<p>Note: This episode may not be suitable for minors. </p><p><br></p><p>Yes, <em>funeral strippers</em> are real, and their story is far more complicated than the headlines. With anthropologist <strong>Marc L. Moskowitz </strong>as our guide<strong>, </strong>we climb aboard Taiwan’s infamous<strong> </strong>Electric Flower Cars, neon-lit mobile stages where dancers perform during funerals and temple processions.</p><p><br></p><p>In this dual episode (video/audio only), Eryk chats with Professor Moskowitz about his<strong> </strong>documentary, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCRmmSdYwDc" target="_blank"><em><strong>Dancing for the Dead.</strong></em></a><em> </em>The discussion explores how this controversial tradition took root, why it exploded into public debate in the 1980s, and what it reveals about Taiwan’s rural-urban cultural divide. </p><p><br></p><p>Critics call it immoral. Performers call it a livelihood. Fans say it keeps the spirits and the crowds entertained; enjoy this provocative, colorful, and surprisingly heartfelt look at one of Taiwan’s most misunderstood cultural practices.</p><p><br></p><p>Audio only version also available. Follow us on social media and leave a <a href="https://www.formosafiles.com/reviews/new/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">comment/review</a>! </p><p> </p><p><br></p>

The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

John Ross and Eryk Michael Smith

Taiwan’s Funeral Strippers: “Dancing for the Dead” – S5-E40

DEC 11, 202547 MIN
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

Taiwan’s Funeral Strippers: “Dancing for the Dead” – S5-E40

DEC 11, 202547 MIN

Description

<p>Note: This episode may not be suitable for minors. </p><p><br></p><p>Yes, <em>funeral strippers</em> are real, and their story is far more complicated than the headlines. With anthropologist <strong>Marc L. Moskowitz </strong>as our guide<strong>, </strong>we climb aboard Taiwan’s infamous<strong> </strong>Electric Flower Cars, neon-lit mobile stages where dancers perform during funerals and temple processions.</p><p><br></p><p>In this dual episode (video/audio only), Eryk chats with Professor Moskowitz about his<strong> </strong>documentary, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCRmmSdYwDc" target="_blank"><em><strong>Dancing for the Dead.</strong></em></a><em> </em>The discussion explores how this controversial tradition took root, why it exploded into public debate in the 1980s, and what it reveals about Taiwan’s rural-urban cultural divide. </p><p><br></p><p>Critics call it immoral. Performers call it a livelihood. Fans say it keeps the spirits and the crowds entertained; enjoy this provocative, colorful, and surprisingly heartfelt look at one of Taiwan’s most misunderstood cultural practices.</p><p><br></p><p>Audio only version also available. Follow us on social media and leave a <a href="https://www.formosafiles.com/reviews/new/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">comment/review</a>! </p><p> </p><p><br></p>