Tibet
eTN Mailbox: Tibet
I have not been recently to Tibet, but spent just over 3 weeks in eastern China, which used to belong to Tibet before the Chinese invasion, and in the TAR with a group last summer. I have attended 2 horse festivals, both of which were patronizingly orchestrated by the Chinese, making it in fact more of a Chinese affair by their speeches and propaganda for the Chinese officials. Heavy Chinese police and PLA presence was there at both with intimidating arrogance. It actually made us quite sick how they took advantage of this culture and rake in all that the tourists brought in. We took the notorious train from Xinning to Lhasa, and were only allowed to step out onto a platform when the train stopped at 1 station on the 27 hour journey. The toilets were closed 30 minutes before arriving to Lhasa, and I had to hold back all bodily functions after begging to open one but refused. Luckily I didn’t have travelers’ diarrhea or a week bladder or some other problems which might have caused me enormous embarrassment.
I was warned by one guide not to talk about politics, the Dalai Lama or personal views on the way things are run to drivers or guides as one could be a grass and the other could be taken in for interrogation. The control is so bad, that we couldn’t get a permit to leave Shigatse to get to Kathmandu let alone get to the Base Camp Everest. The Chinese spread rhumers that there were landslides, and even those who previously got permit couldn’t get there. In fact it was always possible to pass through as we found it out from a cycling group who had just come to the Nepalese border from the Base Camp with their truck that had no problem in passing and they themselves didn’t come across any serious obstacles. The Chinese lie all the time, manipulate facts to cut off information not just from visitors but from anyone in order not find out their atrocities. The poor Tibetans feel suffocated by the overwhelming Chinese population planted onto them. Those Chinese are the reason for the so called investment, the road buildings etc, to keep that population supplied and blatantly use that well preserved country for their resources. Well loaded trucks and military convoys were seen on the roads all though the TAR and locals were telling of stories how they constantly fight the Chinese officials and workers who are sent there to mine their sacred mountains from which they see no greater good. They all end up in China proper. In Lhasa itself I felt sick in the gut when looking out from the Potala Palace onto the big square with the massive pole stick right in front of the Palace with the Chinese flag. I have never felt so much compassion for a nation that is humiliated in every possible opportunity from the Chinese part. I happen to come from Hungary, a country that had been through similar situation but at least our language, our culture was never threatened like the Tibetan’s. The Dalai Lama is right when he tells of cultural genocide.
There is a lot more to say to understand why the Tibetans had had enough and have to explode, this is not ordinary hooliganism as the Chinese would like us to believe.
The only terrible shame is that the other powerful nations are cowards and greedy and they will have to feel the burden of guilt when letting and watching a nation trampled upon, kicked and punched in the face to death.
Mrs. K. Rowson
Comments
Sorry, I made some mistakes...
It's not AC, but AD. And I also had some spelled errors...
I'm not so good at English, hehe~~
Before you study the history of Tibet, please do not post any ignorant comments.
As far as I know, in Tang dynasty of ancient China（AC618-AC907）, the Tibet and China had become a league. Chinese government started to take books, technologies, machines and silks to Tibet. That might be the beginning of ur so-called Cultural Genocide.
However, during the collapse of Tang, the whole ancient China fell into civil war. Also, the tribes of Tibet begun to fight with each other.
Time to 13th century, China, just liked many other nations at that time, was ruled by Mongol. As a part of Mongol Empire(inlude many kingdoms), Tibet became a province of Yuan kingdom(called Yuan dynasty of China in Chinese history book, which I don't agree. In my opinion, China did not exsit during that period ).
Then, in AC1368, the rule of Mongol was replaced by Ming Empire. The government of Ming carried the rule on Tibet.
In AC1644, the Ming Empire was defeated by a north nation. This nation carried the rule of Ming, called Qing Empire which was the last feudal dynasty of China. To strengthened the rule in Tibet, the emperor of Qing canonized Dalai Monk and Panchen Erdeni, two main religious leaders.
So, you see, unlike the history of western countries, the history of China was very complex. Actually, China is a compound of many nationalities, somewhat like USA.
Because the rule of Republic of China (AC1912- )was weak, the provinces of China were not so united. Many provinces had their own systems. Tibet, for example, was still in serfdom. 90% of Tibetan were serives, 5% were slaves, and the rest 5% were aristocrats, monks, and officials. The latter 5% owned all lands, forest, and most livestocks, houses, and other things in Tibet. They treated other 95% of Tibetan as livestocks. There is a letter came from a aristocrat in Tiber in the eary 1950s, which really shock me. I can't translate it in full accurace, here is the main meaning
" To pray long life for Dalai Monk,......, we need one bowel, two skulls, all kinds of blood, and a whole human skin. Send them to here immediately."
In 1951, as the People's Republic of China replaced the rule of Republic of China, except Taiwan, the new government wanted to change the situation in Tibet. However, unlike the Panchen Erdeni, the Dalai Monk and many aristocrats didn't want to give up their power, and rebelled in 1959. Of course, they failed and escaped to overseas. Why that happened, if their people loved them? The reason is simple, the 95% Tibetan wanted freedom.
Then, let's talk about so-called Cultural Genocide. I have to admit that I know few about this area. All I know is that childern can learn their national language and literacy in school in Tibet.
In fact, the greastest Cultural Genocide and even the Race Genocide happened in 18th century and 19th century, when European settled(shall I say invade?) in all parts of the world!
China is just a developing country, of course has a lot of problems. Please don't compare it with ur developed western countries. China is changing everyday, and it will be better with ur mercy and compassion!
:et's not boycott China and the Olympics, but let's go there in masses!
I've been reading with great interest the few last post regarding Tibet and
China and though still can't think straight! Having been brought up in the Tourism Industry since a kid and having lived overseas for 3/4 of my life I've got across many injustice and atrocities especially in Asia, therefore much more sensitive to such issues.
I live actually in East Africa and can feel Chinese investing heavily throughout Africa, Aid to development? No, but a way of tying up natural resources needs to their booming economy! Communist has always criticized imperialism! Just look at them now, are they not behaving like imperialists! So, no wonder why a Cultural genocide is not only taking place, but took place since middle of the last century!
I believe that in life nothing is black or white but different shades of grey zones exist, just follow your conscience and if you feel like to boycott Chinese products or the Olympics do it, but this won't help, it will just make life more difficult for the Chinese working class!
The solution is elsewhere, but can't tell you what the solution is, I might be able to tell you what is a solution, but not the one! The sure way is a peaceful solution to this issue.
I believe that boycotting Outbound Tourism from China or Inbound to China could be a way! Ha... What the hell about boycotting China, even better, let's all go to Tibet for our next holiday!
I believe that if a million visa requests ends up on Chinese Embassies Visa Section desks, with a comment " In purpose of your visit to China from the Visa form" such as "Want to visit Tibet before the Cultural Genocide eradicates completely the little left of Tibetan culture" then we might have a slight chance to see the Chinese changing their Policy toward Tibet!!!
The idea is launched, for who is interested!!! If a few peoples around earth want to help they are welcome to spread that idea and why not help directly by creating a website "Visit Tibet before complete Eradication" then contact me at xmetienne@gmail.com
So, who's joining me in the idea of a website and the task of overloading Chinese Officials with at least a million Visa requests for visiting Tibet???
How the Chinese see themselves, and what about the world!?
I am European who spend over 10 years in Asia. My wife is Chinese. We live in Europe now. I see how these recent events make my wife feel bad. She feels sorry for Tibetans and a bit guilty at the same time. But I believe there is no need for her to feel guilty.
The Chinese government and authorities have a tendency to educate their own people as they see fit. This means that Chinese people are continues being told half-truths and outright lies.
Cultural diversity in China is of course tolerated... in their special cultural theme parks. Domestic tourism in China does exist, but having been on a few local tours myself I can say that it is like visiting a less sophisticated Disney World Paris and being told that all of France is like that, and that it is in the middle of Paris...
So, how come Chinese people don't see through that all? Imagine you are being educated since a baby under these circumstances. Your movement is controlled and even if you are allowed to travel to these 'approved' destinations, you may not have the money for it. Meanwhile, your history books just show how good the Communist/Chinese people are, and explain to their vision what happened in the past.
In addition everyone in China knows that Tibetans are known to be rough sword/knife wielding un-civilized people who also try to pick-pocket you. The communist party has so much influence over the last generations that these ideas are now also passed from parent to child. This is how you grow up. Of course, Chinese people these days are very disillusioned by the communist party. And a lot don't believe in the party. However, Chinese people don't always see what the party does to the country. The school's text books, reporting of the news, village rumours, etc. etc. In a way Chinese people can be regarded naive and innocent.
Imagine how difficult it is to slowly realize.... oh that is also not true then!?... In fact your whole upbringing, morals and values, can be questioned. It can be quite hard on those who learn other people's perspectives on things. In fact, some will stubbornly refuse other views (i.e. not everything is a lie). Others become so disillusioned that they toughen up and just don't care about anything anymore. And than we have a group who become idealists and want change. But, Joe Average is somewhere in between them all. Thus, I don't think my wife has to feel guilty.
Situation in Tibet:
Of course, when the communist party tells you to move to Tibet to help the barbarians there to develop themselves and the economy, and you are being promised economic benefits for you and your family,.. you go!
Tibetans however generally do not benefit at all from the influx of Chinese settlers. Neither did the American Indians some time ago. In fact, life becomes more difficult as they do not have the same (economic) opportunities as the Chinese. Of course, the government also needs to keep control and order (in their way) and any criticism is not welcome.
Unfortunately, any behaviour that is different from main-stream Chinese acceptable behaviour is seen as a sign of not wanting to be part of the group. So instead of being culturally different in China you can be labelled a rebel. And of course any dissent needs to be controlled.
China acted like any other country in the world does. If you see the opportunity to invade another country... go for it! The US need for oil and the Iraq invasion is the latest example. Turkey/Greece, UK/Ireland, Netherlands/Indonesia... all examples of where force combined with an excuse tries to make a right. No one is without blame in this world.
My own idea is that in order to change things around, we should act individually and treat people with the morals and values we believe in. Make our decisions based on those morals and values. Only then a government representative may make the right decision, instead of trying to calculate the lesser evil. Only then, as a group, community, country, can we feel confident we are on a moral higher ground.
I ask you... do you think a police officer in the UK has high morals and values? If so, then why did they pick up a critically ill foreigner from the hospital and deported her with the expected outcome that she died shortly after due to not being able to get the hospital treatment she needed? Why did none of the six guys in suites, arriving in the middle of the night at the hospital, said: I refuse to do this. This is not right! We can do this after the treatment.
If we believe China is acting incorrectly, why is everything I buy "Made in China"? Why does trade supporting sweat shops and injustices continue? Why did we forget the totalitarian oppression in Burma already? Why do we allow our own governments to continue to fool us? Who's in charge, the people or the elite?
Shame on all of us, and especially on the hypocrites!
Lead your life by example. Stick to your morals and values. Speak up, refuse to participate, and act in your own good conscience.
Being from one of the smallest, overpopulated, and richest countries in the world I love the convenience of modern life. But, how much are we really paying for that affordable microwave, the cinema (which I love), the pay check and the Pizza? Is someone else paying part of the price in terms of poverty, hunger, oppression? Let's stop hiding behind the skirts of our politicians. To change the group, you have to change yourself. Voice yourself, sign petitions, etc. But know that more is needed.
K.
I am not trying to say China is right in handling Tibet's issue, nor Tibetan is right in killing & setting fire. But as far as I can see from the Westren media, many of them didn't get the FACT of history right on Tibet.
Western media said Tibet was a independat country before 1950. And it was invaded by China. However, according to Chinese history, Tibet was a provience of China in 1793. Officers were sent by the Emperor to Tibet. And Dalai Lama had to be approved by the Emperor. And it had been followed accordingly for many years in history, nothing happened.
It is certain that awfulizing/judging/complaining will have no positive effect.
It is possible for deliberate action, ideally with positive intention to achieve some change to occasionally generate sufficient pressure to create breathing space in the form of delays and softenings.
To that end, please join your voice to the 480,000 voices of disagreement and protest and desire for peace and sign the petition at:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/tibet_end_the_violence/9.php?cl=63454121
For the longer term, to make a real difference, do this experiment:
Imagine the people doing the most odious acts are, deep inside, looking for love - like everyone else. Imagine the contrast within them between their soul, looking for love, and their meatsack, killing, destroying. Now imagine living in that contrast 24/7. Can you find some compassion for them, and maybe some gratitude that it aint YOU doin' the deeds?
Take a few minutes and simply imagine a loving, peaceful resolution to the conflict, raise your hands and send that intention, your light, and your love to the people and place
k♥rt
China is fast becoming a nation full of corruptions - the gap between the rich and the poor is getting wider. Prosperity and wealth only go to a "Chosen" few - the so called high ranking party and government officers. There is no difference between what China now and China before the communists succeeded
in defeating the so called corrupted "Nationalists" under the reign of Chiang Kai-Shek, founder of the Nationalist Party.
Prostitution is in almost every major cities and corruptions are at their peak.
We don't know what the exact number of their population infected with aids virus since all news are censor before heading to the West and the rest of the world. The promise of a freedom of press during the Olympic is the biggest lie
that come out from the Chinese government.
Americans, wake up and smell the roses - boycott the 2008 Olympic and so are their products. Its a shame that Company like Dell are getting their major components manufactured in China. Its time that we stay away from Dell Computers as well.China has been sending us products that are a danger not to our children but also to our cats and dogs - are you all learning a lesson yet ???? What does it take to convince our nation that the exports from China
are not only endangering our Economy as well as creating a health hazard to our population.
Shame on you, China, in merciless killing of the people of Tibet.
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