Monday 7 April 2008

Free Tibet.

No shame on China!

When working for the olympic torch relay Sunday I was saddened to find that the pro-Tibet protestors were so aggressive. It was a sad sight. Everyone concerned found the situation unreasonable. The Chinese individuals were hurt by the statements made by none Tibetan/Buddhist protestors. “Shame on China” and such comments were unreasonable. We must remember that many of our neighbours are Chinese, or of Chinese heritage, and they themselves may also have sympathy with Tibet. Remembering also who colonised Hong Kong. ” Free Tibet” however, was obviously a very just statement. Although it is a worthy cause to fight for, people must understand their aims. If liberation is the aspiration of the English pro-Tibet protestors, they must realise they are representing Buddhism, a shared faith by the Tibetan, and Chinese. The Tibetan people I am sure would rather gain their freedom, in the most honourable way possible. Not with spiteful arguments. In addition to that, if one takes the time to ‘you tube’ interviews with the Dali lama, you will soon find, he as much as anyone just wants the freedom to be Tibetan, but not necessarily have a separate country. It seems the most effective way to demonstrate is to show pride in being Tibetan, or on the behalf of Tibet. Rather than unravel the respect that, that culture has so tenuously gained through its disciplined approaches. People may feel I am not passionate enough about Tibet’s campaign, this is not true, but I do feel we should continue as we mean to go on. Being grateful for our enemies, as they are the only people to teach us patience, and be reassured in the fact that no matter what, all beliefs have homes in the faithful.‘The elephant crossing a river is neither swimming on the surface, nor being swept downstream. The elephant crosses the middle of the river in a straight line, with feet on the ground, unmoved by the current. It calmly completes its crossing. This image symbolises the might and majesty of the middle way’. If we are to fight others battles, we should do it honourably, the way they would want us to. Most of the people were not so much hateful, as misinformed, or misunderstood. I support Tibet of course, after all I am Welsh, but just remember why you are perhaps resentful about the Chinese government, and make sure those characteristics are not displayed in yourself whilst protesting.
If it comforts anyone, I happened to get a bunch of tickets, so protestors could get in. However I can only hope they behaved responsibly, and fully utilised the oppourtunity.




I was wearing a blue jacket like above, so it wasn't the most sociable outfit. Though I don't feel at all guilty for wearing it, having also waved the tibetan flag. it's ludicrous. None of us can really claim to understand what is truely going on.


1 comment:

Allison White said...

The hardest part about the Tibetan protests is the Chinese government won't put out a real statement or let politicians talk to Western media. I think it leaves people to assume the worst.

From the Frontline, a journalism blog I read, talks about if the "West loves to hate China."

http://www.fromthefrontline.co.uk/blogs/index.php?blog=5&title=does_the_west_love_to_hate_china&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

And London really was wonderful. People are so nice!