站在中間的那群人 / 做出選擇的那群人

Finally, when they came to catch me, no one stood up to speak for me anymore.

This sentence is often used to condemn those who remain silent, implying that they are also part of the group of perpetrators.

At first, I fully agreed with this statement, until I remembered the binary fallacy discussed in the book “The Truth”. The so-called binary fallacy refers to dividing the world into only two groups of people. However, in reality, there exists a wide range of "spectrums"; in other words, silence doesn’t necessarily equate to inaction—perhaps someone is quietly doing work behind the scenes that you haven't noticed. Likewise, speaking up doesn’t always mean agreement; it might just be a casual like or share before they go back to scrolling on their phones.

What I want to point out is that everyone has a spectrum of engagement regarding different issues; some are deeply concerned about political and social matters, while others only grasp the general idea.

Additionally, when we contemplate these issues, we often forget an important factor: time. When I was six years old, my concerns were obviously about eating donuts or rushing to the park after school. As I grew older, my focus naturally shifted with age and career.

Today, I want to talk about those who fight while carrying their wounds. Let me share a story:

In high school, I used to ride my bike to school every day. One day, a panicked young man on a motorcycle asked me, "Can you lend me 100 NT dollars? I need to ride back to Fengshan, but I'm low on gas. Please, please." At that time, my naïve self hesitated because, for me, 100 NT dollars was a day’s worth of meals. In the end, I decided to give him the money.

"I’ll return it to you when I see you around here again," the young man said with a smile before speeding off. Of course, I didn’t really expect him to pay me back.

I saw him again a few weeks later, at the same street corner, using the same method. Was he waiting specifically for me? Of course not. As I rode by, I noticed he was using a similar tactic to scam other passersby. Honestly, this approach was much more effective than begging.

Later on, when the trend of selling "love pens" began, I would see them calling out every time I entered Zuoying Station. They would even rally their friends when they found someone willing to bite. I was one of the victims.

If you haven't seen the news or encountered similar situations, it's easy to be swayed by the ideals they profess. They would ask for 300 NT dollars for a love pen, and even if it felt off, I’d treat it as a form of support and hand over the cash. I still remember the expression of joy on their faces when I pulled out the money.

In college, I occasionally saw someone selling gum and tissue by pushing a wheelchair on the street. One day, I happened to need some tissue, so I bought a pack. I only remember that it was significantly more expensive than regular tissue, but the materials were poorly made recycled paper.

On my way home from a part-time job (around 11 PM), I encountered a man who approached me asking if I could lend him 300 to 400 NT dollars for a bus ticket back to Taichung. Having had many experiences like this, I kept questioning him to verify whether he really needed the bus. Since he sounded quite sincere, I struggled but ultimately gave him the money. But a week later, I saw him again on the same street in Taipei.

These experiences may not seem severe—at least I wasn't sold into Cambodia or had limbs broken, nor was my savings emptied—but they left a lasting shadow on me.

Although some people genuinely need help, it's incredibly hard to come by. When you're already struggling yourself, it's disheartening to lend support only to have it squandered. It feels more realistic to save up for a few video games or grab a couple of coffees.

I believe there are also those who once stepped up to help and speak out, only to be attacked or deceived, leading them to remain silent afterward. How many idealistic individuals have stepped up to take action, only to end up battered and disillusioned, eventually being labeled as part of the "silent majority"? Those who remain in the spotlight—aren't they all carrying their own wounds?

Don’t use your binary standards to judge others.