Dual Nature Of Self Apparent Through Chinese Political History

Each flag has a pin of an illustrious leader: Chiang Kai-shek for the ROC; and Mao Tse-tung for PRC.

I write plenty about the weird way my mind works. But such is merely a pretension, as I honestly believe I am not alone with contradictory thoughts, different opinions at different times of the day, self-doubt, and endless analysis.

In my early years I fancied myself a student of Chinese political history. Many a happy rumination centered on who was the ultimate dictator, Chiang Kai-shek of the Republic of China on Taiwan, or Mao Tse-tung, of the People's Republic of China (the big China).

When I moved into my current home I hung up the flags of the two Chinas in my garage, happy to remember good times in both these places. Previously I never had the space.

It only occurs to me now that after 13 years in this house never once has a tradesman, friend, visitor, or family member asked about these flags. I believe this is because an aura of seriousness and authenticity radiates so forcefully from me that others fear they would appear small as the answer would be obvious.

Or maybe the flags are hard to see when the garage door is up.

In any case the flags more recently have come to symbolize the many contradictory aspects of our personalities. I might applaud the decadence of Chiang in a boorish mood, or celebrate the military excellence of Mao when in a productivity mindset.

A conclusion is not needed. The flags exist in harmony with lawn-care equipment and give me nice memories when I look at them.

謝謝你的祝福