Log #2

Income gap is one of the irreversible effect of capitalism. This rich, being more capable, are opened to more possibilities, while the poor are mostly stuck in where they are. This has become a social norm, a phenomenon that we dislike, and yet are so used to. Nonetheless, I think we are forgetting that this was not true, however common it is now, in 20^th century Taiwan. And this is not true, in many developed countries in Northern Europe. This proves there are ways to prevent income gap from widening.

        In the movie “In Time”, time has become the currency of man, and so, wealth. Those who are rich lives an immortal life while those “without time” dies off. In H.G Wells’ “The Time Machine”, the rich evolved into an elegant, carefree species, “Eloi”, while the poor turned into a cannibalistic, horrid being, “Morlocks”. Though written in two very different eras, the two stories both tells of the severe outcome that may follow if income gap continues to widen. It contributes to the rise of Nationalism, as people grow discontent about their earnings and sought to protect their own interests. It contributes to Brexit and to Trump’s ascension, both with strong Nationalism character.

The problem is no less serious in Taiwan. Here, we see the economy growth as climbing numbers, but we do not feel it. People complain about poor economy, political parties grasp the opportunity to create class conflict, the society grows unstable by the minute. The problem was most serious when President Ma attempted to boost the economy by supporting trade. He only made the rich richer.

When we look back into history, we are most certainly to find equality after major unrests, such as war and destruction. But leveling the playground is not the only way to create a fair game. The key to redistributing wealth could be social welfare system.