, and has tendencies to become physical if this right is denied. I once had a ‘whim’ for 7-11 instant noodles, and ended up with a bruised arm. Despite this ‘manly’ behaviour, he may: come decked out in a pink or purple Hello Kitty motorbike helmet with a matching raincoat; carry a man-bag adorned with small, pastel plush-toys; wear hoop ear-rings to dinner; hang a plethora of trinkets on his phone; and stage a full array of painted nails with jewelled decorations – and all this without fear of ridicule.
Can you imagine your typical beer-swilling, footy-lovin’, pie-munchin’ bloke out of his wife-beater, and in this get-up?? It’d give the Grand a serious face-lift!!
*
Can you imagine your typical beer-swilling, footy-lovin’, pie-munchin’ bloke out of his wife-beater, and in this get-up?? It’d give the Grand a serious face-lift!!
*
