Chang Show-foong (Chinese: 張曉風; pinyin: Zhāng Xiǎofēng; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tiuⁿ Hiáu-hong; born 29 March 1941) is a Taiwanese environmentalist, writer, and politician. She was elected to the Legislative Yuan in 2012 and served until her resignation in March 2013.

Chang Show-foong
張曉風
Chang in May 2010
Member of the Legislative Yuan
In office
1 February 2012 – 15 March 2013
Succeeded byChen Yi-chieh [zh]
ConstituencyRepublic of China
Personal details
Born (1941-03-29) 29 March 1941 (age 83)
Jinhua, Zhejiang, Republic of China
NationalityTaiwanese
Political partyPeople First Party
Alma materSoochow University
Occupationpolitician
Professionenvironmentalist, writer

Education and literary career edit

Chang is a native of Jinhua, and moved to Taiwan in 1949. She studied Chinese literature at Soochow University, graduating in 1962.[1] She has taught at her alma mater, and also at Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary and National Yang-Ming University.[2][3] Most of her works incorporate historical events as allegories to modern times.[4]

Activism edit

Chang made her opposition to the construction of a biotechnology park in Nangang District, Taipei known in 2010,[5] having described the area as "Taipei's last piece of green land."[6][7] Her advocacy featured direct visits to the site,[8] where she favored the retention of the area's natural wetlands as "Taipei's Central Park."[9] Chang also supported the maintenance of Pingtung County's Alangyi Trail.[10] She has compared substandard care of public greenery to foot binding.[11]

Political career edit

She was named to the Legislative Yuan via the proportional representation party list system as a representative of the People First Party.[12] As a legislator, Chang continued supporting a wide range of green causes.[13][14][15][16] In March 2012, she proposed that the government provide aid to single women, advising Taiwanese men against transnational marriage, calling the practice a "strange habit."[17][18] Chang's comments drew criticism from multiple civic groups.[19] She resigned from the legislature on 15 March 2013.[20]

References edit

  1. ^ "Professor Chang Show-foong appointed HKU School of Chinese Writer for the year 2014". University of Hong Kong. 14 February 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  2. ^ Republic of China Yearbook. Kwang Hwa Publishing Company. 1994. ISBN 9789570031492. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  3. ^ Who's who in the Republic of China, Taiwan. Government Information Office. 2002. ISBN 9789570111804.
  4. ^ France, Anna Kay; Corso, Paula Jo, eds. (1993). International Women Playwrights: Voices of Identity and Transformation. Scarecrow Press. p. 252. ISBN 9780810827820.
  5. ^ Shan, Shelley (29 September 2010). "Activists express doubts about impact of smaller biotech park on wetlands". Taipei Times. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  6. ^ "Biotech park closer to approval". Taipei Times. 21 May 2011. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  7. ^ "Ma seeks expert views for biotech park". Taipei Times. 11 May 2010. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  8. ^ Hsiu, Hsiu-chuan (12 May 2010). "Author Chang to inspect site of Munitions Works". Taipei Times. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  9. ^ Wang, Flora (18 May 2010). "Wang Jin-pyng voices support for park project". Taipei Times. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  10. ^ Lee, I-chia (23 June 2011). "Groups urge support for preserving ancient trail". Taipei Times. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  11. ^ Lee, I-chia (24 July 2013). "'Poor care' kills trees, not storms". Taipei Times. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  12. ^ Mo, Yan-chih (25 November 2011). "2012 ELECTIONS: Soong signs up for presidential race". Taipei Times. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  13. ^ "Lawmakers seek multi-party push to help wetlands". Taipei Times. 13 February 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  14. ^ Loa, Iok-sin (16 November 2012). "Forests 'should be under protection'". Taipei Times. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  15. ^ Lee, I-chia (20 March 2012). "Private sector profiting from state land: groups". Taipei Times. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  16. ^ "Cross-party group makes visit to Dongsha Islands". Taipei Times. 11 May 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  17. ^ Loa, Iok-sin (23 March 2012). "Chang's marriage comments spark furor". Taipei Times. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  18. ^ "More single men than women: MOI". Taipei Times. 25 March 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  19. ^ Loa, Iok-sin (24 March 2012). "Rights groups want Chang to apologize". Taipei Times. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  20. ^ Shih, Hsiu-chuan (16 March 2013). "Chang Show-foong confirms resignation". Taipei Times. Retrieved 25 April 2017.