Mobs and some Hope

Well, I'm starting to get annoyed at all the recent controversy surrounding Tibet. There's been so much propaganda, and ignorance on both sides. The Chinese have gathered in huge groups, and they haven't always behaved so well. In a way, their relentless chanting and singing national anthem makes them look somewhat ignorant. It's ok for the Chinese to support their country and hope for the best, but they must recognize the issues at hand as well, which I think some people try to ignore or even deny. The Pro-Tibetan supporters have got to look at more perspective. I've seen banners that say "mass genocide in Tibet." That is the biggest lie I have heard up to now surrounding the issue. Genocide, is a systematic, deliberate, and planned destruction of a ethnicity. Certainly, there may have been a brutal crackdown 20 years ago, but "mass genocide"? Unfortunately, many people tend to respond very quickly to such rhetoric and jump to conclusions. As I posted before, there may be religious restrictions and civil rights restrictions on Tibet(which are not exclusive to Tibetans, but all Chinese), but as activists, people need to tell the truth and provide the entire picture of the situation.

Another idea I've been struggling with, is "Is it ok to use our own concept of human rights to judge another nation?" To me, people should have religious freedom and freedom of speech, which does not exist in China. So I think China should give more religious freedom to Tibet. But by using that same logic, there are tons of issues that Tibet does that would violate the free world's concept of human rights. Separation of church and state? Dalai larma certainly doesn't do that. Tibet traditionally also has a caste system, where you are born into your social class and that's that, again certainly not what we think of as the American dream.

All of the racism, propaganda, and lies from both sides is really annoying to me. But there is hope. Recently, Taiwan elected a new president who pledged to restore relations with China, promote travel, trade, economic cooperation, and friendly relationships. Just yesterday, Taiwanese Vice President had historic and landmark dialogue with China's President, the highest level of dialogue between the two rivals ever. This is a shining ray of hope. These two political rivals can finally put aside political differences, and finally meet to cooperate and building their friendly ties. The Taiwanese President may still want independence, but at least he can put aside his desires, at least temporarily, to promote peace and economic growth.

It is incredible, that these two Asian neighboors do not even have direct flight to each other. To travel from China to Taiwan or vice versa, one must fly through hong kong. It is ridiculous. Chinese investors cannot invest in Taiwan, Chinese businessman cannot live in Taiwan. The new Taiwanese president gives me great optimism, because he pledges to open up trade, establish direct flights, improve relations, establish consistent and effective dialogue, and avoid conflict.

The Taiwan strait is one of the world's most dangerous flashpoints. All it takes is one crazy man on either side to start a huge war, that could drag the USA into the war as well. Tibet is the same, all it takes is one crazy man, one foolish mob, or one stupid lie to start a huge conflict. So, I think everybody should take a lesson from what Taiwan is doing now, put aside meaningless differences, and cooperate for the benefit of everybody.