Tibet and Activism

Published April 25, 2007
One Comment (at bottom of article)

By Max C. Bookman

China invaded Tibet. So what?

When a feudal theocracy is invaded by socialist atheists problems are to be expected. Tibetan Buddhism, an integral part of Tibetan society, simply does not mingle well with Chinese Socialism.
Reports that escape China’s news lockdown tell of horrible stories of religious intolerance and human rights violations.

Since the 1950 invasion, China has actively tried to erase Tibet’s religious heritage by downplaying the importance of the Dalai Lama, destroying ancient Buddhist monasteries, and murdering monks. Chinese soldiers indiscriminately kill Tibetan pilgrims traveling to India to see the Dalai Lama.

China is also uprooting Tibetan culture by outlawing the Tibetan language, and forcing schools to use revised textbooks omitting any notions of historical Tibetan independence. The Chinese government promotes migration of ethnic Chinese to Tibet to dilute the Tibetan population. Political dissenters disappear and are imprisoned without charge, while others are publicly executed.

So things seem pretty bad there. How can Tibet achieve independence?

There are three paths to Tibetan independence. China could decide to give it up on its own conscience, the international community could get involved, or the Tibetans could launch an insurgency strong enough to banish China and prevent their return. None of these options looks very promising.

China will not free Tibet by choice. The Chinese are too ideologically, politically, and economically invested to simply give up the second largest province.

The international community is no help either. Not a single country has challenged China’s rising power by putting forth a serious call for Tibetan independence. With China as a permanent member of the Security Council, the UN will never take any action (making permanent members of the Security Council was such a stupid idea).

A homegrown Tibetan insurgency has just as much chance of forcing independence as Don Imus does being seen at a Rutgers women’s basketball game.

Tibet’s only friends are college kids.

The terrible situation in Tibet has made it a ripe issue for student activism. Tibet’s position as the victim to an increasingly imperialist China strikes a nerve in students, and has sparked a thriving “Free Tibet” contingent on campuses across America, including UVM.

Unfortunately, groups like International Campaign for Tibet and Students for a Free Tibet are nearly ineffective. Student rallies and protests fall upon the deaf ears of United States politicians, who have their hands tied by our growing economic interest in China. Rallies have an even lesser effect on the Chinese government (they don’t react very well to protests. Remember Tiananmen Square?).

Free Tibet groups use phrases like, “raising awareness,” and, “solidarity,” but is buying a rubber Save Tibet bracelet really going to save Tibet, or is it just going to raise awareness among fellow college kids?

Bumper stickers and protests are not going to convince America to go to war with one of its largest trading partners, and at this rate, solidarity alone won’t transform into economic sanctions or diplomatic pressure.

The efforts of the Free Tibet activists are undoubtedly valiant and righteous, but after over 50 years of activism, it is time for either a more aggressive approach or an altered agenda.

A realistic solution?

Compromise is Tibet’s only hope, and although, “Free Tibet,” is a better sounding slogan than, “Negotiate with China,” activist groups need to adjust their focus and be realistic.

An agreement that makes Tibetans happy (or at least happier) and saves China’s dignity is far more likely than a totally free Tibet. Such a solution would have to allow for further cultural and religious autonomy based around the return of the Dalai Lama.

While broad ideals are always easier to subscribe to than long diplomatic processes, the latter is often what succeeds. Tibetan independence may happen, but it will take many small steps.

---

Print This Article


« From the Annals of Failed Term Papers (either through idiocy or lack of effort) | Fuck Red Onion »

---

Comments