Hey,

I also live in Taiwan (Taichung). Being here really feels like a utopian society because we never had a real lockdown due to the government being super proactive about it. It’s weird being out and about and then talking to family and friends in other countries who only leave the house for groceries.

I was wondering why Americans were so against wearing masks and listening to the government, but I realize it’s simply a cultural difference (and the fact that the US hasn’t collectively experienced a traumatic event to make people come together, or at least attempt it, compared to many “old world” nations that have been through a lot). A simplified explanation of the US becoming a country was due to people fearing too much government control, so it’s embedded in the culture for both the privileged and the non.

I like coming from an individualist society, but the cons of it have truly been exposed and it’s a shame.