Viewing Taiwanese Hypocrisy through the ISIS Massacre in France: Distance and Empathy toward Tragedy

This article explores the phenomenon where some Taiwanese were criticized as hypocritical for using French flag profile picture overlays to express mourning after the Paris terrorist attacks. The author rebuts this, explaining that the stronger reaction to the Paris attacks stems from Paris symbolizing a sanctuary of freedom, democracy, and peace, and that ISIS's actions constituted an act of war. The author argues that people are not indifferent to Middle Eastern conflicts, but rather have a deeper connection to France and wish for peaceful regions to remain unattacked. He calls on critics to reflect on whether they truly care about Middle Eastern wars or are just flaunting a 'superior' set of values.