VLOG 1

During this process I encountered many difficulties and questions regarding beauty standards in Taiwan. As mentioned earlier, beauty is a subjective topic and many individuals will find beauty in different places. After arriving in Taiwan, I immediately noticed the different types of beauty products available as well as a reoccurring look among Taiwanese females. This was quite different than Vancouver because the aesthetic look was extremely different. I was curious about what influenced this way of thinking. As a child, I was constantly told about myths and Chinese superstitions about looks. For example, as noted in my first vlog, “one white covers three uglies”, implying having white skin will cover three other flaws. As well as, a constant look of disapproval when a pimple was surfacing. Upon examination, Asian culture places a large emphasis on aesthetics and beauty. I believe Chinese proverbs and superstitions influence Taiwanese rituals as well as how far they are willing to go to achieve a desired look.Other areas of interest were the overwhelming advertisements along the MRT promoting clinics and procedures. A reoccurring question that constantly kept intensifying was whether or not Taiwanese women felt pressure from society to conform to their beauty standards. 

            I would like to understand Taiwanese culture and uncover why the beauty industry is so dominant in Taiwan. Initial observations include whether or not such procedures are limited to a specific class or gender. For example, on several websites, Taiwanese clinics will promote rhinoplasty for males and females. In Vancouver, a friend who is a receptionist at a clinic in North Vancouver has disclosed that it is predominately a female procedure. A quick Google search will demonstrate that Taipei is flooded with clinics as well as “reputable doctors”. Several blog entries will promote specific clinics and procedures, but I believe it is false advertising due to the concentrated amount of information targeting foreigners. Immediately, I began to wonder if all clinics require similar qualifications and whether or not nurses were able to perform non-invasive treatments. For example, in Vancouver, some clinics will only use a doctor’s name, but the nurses will actually perform the procedures. 

When studying this topic, it became very hard trying to gain insider information due to privacy and confidentiality restrictions. Watsons and Cosmed immediately came up to me when I was filming and made it very clear I was not allowed to take any videos inside. Also, after visiting Young Shine Aesthetic Clinic, I discovered a strict no filming or photography policy. The nurse caught me filming and immediately asked me to delete everything. Furthermore, it became quite apparent that many individuals do not like to disclose work they have done.  

In this process 王老师 was able to provide some assistance to help speak to some nurses and gain insider information inside a clinic. I believe, Taiwanese culture does not allow individuals to film or take photos inside clinics due to confidentiality, for patients and the doctor. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, I would like to ask the staff and doctor many questions, interview 王老师’s little sister and possibly record a procedure on myself or a willing participant. 

The most difficulties I gained were the actual vlogging experience and editing process. As an individual who is quite private, it became difficult to try and maneuver around vlogging without being in the actual vlogs. Furthermore, individuals in Taiwan were less open to filming and photos. However, the video displaying 100 years of Taiwanese beauty was an important way for me to introduce my topic. It felt important to try and showcase how diverse and constant beauty trends were in Taiwan. Due to its history from Japanese and Western influence, beauty standards for Taiwanese women were unique and stunning for an outsider, like myself, observing a different kind of beauty. 

在台湾，我有很多问问题因为我不知道台北女性喜欢做什么。我觉得很多台湾女性不怕做手术. 所以我常常看到女性用很多产品。我觉得台湾有很多地方比加拿大的地方。我觉得很多女性不喜欢告诉别人他们做了什么。

我下个 Vlog 我想看到医生地方，而且问问王老师的妹妹。我想找出女性喜欢做那个手术。我想和王老师的妹妹聊天。先我想听王老师的妹妹的经历，先问问医生，最后录影带 (lu4ying3 dai4) 医生地方。