THE NOT SO BIG LIFE Yu-Hsuan Huang
!
6 decades ago, as the Nationalist government failed in the civil war, a
massive wave of immigration occurred across the Taiwan Strait from China. Approximately one million of so-called “provincial families” or “external provincial persons” came to Taiwan with the government. Most of them were soldiers and their dependents dwelling in different places dispersively. In order to assist them settle down, the government built many military dependents' villages and these villages formed a very special family having its own culture and lifestyle. Black roof tiles, gray concrete wall, green windows and red double-door gates are the typical houses of military dependents’ villiges. The neighbors used to hang out, drop in and have a chat. By sunset, they came back for preparing dinner for family. After a while, the smell of cooking filled the lanes. However, as time changed, military dependents' villages were torn down by urban renewal, reconstruction of dependents' villages, outward moving of the young generation residents for studying and marriage. The villagers still lives in their small houses with their aged body alone. There’s nothing left but memories.
The day that photo taken was his birthday. However, for him just like a day any other .
Mr. Chiang was reading the publication from China which include his article while waiting for the garbage truck.
By the time the mansions have completed, the military dependents' villages will be torn down for urban renewal.
THE NOT SO BIG LIFE