Taking a Stab at the President

By Natalie Paul, 09.20.06

As a nation divides over an alleged presidential corruption scandal, a voodoo doll craze attracts many outraged Taiwanese.

The doll, created in the likeness of President Chen, is being snatched up by citizens weary of Taiwan’s political infrastructure.

“[Pres. Chen] has weakened our economy and international diplomatic relationships,” said Julie Chen, a Taiwan born international student in the U.S. “They do not have enough good experience and character.”

The dolls and other protests have won 65 percent of Taiwan’s 23 million citizens according to media polls. But what makes this particular gambit different from all other anti-Chen paraphernalia is the mysterious ancient curse it is believed to possess.

The tradition stems from ancient African and Caribbean culture where enforcing pain on the toy could simultaneously inflict harm on one’s enemy. This ancient religious practice is still prevalent and has been spreading all across China, according to Asia-Pacific News.

While voodoo dolls continue to attract Asian markets, controversial issues around its spiritual powers are rising. According to Newsweek, any organizations are calling for a band on the toy believing the rave promotes ancient feudal beliefs of curses and black power.

The doll’s popularity stems from suspicious behavior on Chen’s part. During recent disasters and flooding in Taiwan, President Chen and the Democratic Progressive Party were accused of negligence and of using faulty materials in many villages, according to the “Taipei Times.”

“Again and again, and again the Democratic Progressive Party’s character is highly suspect by Taiwanese,” Shen said. She believes many of the protesters view Chen as incompetent and lacking moral ability to lead the island.

Magi Zhon, a Taiwan native who returns home each summer, said she never heard a voice in support of Chen during her six week stay this year.

“Most people have been ready for him to step down for more than a year,” Zhon said. “How could he not resign? If he doesn’t, the people will become violent. There will be no future for him or Taiwan.”

Like Zhon, Shen believes if the President does not listen to the voice of the people violence may occur far worse than calculated.

“People will not be able to tolerate it. He always lies,” Shen said. “And because of that many intelligent and educated people do not want to work with him.”