國發會與ICRT共同製播的時事英語廣播“The World in Brief”固定於每周三在雙語資料庫學習資源網更新，與大家一起聽時事學英文。

本周主題：228和平紀念日

發生於民國36年2月的228事件是台灣歷史上的傷痛，許多的藝術作品是以228事件為背景，提醒著人們同樣的錯誤不可再犯，例如，閃靈樂團（Chthonic）的暮沉武德殿（Defenders of Bu-Tik Palace）和烏牛欄大護法（Millennia’s Faith Undone）。想知道更多嗎？讓我們用3分鐘的時間一起來聽聽記者Max McGrath怎麼說吧！

 

【Transcript】

Nora: The biggest news … the best guests …the boldest events … This is ‘The World in Brief’ with Max McGrath.

Nora: This week we honor 228 Peace Memorial Day: a national holiday in Taiwan, acknowledging one of the island’s most horrific historical events. Roving reporter Max McGrath joins us live from Taipei. Max?

Max: Thanks Nora. We’re here outside the 228 Memorial Foundation’s national museum. I’m joined by art critic Honda Chang, who recently wrote about the incredible range of art inspired by the devastating tragedy of the 228 Incident. Honda, welcome to the show. Honda: It’s a privilege to be here, Max.

Max: You know, you’re right. It is an honor to be here, in this park … it’s really quite significant isn’t it? Honda: Yes, it’s full of meaning and importance.

Max: For all our listeners out there who don’t know, could you give us a quick summary of the Incident? What happened?

Honda: That’s not a very easy thing to do, Max! Basically, it was an anti-government uprising. The people of Taiwan rose up in protest against the ruling government’s militant, degrading treatment of its citizens …

Max: You mean they were violent and disrespectful towards the Taiwanese?

Honda: Very much so. On February 28th, when the people tried to fight back, they were shot in their thousands. 228 Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. We use it to commemorate all the victims, dead or alive, and their families.

Max: And the artwork you wrote about, that was meant to do the same?

Honda: Partly, yes. But that was also about understanding the mistakes of the past, so we can avoid them in the future. Max: How do you mean?

Honda: Well, I’m a firm believer in empathy. That means understanding how someone is feeling, and why. Art is really good for that. It can quickly show you fresh perspectives, new points of view that you never thought of before. Max: Can you give us any examples?

Honda: There’s so many! You like music?

Max: I love music! Honda: What kind? How about Chthonic?

Max: You mean the band?! I love them! Honda: Me too! They’ve actually made two songs about the 228 Incident: ‘Defenders of Bu-Tik Palace’ and ‘Millennia’s Faith Undone’.

Max: Heavy metal is one of my favorite genres. Honda: You know, it’s perfect for dealing with a difficult issue like this. It’s raw, angry, desperate … just like a lot of victims of the Incident must have felt. The minute you hear it you feel a certain way, right?

Max: Right. Honda: When art makes you feel something, that’s empathy. With empathy comes understanding. With understanding comes knowledge, and with knowledge comes the ability to fix what was broken. To heal wounds. That’s why art is so important, it helps people come to terms with something painful in ways nothing else can.

Max: What other art can you recommend?

Honda: So much! Lots of paintings and sculptures have been inspired by the 228 Incident. Also books, movies, graphic novels … there’s even a video game. You can find lots of examples on the 228 Memorial Museum’s website*.

Max: Thank you Honda, you’ve given us all so much to think about. This is Max McGrath reporting live from Taipei. Nora?

Nora: Thanks Max. Take care everyone, thanks for listening. I’m Nora Yu.

 

【Vocabulary】

Devastating 毀滅性的(adj.)

We are deeply saddened by this devastating tragedy.

 

Privilege 特權(n.)

He enjoys diplomatic privileges.

 

Militant 激進分子(n.)

The group has taken a militant position on the abortion issue and is refusing to compromise.

 

Commemorate 紀念(v.)

The 228 Memorial Museum commemorates all of the victims of the 228 Incident.

 

Empathy 同理心(n.)

When I put myself in your place, I feel empathy with you.

 

Perspective 觀點(n.)

Max asked for Honda’s opinion because of Honda’s perspective as an art critic.

 

Desperate 絕望的(adj.)

He was desperate when he lost all his money.