Reflection on Participation｜From 2020 to 2022, My Starting Point in Social Movements: The "Ocean Light" Exhibition at University of Taipei

On November 5, 2020, the first day of the "Ocean Light" exhibition, listening to Lo-i discuss Taiwan's wrongful convictions and the death penalty, as well as witnessing the suffering and systemic state violence endured by Chiou Ho-shun, probably solidified my support for the abolition of the death penalty on that day.

On November 14, 2020, I revisited the "Ocean Light" exhibition, listened to Hao-jen share more details about the Ch'iu case, and examined the exhibition even more closely. The stories and figures of those wrongfully convicted victims became deeply imprinted in my heart.

On November 20, 2020, I joined the Taiwan Association for Motorcoolers' Rights (TAMR) for the "Monopoly-style hook turn" protest on Tacheng Street. For the first time, I was served a sign reading "Illegal behavior, order to disperse." While listening to Lo I discuss the Assembly and Parade Act and "walking the pigeons" from the Tatung Precinct, I experienced the atmosphere of a street movement for the first time and directly confronted the malice of the state apparatus.

On the early morning of December 10, 2020, we gathered at the south plaza in front of the Presidential Office, handcuffed ourselves, and, following the steps of lawyers, silently marched around the Presidential Office to call for a presidential pardon for Chiou Ho-shun. Later, the photos of this action were maliciously exploited by the China Times, making me deeply realize what kind of media outlet the China Times truly is. That same night, at Chia-an's invitation, I moderated the lecture "A Global Outlook on Islands." It was probably my first time holding a microphone to talk about issues to an audience below. I was shaking, but something inside me also began to surge.

On the early morning of December 25, 2020, I rushed to the Supreme Court, exchanged my ID for a visitor pass, and attended the oral argument session of the March 23 Executive Yuan Occupation case. For the first time, I learned what the "right of resistance" means, along with various forms of civil disobedience. That same night, I went to "Tortoise Books" for the Philo-5 lecture, listening to Chia-ho share observations after the oral arguments. Democracy, citizenship, and social movements deeply fascinated me.

The "Philosophy and Social Democracy Workshop" in January of the following year, "No Such Person" in March, and many, many different forms of participation followed thereafter.

Trying to retrieve the memories of those monumental moments bit by bit from my mobile phone's photo album, it might be difficult to fully restore the state of mind of that exact moment, but I can still feel that a force has been constantly pushing me forward. Starting from the "Ocean Light" exhibition back then, I learned about state violence and stepped bit by bit into social movements. Starting from the oral argument session back then, I learned about the Sunflower Student Movement and stepped bit by bit to shape my national identity. Walking all the way to today, I am truly grateful for the guidance of many seniors along the way, and I admire their efforts in promoting civil society.

Two years ago, the "Ocean Light" exhibition served as my starting point. Today, it is fortunate to be exhibited at the University of Taipei. I hope this exhibition and its lectures can also become someone else's starting point, allowing more people to spread the information, helping A-shun walk out of this wrongful conviction, and letting the light arrive.