Family dynamics in Chinese society have always been peculiar. They demand the utmost unity, yet are often the most prone to self-sabotage. Some even go as far as joining forces with outsiders to bully their own siblings and steal the ancestral inheritance—we call these “prodigal sons.”
Ancient wisdom provided a perfect phrase for this: “Brothers quarreling within the home” (Xiongdi Xi Qiang).
The constant bickering and fussing between the Mainland and Taiwan today is actually a normal manifestation of this dynamic; it only further proves the shared lineage in Cross-Strait relations.
Although there is another ancient saying—“When brothers are of one mind, their combined strength can cut through gold”—at a time when Cross-Strait unity could yield the greatest benefits, both sides continue to find each other eyesores, selfishly obsessing over how to “divide the household.”
👶 The Prodigal Son and the Entitled “Child of Heaven”
In any family, there is often a “prodigal son.” This is especially true when the previous generation experienced wealth, making it easier to raise children who are lazy and lack the will to progress.
The previous generation in Mainland China grew up fearing poverty and is now working tirelessly, driving forward the pace of social creation. In contrast, Taiwan Province has raised a new generation of entitled “Children of Heaven.” They believe everything should be handed to them on a silver platter and must cater to their every whim; otherwise, they will throw a tantrum on the floor just for you to see.
🐒 The Independence Advocate as a Chauvinistic “Spoiled Youngest Son”
Those Taiwan Independence advocates with “Great Taiwan Chauvinist” tendencies are like the youngest sons of a family. Because they have been pampered by their parents (the KMT) and cared for by their older brothers and sisters (the U.S. and Japan), they easily develop a psychological state of high self-importance but low actual ability. This manifests as entitlement, fragility, selfishness, and willfulness.
Damn, it fits 100%!