Constructing ethnic identity through Taiwanese Indigenous music and dance performances: The case of TITV

Abstract

The effects of identity can be felt across all facets of life. Culture, ethnicity, language, and music and dance are all meaningful expressions of identity. This paper explores the identity of Taiwan’s Indigenous ethnic groups through the lens of a traditional music and dance performance and the media platform of Taiwan Indigenous Television (TITV). Elements examined include the impact from the national system, the interaction between ethnic groups, and the sharing of music and dance, which may have negative impacts. How can ethnic media organizations such as TITV present these conflicts? As ethnic consciousness emerges, conflict may arise between the national system and the will of the community. How does ethnic media handle this kind of news? This paper analyses the controversy of the Pangcah / Amis Chi-mei tribe (Kiwit tribal community) intellectual property infringement that occurred in Taiwan in August 2018, identifying the problems that occurred between the government and the tribe. Through the observation and analysis of the media, the occurence has become an important reference for future disputes,