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NCKU Library's "2024 World Reading Day": "From Barbie to Siri: Gender Across Time and Encounters" Theme Book Exhibition Event
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) Library holds different theme exhibitions every year to coincide with World Reading Day. This year (2024), marking the 20th anniversary of the Gender Equality Education Act and the opening of gender-friendly restrooms as part of the library's Phase II renovation, the library has chosen gender as the theme. With Barbie and Siri as two iconic characters reflecting creator's thoughts and shaping societal gender ideals, the library has organized four lectures and five film screenings (including post-screening discussions) to facilitate interdisciplinary discussions among NCKU students and lead readers, both on and off-campus, to contemplate gender issues. The event runs from April 25 to June 23.
NCKU Library points out that April 23 is designated as World Reading Day by UNESCO due to its association with many renowned authors such as Zhu Xi, Shakespeare, and Cervantes. However, the origins of this day often overlook female writers. Research also indicates that women's "visibility" is low in many fields, significantly influencing the education of the next generation. The lack of "success experiences" as learning benchmarks may subconsciously discourage girls from believing in their potential for achievement. This remains a focal point even after the establishment of the Gender Equality Education Act.
Both physical and mental factors contribute to gender differences and form the foundation for gender equality. Therefore, NCKU Library and the Medical Library branch have joined forces. The NCKU Main Library has created a futuristic incubator resembling a science fiction scene, where transparent human silhouettes leave room for readers' own interpretations. The surrounding exhibition area resembles a childhood room, rekindling connections with important childhood companions that shaped images, learning, and interactions with the world. This blend of virtual and reality creates a dreamy yet futuristic space, refreshing visitors' perspectives on self-exploration and growth. The Medical Library focuses on interactive discussions about gender health issues at the corner space in front of Takeda Bookstore, adopting the perspective of "gender mainstreaming" in scientific research.
The theme exhibition begins with two recent works: "Barbie," with its exclusive storyline following visual adaptation, and the just-translated "Smart Wife." These two works deeply reflect how society shapes "gender roles." Whether it's the introduction of the Scientist Barbie series, which encourages children to pursue dreams and challenge traditional gender roles, or addressing disputes over household labor division in a progressive gender society, or re-emphasizing and perpetuating the outdated stereotypes of women's roles in the family, the exhibition aims to provoke discussion.
NCKU Library combines its collection of audiovisual materials to organize film screenings, inviting participants to explore the "multiple universes of gender." Two screenings, "Gender X Health" and "Gender X Industry," feature post-screening discussions led by the library director and deputy director, respectively, highlighting the notion that regardless of who they are, individuals can collectively confront and contemplate gender issues.
The lecture series invites highly prolific speakers from various fields who integrate gender studies into their analyses and discussions. This includes Professor Yi-Ling Zhang from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NCKU discussing "Gender X Technology," translator Ke Yunqing from the Taiwan Association for the Reversal of Miscarriages of Justice discussing "Gender X Future," Professor Yi-Xuan Du from NCKU discussing "Gender X Space," and Associate Professor Yi-Ping Lin from Yang Ming Chiao Tung University discussing "Gender X Health."
In recent years, the interdisciplinary perspective of Science-Technology-Society (STS) has gained attention, emphasizing that "technology" originates from societal needs and influences social operations, necessitating a comprehensive view. "Gender issues," through exhibitions and interdisciplinary encounters among NCKU scholars, harness the driving force of "gender sensitivity." As we prepare to enter various industries, maintaining reading habits and continuous learning may serve as a key to sustaining mutual respect and comfort in a highly technological society.
NCKU Library points out that April 23 is designated as World Reading Day by UNESCO due to its association with many renowned authors such as Zhu Xi, Shakespeare, and Cervantes. However, the origins of this day often overlook female writers. Research also indicates that women's "visibility" is low in many fields, significantly influencing the education of the next generation. The lack of "success experiences" as learning benchmarks may subconsciously discourage girls from believing in their potential for achievement. This remains a focal point even after the establishment of the Gender Equality Education Act.
Both physical and mental factors contribute to gender differences and form the foundation for gender equality. Therefore, NCKU Library and the Medical Library branch have joined forces. The NCKU Main Library has created a futuristic incubator resembling a science fiction scene, where transparent human silhouettes leave room for readers' own interpretations. The surrounding exhibition area resembles a childhood room, rekindling connections with important childhood companions that shaped images, learning, and interactions with the world. This blend of virtual and reality creates a dreamy yet futuristic space, refreshing visitors' perspectives on self-exploration and growth. The Medical Library focuses on interactive discussions about gender health issues at the corner space in front of Takeda Bookstore, adopting the perspective of "gender mainstreaming" in scientific research.
The theme exhibition begins with two recent works: "Barbie," with its exclusive storyline following visual adaptation, and the just-translated "Smart Wife." These two works deeply reflect how society shapes "gender roles." Whether it's the introduction of the Scientist Barbie series, which encourages children to pursue dreams and challenge traditional gender roles, or addressing disputes over household labor division in a progressive gender society, or re-emphasizing and perpetuating the outdated stereotypes of women's roles in the family, the exhibition aims to provoke discussion.
NCKU Library combines its collection of audiovisual materials to organize film screenings, inviting participants to explore the "multiple universes of gender." Two screenings, "Gender X Health" and "Gender X Industry," feature post-screening discussions led by the library director and deputy director, respectively, highlighting the notion that regardless of who they are, individuals can collectively confront and contemplate gender issues.
The lecture series invites highly prolific speakers from various fields who integrate gender studies into their analyses and discussions. This includes Professor Yi-Ling Zhang from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NCKU discussing "Gender X Technology," translator Ke Yunqing from the Taiwan Association for the Reversal of Miscarriages of Justice discussing "Gender X Future," Professor Yi-Xuan Du from NCKU discussing "Gender X Space," and Associate Professor Yi-Ping Lin from Yang Ming Chiao Tung University discussing "Gender X Health."
In recent years, the interdisciplinary perspective of Science-Technology-Society (STS) has gained attention, emphasizing that "technology" originates from societal needs and influences social operations, necessitating a comprehensive view. "Gender issues," through exhibitions and interdisciplinary encounters among NCKU scholars, harness the driving force of "gender sensitivity." As we prepare to enter various industries, maintaining reading habits and continuous learning may serve as a key to sustaining mutual respect and comfort in a highly technological society.
In response to "World Reading Day 2024," NCKU Library is hosting the thematic book exhibition "From Barbie to Siri: Gender Across Time and Encounters."
"From Barbie to Siri: Gender Across Time and Encounters" Theme Book Exhibition Series invites readers to engage in gender reflection.
The Medical Library, in coordination with this event, has set up an interactive space focusing on gender health issues at the corner space in front of Takeda Bookstore.
