China has done it AGAIN!

msnbc: 'China jails reporter for U.S. Website for 4 years'

"Critics say journalist has been imprisoned for daring to 'report news freely' "

Tsk tsk.

Media censorship in China has gone ridiculously overboard.

I reckon, boycott the Beijing Olympics.

Uh oh, I think I've just plopped myself into the extremely long blacklist of the Chinese authorities.

Play a Game and Feed the Hungry!

http://www.freerice.com

Insidious Racism

In today's globalised world with increased movements of people, racism is still a daily occurrence for many people, and racial hate crimes are continue to happen. Race still matters, and many people are still racist, yet most people still insist they are not.

What is racism? Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines it as "1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race 2 : racial prejudice or discrimination".

Racism is, in my opinion, making assumptions based on someone's racial appearance even though the basis is often weak, and people who do that are oblivious to their own racism. It is having negative feelings such as fear, hatred, disgust, towards someone or a certain group because of their 'ethnic' look.

This is the most common, but not the most severe, form of racism I've encountered. "Oh you speak such good English!" "Wow you have very good English vocabulary!" "Wow your speech is almost accentless!" (The last one is plain ignorant. Everyone has an accent, even if it is their native and only language. Just because you are too dense to realise your own accent does not mean you are 'accentless'. Similarly, just because you belong to a majority race does not mean you are not 'ethnic'.)

Why do people assume that I have a poor mastery of English or that I've only recently picked up the language because I am "Asian"? Your racial makeup does not determine what language you speak and how well you speak it any more than your gender determines your innate ability and desire to cook. A ethnically Korean, if raised in a French-speaking Indian family in France, would speak French, and would possibly prefer Tikka Masala Chicken to Kimchi. A Caucasian, if raised in a Chinese-speaking family and schooled in China's public education system, will speak impeccable Chinese, read traditional Chinese, and will only know a few English phrases, and lots of vulgar English expletives, picked up from friends and American TV shows.

Not only do I speak, read and write English, I love reading the classics and poetry. I am what they call "artsy". I appreciate Shakespeare, love Tennessee Williams, love Henrik Ibsen (translated into English). Jane Austen is my choice of "chick lit". I read and write poetry. Some of my favourite poets are Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Sylvia Plath and Mary Oliver. My verbal SAT scores (taken more than five years ago) were 740/800, compared to 620/800 for my math. My understanding of science subjects like Chemistry and Physics is atrocious, to say the least. So much for the stereotype that ALL Chinese are a genius when it comes to science and math. My spiel is not to show off, but to debunk racial stereotypes regarding language mastery. Just because I am ethnically Chinese does not mean I would struggle to grasp the English language, or that I would be more inclined towards the sciences.

The above racism I've just written against seldom arises from malice. Most of the time, people just assume. Well, my opinion is, assume no more. If you do not know, ask. Admit you are having trouble placing my nationality/accent/ethnicity, and ask. Asking is not offensive. Assuming is.

Then again, there are much worse forms of racism out there than someone praising your grasp of a language. In 1982, Vincent Chin, a Chinese American, was beaten to death after his bachelor party by two men, Ronald Eben and Michael Nitz, who thought he was Japanese. To add to the injustice, the two perpetrators were convicted on a lesser crime and let off with no jail time. The 1930s song 'Strange Fruit', performed by the talented Billie Holiday, is about lynchings of African-Americans that were happening during that time. Balbir Singh Sodhi was killed 4 days after the September 11 attacks because the assailant, in a racist act of 9-11 retaliation, mistook his Sikh appearance to be Middle Eastern. People of Middle Eastern appearance now have to face people's lingering stares, suspicions and rude accusations that they are terrorists, in addition to the racism they already face for being 'ethnic'.

More close to home, a friend was approached by a stranger who thought she was Chinese, and told her harshly to "Go back to China!" Non-white friends, especially the darker-skinned ones, are often eyed suspiciously by salespeople in malls, and treated most appallingly, as if dark-skinned minorities do not deserve respect. I went out to dinner recently with a bunch of Asian girlfriends, and the restaurant manager peered into the face of my Japanese friend, turned to me and asked "Does she speak English?" My most recent outrage was stumbling upon this "Asian" website that claimed there was a thing as "Asianness" that could be measured, and accused Asians who dye their hair, of self-loathing, and dictated that only certain hair colours are permissible for "Asians". It also stupidly made the generalisation that all "Asians" are Orientals, i.e. Chinese/Korean/Japanese. These people are racist against people of their own race. Pathetic, to say the least.

What are the most insidious or blatant forms of racism you've encountered?

God is God

Dr. King and Malcolm X

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968), was a legendary leader of the American Civil Rights Movement and a man I greatly admire. He said this about justice.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Malcolm X, a radical contemporary of Dr. King, and equally significant in the Civil Rights Movement, is also a man I admire, though for different reasons. He said this about justice.

"Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it."

These two men, in two very different ways, were significant in fighting for the rights of African-Americans and correcting a long-standing racial injustice in American society. As a result of their passion and courage in fighting for what is right, they have left a legacy that has lasted long after their deaths and will continue to last for future generations.

If you get the chance, find out more about these two men. It would definitely be worth your while.

Amazing Amazon Tribe

This is not related to justice or anything requiring social change, but I'm posting the picture below anyway because I think it is exciting that we have discovered a "lost tribe" deep in the Amazon that has never been in contact with the rest of the world.

In the two pictures above, they are fascinated/scared by the helicopter taking the pictures and are attempting to shoot it down with arrows. Some of the tribesmen are painted bright red.

Their housing.

Inspiration of the Month

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Marianne Williamson

Van Thanh Rudd's painting

Van Thanh Rudd (Kevin Rudd's nephew) has produced a political art piece (above, beside him)that I think is fabulous. It depicts Ronald McDonald happily running with the Olympic Torch beside a burning monk. Unfortunately, it has been banned from the art exhibition which it was created for.

"He said the work reflects his belief that the global economy is a hurdle to dealing with human rights abuses, including those in Tibet."

I think he has conveyed his message powerfully and I agree with him.

You can read the relevant article here.

Should Free Tibet be quiet because of the earthquake?

NEWS.com.au: 'Tibetan Olympics begin in India'

"A MOCK "Olympics" organised by Tibetan exiles kicked off in northern India today despite calls to halt anti-China protests as a mark of respect for earthquake victims."

"The world goes to Beijing for the Olympics Games, but we have nowhere to go - and so we must demonstrate we the Tibetan people are also alive,'' games director Lobsang Wangyal said."

"Catherine Schuetze, an Australian acting as volunteer book-keeper for the "Tibetan Olympics'' said lack of money was threatening the event in Dharamshala, home to the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

Mr Wangyal said he did not have enough cash to hand out $US8000 ($A8300) in promised prize money. "I've got just 40,000 rupees ($A1000) and total expenses are expected to be well over two million rupees,'' Mr Wangyal said.

The Dalai Lama's exiled Tibetan administration in Dharamshala has turned its back on the event, which it views as insulting to China and likely to damage the prospects of future talks."

"But the influential Tibetan Youth Congress, which largely ignores the Dalai Lama's appeals for moderation, threw its weight behind the alternative games."

What do you reckon? Should these Tibetans drop their plan for a "Tibetan Olympics" because of the tragic earthquake (and severe aftershocks) that has rocked China? If they do not highlight their cause now, then when? Would people listen then?

I think the Beijing Olympics has created a rare platform for Tibet to air its grievances and actually have the world pay attention. The Chinese earthquake and the high number of casualties are devastating and there is a need to respect the victims. However, Tibetans have gone through devastating injustices for an extended period of time. While I do not wish to equate the two forms of suffering, I support what the advocates of Free Tibet are doing to continue to highlight its cause because it is crucial to do so now. The Chinese victims need to be helped and respected, but the Tibetans deserve to be heard and respected too.

By the way, if you're a little confused by the Dalai Lama's administration's disapproval of the political move and the Tibetan Youth Congress' support, the latter has been vocal about "Free Tibet" and advocates the independence of Tibet, while the Dalai Lama has been significantly less political and more interested in having talks, creating a "Middle Way", and creating a sense of peace in Tibet. (He's more zen, if you will.)

Musings

2 major natural disasters have hit Asia in the past month. Cyclone Nargis has devastated Burma (Myanmar), with at least 134,000 dead or missing, rice fields ruined and the crisis further exacerbated by the ruling military junta's reluctance to let in aid workers. An earthquake in China last week has left properties ruined and hundreds of thousands of people dead, with the death toll continuing to rise.

There is a global food crisis with dramatic food price increases leaving many in poor and undeveloped countries unable to obtain basic food necessities. There have been food riots and social unrest as a result.

Human slavery is still occurring today, despite its relatively low profile. There is widespread trafficking of women and children for sex exploitation, and there are people who are recruited for seemingly legitimate jobs but are later forced into exploitative and restrictive working environments.

More than 20% of people in developing countries live in extreme economic poverty, surviving on less than US$1 per day. Access to information, education, clean water, medical assistance and many other things that most of us take for granted, are limited or non-existent for many people in poor underdeveloped countries. Children die of starvation, or of illnesses that can be easily treated.

Tibetans are persecuted and treated as second class citizens in their homeland by the Chinese government. Burmese are forced to vote on a referendum strengthening the powers of the ruling junta days after a major cyclone killed their loved ones and destroyed their homes. Women in the Middle East are stoned, sidelined, tortured, or jailed for being a rape victim, or even something as small as going out without a male family escort. A woman lies dead in her flat for 35 years, and no one realised or cared about her shocking absence to go check on her.

We live in a world stricken with poverty, injustice, deprivation, and ugly loneliness, and most of us sit around, hang around, demanding, complaining, envying, and striving for luxuries for ourselves. Luxuries that we deem NECESSARY. Heck, I'm the same. DVDs that I just got to have. Clothes that I have to buy because they are on 'special'. Camembert cheese because they're so yummy. Chips in case I get cravings. Desserts because it's only normal to want something sweet after a meal. A gym membership because I have to work out all those desserts. I do not even have to go into Louis Vuitton to realise I surround myself with luxuries.

I realise... I claim a passion for social justice, for advocating for the voiceless, but really, truly, how much of my life, and my resources, do I give to the less fortunate? Similarly, I claim to be a Christian. But how much of my 'Christianity' actually goes beyond appearing at a church well-dressed, sometimes shabbily dressed, every Sunday?

I'm ashamed to admit I'm probably as much a fashionable facade as the hypocrites I abhor. Hmm I wonder, what do YOU do for the things/causes you claim passion for?

Pledge Your Support for Maternal and Child Health

Make Poverty History: Pledge Your Support for Maternal and Child Health Today!

Every year, millions of women and children die in developing countries, although our medical advances could have prevented most of these deaths. In Southeast Asia and the Pacific, 16 out of 22 developing countries are off track for the child mortality Millenium Development Goal (MDG), 7 are off track for the maternal mortality MDG. These MDGs were set by the international community in the year 2000, with the aim of halving global poverty by 2015. Timewise, we are halfway there. Target wise, our progress is way too slow.

Take 30 seconds now and go to the link above and sign a pledge of support urging Australia to increase its aid towards increasing and improving health services for women and children in underdeveloped countries. The Make Poverty History campaign will deliver your pledges to the Australian Government. Every voice counts, so do sign your name to this important cause!

Thank you so much.

BURMA'S CRISIS

NEWS.com.au (7 May): 'Burma's Cyclone Toll Hits 22,500, Aid too Slow'

For those of you who may still be unaware, Burma (Myanmar) has been hit by Cyclone Nargis over the weekend, with current official count of fatalities at 22,500, and the numbers are expected to rise significantly. Yes, that's right, more than 20 thousand dead so far. That is not a typo. There are also many more (est 41,000) missing, and millions have been left homeless with severe shortage of food, water, and temporary shelter. Rice fields, a major source of food staple and income, have been destroyed.

This is Burma's worst natural disaster, it has completely devastated the nation and the junta (military government) is having a hard time dealing with this crisis. It has appealed for international aid, but aid is being held up because of the delays in the granting of visas to humanitarian groups. Military Burma has had a awkward relationship with the rest of the world, especially the United States, and its pride and xenophobia (fear of foreigners) is holding it back from opening the country up to immediate and unrestricted assistance.

The UN, humanitarian groups, and the United States are gathering resources and ready to help. Hopefully, the junta will acknowledge the severity of the situation soon and grant visas immediately and allow U.S navy in to assist in the massive distribution of aid.

This crisis is major and it is crucial we keep up to date on what is happening. If you're not sure where or what Burma is, it is in Southeast Asia. It is the home of Aung San Suu Kyi, daughter of General Aung San (the founding father of independent Burma), the prominent pro-democracy leader of the National League of Democracy in Burma, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and who has been under house arrest for 12 years for her political activities.

Rukhma- Jailed for being a Rape Victim

NEWS.com.au: Woman raped, saw son die- then jailed'

Rukhma, a young woman from Pakistan who was trafficked across the border to Afghanistan was handed to an Afghan man who raped her, then beat her toddler son to death before her eyes. The man was sentenced to jail for murder, but the Afghan courts jailed her too for 'adultery' because she ran away from home and is seen as responsible for her rape. She has given birth to a baby girl in jail.

This is how women are treated in Afghanistan.

What is legal may not be what is right

CNN Report (29 April): '17 sentenced for alleged roles in Tibet riots'

- China has sentenced 17 people to jail terms ranging from three years to life, for their alleged roles in the Tibet riots.

- " "Monks have been taught legal knowledge in recent days and the monastery has resumed normal religious activities," Tenzin Namgyal, deputy director of the Tibet Autonomous Regional Ethnic and Religious Affairs Committee, was quoted as saying.
Other monasteries that were closed will be reopened soon, he said."

- "Chinese authorities have increased patriotic education classes that require monks to make ritual denunciations of the exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader Dalai Lama, accept the Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama, and pledge allegiance to Beijing."

I wonder what the exact charges laid against the people sentenced to life were. I also wonder if all the people sentenced were Tibetans, or if there were any Hans Chinese prosecuted. Were the Hans Chinese completely innocent during the violent riots? Were there no retaliation or violent acts on their part? We don't really know, because the Chinese state media has made it out that all the injured and killed were Hans, and the Tibetans, masterminded by the 'evil' Dalai Lama, were the violent barbaric perpetrators. How true was that?

While resuming talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama, the Chinese government conducts 'patriotic' education classes for monks in the Tibetan Autonomous Region that REQUIRES them to denounce their leader, the Dalai Lama. So-called legal education. It may be legal, but is it right?

Is this what China calls autonomy for Tibet?

Bigotry and modesty

'Hilali tells Christian women to wear veils'

Outspoken (and foolishly spoken, if I may add) Muslim cleric Taj al-Din al-Hilali, the head of Australia's largest mosque, says that wearing a veil upholds modesty for women and that the Christian Bible 'mandates' that women should wear veils. Now, this man can believe whatever he wants, but when he tries to tell women what to do, and deceitfully uses the Bible to support his tyrannical claims, he has crossed my line.

I fully respect the right of Muslim women to choose to cover their heads. Whether we like it or not, it is their personal freedom to choose their creed and way of fashion. But, I contest the notion that 'the veil upholds the modesty and protects the dignity of women, whether Muslim or non-Muslim', as written by Hilali.

The Macquarie dictionary defines 'modest' as 'not showy or extravagant' and 'having or showing regard for proper behaviour, speech, dress, etc' and 'decent'. How is walking around in public with your own unadorned head on your shoulders showy or extravagant or improper or indecent? I've seen women with straightened hair, curled hair, dyed hair, but never indecent hair. Nor have I seen any female scalps, ears or neck being sexually provocative and extravagant.

Now, Hilali claims the veil is to protect women from senseless sexual predators. If a man decides to violate me because he could see my hair, is that my fault 'tempting' him? If a petty thief sees me carrying a $20 handbag and still decides to rob me, is it my fault that I was robbed, since I was carrying a 'showy' bag? If I get molested while on the bus, is it my fault for attempting to commute with my body on public transport? If a group of men heckled and whistled at me while I walked past them, is it my fault for walking near men? If I was raped while out jogging, is it my fault for exposing myself to danger outside? If I was killed because the perpetrator has a profound hatred for Asian females, is it my fault for showing my ethnicity and gender? How dumb can you be and still breathe?

Rape has so much more to do with power, violence and disrespecting the victim than sexual attraction. It takes an ignorant self-absorbed bigot to push the responsibility on women for the violence that we face. Women of all ages, creed, and styles are violated, hurt and killed everyday. The perpetrators are fully responsible for their criminal barbaric actions and none of these women deserve to be hurt.

Modesty is good, for both men and women, but it is a choice for individuals. It is my choice to dress modestly or minimal. But even if I am to walk around half-naked, yes, I will attract the attention of men and perhaps arouse them, but still, nobody has the right to assault me or disrespect me. What is wrong, is wrong.

If Hilali simply has to boss people around, may I suggest that he teach men, and himself, to treat all women with respect and dignity because women are full-fledged human beings? That men have to respect and honour a woman's right to choose, and it is wrong for them to force themselves, or their opinions on women just because they are physically stronger.

Finally, it is NOT in the Bible that women should wear veils, and Hilali has failed to show specifically where in the Bible he has derived his erroneous information. Perhaps, as the head of a mosque, he has the right to interpret the Koran for the Muslims. But he is way out of line for attempting to tell Christian women what to do. As someone who studies the Bible way more than he does, I shall emphasise that he is wrong, and his ill-researched and ridiculous writings are an insult to the Bible and women all over the world.

China's Thugs

NEWS.com.au (24 April): 'China's determination to 'defend' relay sparks fury'

China's paramilitary Olympic torch attendants are in the spotlight again. They were branded as 'thugs' for their rough handling of protestors in London and Paris. Now, the Chinese authorities continue to insist on using them for security purposes in Canberra, despite Australia reiterating that ALL security will be handled by the ACT Government.

Once again, China has crossed the line. Not only does it blatantly violate human rights, it is now disrespecting another nation-state. The Olympic torch will be on Australian ground, and China needs to respect the Australian Government in this and stop their obsessive controlling. China has no right, even as the host of the Olympics, to send out its own paramilitary personnel on foreign land for policing purposes on foreign land.

I think China is damaging its image with such behaviour, despite its wish to boost its international image with the Olympics. Quite simply, awful PR.

Poem of the Week

Greetings. Since there is 'overwhelming' response to my request for comments, questions etc from my faithful readers, I thought I'll throw in monthly inspirations into the mix. Perhaps, one of them may inspire you to take this world by storm and leave a positive legacy.

I will still be posting occasional news updates on Tibet, but I do not think it necessary to continue posting every single relevant news item. I believe in your intelligence and resourcefulness to keep updated. But, I will be posting other information and opinions on Tibet soon. If you have any ideas, I'm happy to hear it.

Below is a poem by one of my favourite poets, Mary Oliver.

The Summer Day

Who made the world?

Who made the swan, and the black bear?

Who made the grasshopper?

This grasshopper, I mean--

the one who has flung herself out of the grass,

the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,

who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down--

who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.

Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.

Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.

I don't know exactly what a prayer is.

I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down

into the grass, how to kneel in the grass,

how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,

which is what I have been doing all day.

Tell me, what else should I have done?

Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?

Tell me, what is it you plan to do

With your one wild and precious life?

Slate Article on China

SLATE Opinion Piece (14 April): 'China Learns the Price of a Few Weeks of Global Attention'

Sorry for the lack of informative postings recently. I have been ill, and have not had the time nor energy to write intelligent well-researched pieces on Tibet. I'll get back to it as soon as I can. In the meantime, if any of you has updates or questions or an opinion on the issue, feel free to post a comment. I would really love to hear from you.

Where's Darfur Compilation CD Launch Fundraiser

COME & SUPPORT the people of DARFUR, Sudan at the:

WHERE'S DARFUR Compilation CD Launch FUNDRAISER

Friday 2 May 8PM

The Gov, Port Road

$8 at the door ($25 with CD)

Featuring acoustic sets from some of Adelaide's finest artists

John Woods / Cookie Baker / John Baker Duo / Delia Olam

Ash Gale / Newtonheath / Shane Shepherd / Robby / Tim Moore

Josh Spier / Kim Beales (Melbourne)

All proceeds going to TEAR Australia's Development Project in Darfur

www.tear.org.au

www.darfuraustralia.org

Anti-China Drama at the Olympic Torch Relay

BBC Report (6 April): 'Torch Carries Tibet Debate to UK'

- Protests in London disrupts the relay as the Olympic Torch passes through London en route to the Beijing Olympics. There are 2 groups, the anti-China group protesting against the human right violations in Tibet and the pro-China protestors claiming that the Western media has been twisting the facts. More attention is now cast upon the Tibetan issue.

(Note: This increased publicity is probably due to the fact that many 'Free Tibet' organisations are based in London. But increased awareness on Tibet is great regardless.)

CNN Report (7 April): 'Olympic Torch Extinguished During Paris Leg'

- Continued protests as the Olympic Torch goes through Paris.

(Note: There are rumours that French President Sarkozy is boycotting the Olympics opening ceremony unless certain conditions are met by China with regards to Tibet. But his office has not confirmed this.)

CNN Report (7 April): 'IOC president "very concerned" about Tibet'

- International Olympic Committee head Jacques Rogge expresses concern over Tibet but continues to downplay talk of boycotting the Olympics.

News Updates on continued unrest over Tibet

CNN Report (1 April): 'Clashes Reported in Tibetan Region'

- New violence has broken out in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, with police opening fire on Buddhist monks and lay people to control protests

CNN Report (1 April): 'Nepali Police Arrest Dozens of Tibetans'

- Nepali police arrest Tibetan protestors outside the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu.
-Nepal exercises tight control over anti-Chinese activities on its soil and may be using excessive force.

MSNBC Report (3 April): 'China Jails Outspoken Activist Over Tibet News'

- An outspoken Chinese dissident, Hu Jia, has been jailed after a brief trial over his remarks about Tibet and other sensitive topics. He is an advocate for rural HIV/AIDS sufferers, democratic rights, religious freedom and self-determination for Tibet.

- The United States condemns the sentencing.

Athletes speak out

'India Football Captain Won't Carry Games Torch'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/04/01/india.soccer.tibet.ap/index.html#cnnSTCText

A Chinese dissident writes

'Olympics a Political Turning Point'

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23414977-5007146,00.html

Read the opinion piece by Wei Jingsheng, a prominent Chinese dissident in the democracy movement, who is currently living in exile in Washington. He writes about the need for the Olympic and international community to exert pressure on China for its human rights violations in Tibet during this crucial time. I think his views are worth your time.

Tiananmen Square

'Olympic Torch re-lit in Tiananmen Square'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/31/olympics.torch.ap/index.html

I'm not sure how many people are aware of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989, but the news article above inspired me to write briefly about the issue. In 19 years, China's attitude towards political activism and calls for democratic reforms has not changed. If the government can do what it did to its Chinese students calling for democracy, what makes us think it will show restraint when it comes to Tibetans calling for independence?

Hu Yaobang was the Secretary General of the Communist Party of China and a very prominent reformer. He spoke out against the excesses of 'Maoism', was in favour of Tibetan autonomy, and partial towards China's liberal intelligentsia. Deng Xiaoping removed Hu from his post in 1987, main reason being Hu's diversion from the CPC's political principles. Hu died of a heart attack on 15 April 1989. Public mourning followed. In Beijing, this was concentrated on the Monument to the People's Heros in Tiananmen Square.

This gathering became an opportunity for the people (mostly students) to express anger against perceived nepotism and corruption in the government, and to demand democratic reforms. Protests started small in April, with a mass sit-in and demands to see government leaders. They then gained momentum when news of confrontation between protestors and students, and the media's contortion of the nature of the protests spread. People from all walks of life joined in. Students called for a strike in universities.

On May 4, around 100,000 students and workers marched in Beijing demanding a dialogue between the government and student-elected representatatives. Government refused On May 13, hundreds of students started a hunger strike for a week. The public began to realize the students were serious about their demands and public support grew.

After several failed attempts to dismiss the peaceful protestors, the government began an assault on the night of June 3, sending military tanks and armed troops who began shooting and beating up students. Soldiers were indiscriminately shooting at hundreds of unarmed protestors, even hurting nearby residents who were not involved in the protests. By the morning of June 4, hundreds of civilians had been killed, many more injured, and the Square was 'cleared'. The protests had been 'effectively' dealt with by the Chinese government. The exact number of casualties is unclear as the government never released official numbers or even a list of the deceased.

This massacre may have been hushed up if not for the presence of Western media that had been invited to cover the visit of Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, in May. There eventually was a clampdown on the media, with the government shutting down satellite transmissions and even arresting foreign journalists.

So there it is. My quick summary of the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. An example of how the Chinese communist government deals with dissent, and its blatant disregard for human rights. Now try and imagine how the protesting Tibetan monks and nuns are being dealt with right now.

Wiki entry on Tiananmen Square protests 1989

BBC summary of the massacre on June 4

Speak for what?

Some of you may come across this blog and wonder if it serves any purpose and if it will make any different. I am not that naive to think that China would give Tibet independence just because there is a blog online that says it should. (But hey China, if you're reading, would you please consider?)

But, I believe in the power of everyday people to change the world and if enough people care about Tibet and its people's freedoms, then there will be positive change. So I do my part. I post updates on the issue, and try my best to research and understand the issue so that I can present it to you. I want to help people understand and perhaps, I may stir someone up to do something phenomenal. I want to prevent Tibet from being forgotten or ignored, and champion their cause for justice.

To be clear, I do not hate China or Chinese people. I simply believe that everyone has the right to freedom, equal treatment and to flourish in a safe environment. Tibetans have been robbed of the resources of their own homeland, their religious rights and their political rights to be heard and to effect change. Their human rights have been compromised by a closed authoritarian system that discriminates against ethnic minorities, and uses force to keep order. People in China are being fed false information, taught an imagined history that Tibet has ALWAYS been part of China, that Tibetans are barbarians in need of Chinese culture and control, and truthful news about Tibet are not made available. In fact, Google in China is censored.

If you think that this is too political, and it is better to be apolitical, let me say this. Being apolitical is a political stand, and the political view is this-- that people who live outside your inner circle do not matter. Unless you believe this to be true, it is time to open your eyes, see the world, and stand up for what is right.

And if you are a Christian, remember that Jesus came for the world, to seek what is lost, to free the captives and give hope to the hopeless. I am not suggesting that you drop Bibles into Tibet. I am suggesting that you live the living Word, and do your part to care about the world that Jesus died for. Be the hands and feet of God, and make justice prevail for the people He loves.

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

because the Lord has anointed me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor

and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn"

Isaiah 61:1-2

'Protesting Tibetan exiles arrested in Nepal'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/29/tibet.nepal/index.html

'Diplomats Visit Tibet Amid Anxiety over Unrest'

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/world/asia/30tibet.html

The Middle Way?

'Dalai Lama pleads for peaceful dialogue on Tibet'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/28/china.tibet/index.html

Hmm... the Dalai Lama advocates his 'Middle Way' policy again, asking for 'meaningful self-rule' for Tibet while remaining a part of China. He said that protestors are seeking that, and not independence.

I disagree. The way protests seem to be going, protestors are very anti-Chinese government and I think the last thing they want is to be under continued Chinese control. Also, I doubt the Chinese government would be able to give Tibet reasonable autonomy. The Chinese political system is not conducive to decentralised power. The Communist Party needs maximum control to maintain the authoritarian regime, especially when it comes to a massive region of a different ethnicity and religion.

I understand that the Dalai Lama is a religious leader above all else and his priority is to advocate peace, which is great. However, this peace needs to be long-term, not just a temporary calm before a storm.

'Call for Olympic Boycott rejected'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7319147.stm

Protests in Canberra & Tibetan monks disrupt international media tour

'Tibet Protestor Runs at Chinese Embassy'

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23445647-29277,00.html

A TIBETAN protester jumped a plastic barrier and ran towards the Chinese embassy in Canberra during a demonstration today against human rights abuses in his homeland.

'Activists fear for Tibetan monks who protested at media tour'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/27/tibet.china.ap/index.html#cnnSTCText

A group of Tibetan monks disrupted a government-controlled media briefing for foreign journalists at the Jokhang Temple with an emotional outburst of grievances against the Chinese government. The outburst lasted 15 minutes before government officials abruptly ended the session and told journalists it was "time to go".

Activists now fear a government backlash against these monks.

Bush's Response to China

'Bush phones China's president about Tibet protestors'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/26/bush.tibet/index.html

Bush expressed concerns but said no to boycotting the Olympics. The only world leader open to the option of boycotting the Olympics is French President Sarkozy. The call from the pro-Tibet movement to boycott the Olympics seem to have been miscontrued. I read in a recent article that protestors merely want countries to boycott the opening ceremony to make a strong statement, not the entire summer Olympics. But I could be wrong on this point.

Anyway, if you are reading this blog, I would love to know what you think about the Tibet/China issue. Leave a comment, or drop me an email if you like. Pro-China? Pro-Tibet? Pro-apathy? Let me know. And if it is not obvious enough, I am 110% pro-Tibet and a strong believer in human rights.

'China lets foreign journalists visit Tibet'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/26/china.tibet.ap/index.html?iref=newssearch

A note on Tibetan Buddhism

'Protestors disrupt Olympic torch ceremony: Tibetan woman covered in fake blood, 3 French nationals interrupt event.'

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23774375/

I think more protests can be expected from now to the end of the Olympics. Hopefully the world will take notice AND remember Tibet, before the Tibetan cause drops off the radar after the Olympics.

This is not a mere issue of politics, nor is it too complicated for the layman. The Tibetan issue is a consistent violation of the Tibetans' human rights over five decades. Tibetans are being oppressed, deprived of resources and treated as second-class citizens in their own homeland.

Buddhism has become the religion, culture and way of life for many Tibetans, and is very important to them. Yet, China has no intention of respecting that, or the people's right to choose and organize their own religion. The Tibetans believe in reincarnation, particularly, the reincarnation of Bodhisattva Chenrizi (hence the Dalai Lamas), and the reincarnation of Amitabha (the Panchen Lamas). Panchen Lama means "Great Scholar" and is "a reincarnate lineage of Gelugpa Buddhist teachers, Tulku".

After the current Dalai Lama recognized a six-year-old boy as the 11th Panchen Lama in 1995, the boy and his family were detained by the Chinese at an undisclosed location, making him the youngest political prisoner in the world. He has been missing since. After abducting him, the atheist Chinese government then chose a young Tibetan and declared him the true reincarnation of the tenth Panchen Lama. The Chinese also has intentions of picking the next Dalai Lama after the current one passes on. For an anti-religious government, they sure have a lot of opinions on who is the real Bodhisattva reincarnate.

Beijing Olympic Torch Lit

'Beijing Olympic Torch Lit'

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23425757-2,00.html

Three protestors who are believed to be part of the international human rights group Reporters Without Borders managed a quick disruption of China organising committee chief Liu Qi's speech in Greece by grabbing the microphone and unfurling a banner reading "Boycott the country that tramples on human rights".

"The Olympic flame will radiate light and happiness, peace and friendship, and hope and dreams to the people of China and the whole world," Liu Qi said in his speech.

I bet the disruption was way more interesting than Liu's speech, which was just weak propaganda not worth the world's time.

China blames everyone else for Tibetan unrest

'China blasts Dalai Lama, U.S. House Speaker over Tibet'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/23/tibet.china.ap/index.html

China accuses Dalai Lama, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, of trying to harm China's image ahead of the Olympics. The fact is, the Dalai Lama has done no such thing. He advocates the 'Middle Way' policy, which aims not for independence, but for Tibetan autonomy.

(This is different from what most of the protestors want, which is Tibetan independence. Tibet was never part of China, despite what Chinese history books attempt to teach its people. Since 1951, Tibet has been illegally occupied by China.)

Besides, what image?! China has always had an outrageous human rights record. Seriously, get real.

China has also consistently presented lies about the situation. It has under-reported the number of casualties, the severity of the riots, and recently claims that the region is under control and stability has returned to the areas. At the same time, the Chinese authorities are banning foreign media from the region, AND using their national media to publish propagandist material. (Check out the link below.)

By the way, one of Thailand's six Olympic torchbearers, Narisa Chakrabongse, withdrew as a protest against China's actions. He wants "to send a strong message to China that the world community could not accept its actions." I am grateful for his withdrawal.

'China puts out its Tibet version'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/23/china.tibet.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

China hunts down anti-government protestors

'Manhunt for Tibet Ringleaders'

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23721220/

- A Most Wanted List of 21 anti-China protestors has been issued and there is an intensified manhunt for these protestors.

- Thousands of Chinese troops enter west China to contain unrest.

- China accuses Dalai Lama of orchestrating violence in the Tibetan region. (Not True.)

- Casualty numbers are unclear because China keeps tight control over information. The numbers provided by the Chinese media are often gross understatements.

- Protests in Lhasa (Tibet) spark sympathy demonstrations in neighbouring provinces.

"Moving from town to town, police set up blockades and checkpoints to keep Tibetans in and journalists out. The mobilization helped authorities reassert control after protests flared in Sichuan, Qinghai and Gansu provinces."

'Desperate Devotion:
As the Tibetan crisis continues, Buddhist monks in neighboring areas are resorting to extreme measures. An on-scene report from a monastery town.'

http://www.newsweek.com/id/124512

The above article may help you to see the issue from the perspective of people actually living in the region, and to see the current situation beyond just riots. Protests are turning violent and extreme because the situation that these people have to live in is awful.

Nancy Pelosi Speaks Up for Tibet

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/21/tibet.dalai.lama/index.html

Nancy Pelosi, U.S. House Speaker, calls on nations to protest China's hold on Tibet.

Finally, someone in government said something MORE than just "show restraint" about China's crackdown on Tibet.

"If freedom-loving people throughout the world do not speak out against China's oppression in China and Tibet, we have lost all moral authority to speak on behalf of human rights anywhere in the world," Pelosi told reporters.

"The situation in Tibet is a challenge to the conscience of the world."

Her statements are her personal opinion and do not reflect U.S. policy. However, I respect her for speaking out against China's oppressive treatment of the Tibetans. She is right. What China is doing is an outright violation of human rights, and if we value freedom and human rights at all, we need to speak out.

Somebody actually needs to care about what's happening.

Tibet Update

'Dalai Lama holds talks with radical Tibetan exiles'
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/19/2194749.htm?section=justin

- The Dalai Lama is facing challenges as the leader of the exile movement with stronger calls from the Tibetan Youth Congress for independence, instead of the Dalai Lama's 'Middle Way' policy which simply calls for greater autonomy from China for the region.

- Foreign journalists have been blocked by the Chinese authorities from reporting on the current Tibetan unrest, and some have been threatened. There is little regard for press freedom.

- The Chinese authorities state that the initial plan for the Olympic torch to pass through Tibet will go ahead.

- Protests against Chinese rule and oppression continue.


'Resentment runs deep in Tibet'
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/19/2193763.htm?section=world

Speak, you have a voice!

"Be still when you have nothing to say; when genuine passion moves you, say what you've got to say, and say it hot." -- D.H. Lawrence (1885-1930)

It is shameful to be an intelligent human being and yet allow cynicism and apathy to keep one from making a difference. I've heard many sit back and mock, but seen few stand up and speak. But I believe with all my heart that we are able to do so much more for this world we live in, for the poor and needy, for the oppressed and muted. Social injustice cannot and should not be accepted with a mere shrug because they happen to real people. They are not just words on paper.

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Luke 6:31

Do not expect your governments to take action against horrific injustices in the world like genocides, torture and civil wars if you are not willing to do anything more than sitting in front of the tv and shake your ill-used head. Governments have to protect national interests, even if it means sitting on the fence with extreme diplomacy while the field is drenched with blood. But things can change if we speak up and demand action. If we open our eyes and ears and actually find out what is happening all over the world and be aware. Democratic governments are supposed to be representatives of the people. So if the people are united in pushing for a course of action, I believe governments will have to act.

So please, do not be ignorant of current affairs. Read up, find out, and do something! We seriously cannot afford to do nothing again. History is filled with the bloody shame of humans doing nothing in the face of great evil.

Right now, you have the chance to find out what is happening in Tibet and find out if there is something you can do. This is not a new issue. China has been illegally occupying Tibet since 1950. Tibet is a region with its own unique cultural identity, religion and ethnicity. But China has been conducting an insidious cultural genocide by moving large numbers of low-income Chinese into the region in an attempt to make the indigenous Tibetans a weak minority. The Tibetans have been denied equal rights and opportunities, had their resources exploited by the Chinese and treated as second class people in their own homeland. There has also been massacres and outrageous violations of human rights before. Moreover, because of the highly censored Chinese media, the information we get about casualties and the situation from China are deceptive.

Because of the impending Olympics, all eyes are on China. Use this chance to champion the Tibetan cause. Please. Ideas, words and people do have the power to effect change.

'Detained pro-Tibet protesters at risk of torture'

'Free Tibet' Protests

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23655386/

Massacre of protesters and cultural genocide in Tibet.

Please read. People need to understand the Tibetan issue and know what China is doing in Tibet. Nations need to speak up against this injustice before we have another Rwandan or Khmer Rouge genocide on our hands.