I never wanted to participate in media, said professor Gang Yue. I never participate in media; I never watch TV. However, China’s traditional approach to the media in Tibet has been counterproductive.
Yue, chair of the Department of Asian Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill, spoke out last Friday in regards to the riots in Tibet.
(3/28 Professor Gang Yue, Chair of the Department of Asian Studies at UNC, speaks out about Tibet)
I don’t express my opinions, because I want to present myself and facts disinterestedly for the benefit of students. Today’s talk is different, Yue said. Today is different, and I will express my opinion on the subject clearly.
Yue conducted most of the speech in Chinese, so I apologize that I’m unable to provide accurate translation for most of the talk. However, I’ll include one analogy from Yue that I understood clearly and believe to be important:
The Chinese government gives Tibet plenty of money, Yue said, and they don’t understand why Tibet is dissatisfied. To give something supplies and food until it is fat, and expect it to be happy, that’s a pig. You can’t do that to people. People are not pigs. You cannot merely give people food and necessities and expect them to be happy.
Yue said he believed the first step to peace was to bring the Dalai Lama back.
If you are interested in learning more about the conflict between Tibet and China, I strongly encourage you to attend this event:
UPDATED:
Intersection of Interests: Tibet, China, and the Western Media (Panel Discussion)
Date: Wednesday April 16, 6:30-8 p.m.
Location: Griffith Film Theater, Bryan Center, Duke University West Campus
Moderator: Ralph Litzinger, Director of Asian Pacific Studies Institute, Duke University
Participants: Ms. Tashi Rabgey, Professor of Tibetan Studies, University of Virginia ; Losang Rabgey, Emerging Explorer at National Geographic, Gang Yue,Chair, Department of Asian Studies, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; Scott Savitt, former foreign correspondent in Beijing for Los Angeles Times and United Press International
If you are interested, I might be able to give you a ride – just leave a comment.
The way to global tolerance begins with individuals. Hey, that’s you!
5 responses so far ↓
cheshmgir // April 2, 2008 at 12:58 am |
The people of Tibet do have a genuine concern in terms of human rights but the question to ask is …: WHY NOW? Suddenly everyone is talking about it following the recent events.
Though people knew about Tibet before, it is scarey when people get behind a cause they were not bothered with a few days ago. It is scarey because many of these people do not seem to understand the regional and global ramifications of this issue.
angelatchou // April 2, 2008 at 1:29 am |
cheshmgir:
Thank you for your comment.
I completely agree with you. I am personally wary of campaigns such as “Save Darfur” and “Free Tibet” but not because I disagree with the goals of such programs, or because I don’t believe that they affect positive changes.
I am wary of them, and I believe you are too, because people who suddenly rally behind a cause in which they see only good v. bad, can act without compassion.
Recalling Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The mob is man voluntarily descending to the nature of the beast.”
However, do you think it’s possible to educate and inform that mob and turn it into a force that is truly concerned with all parties and consequences of an issue, and can thus compassionately go about making change?
cheshmgir // April 2, 2008 at 2:03 am |
Living here in England, I find that many people seem to have closed themselves to really understanding the Chinese perspective on the issue is.
I have met people who just like to attend any rally with the words “human rights” without really understanding what it is all about.
Good examples include Tibet, Kurdish, Kosovo. Or even social issues such as banning child labour (disaster 4 poor people in countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan as no state benefits.)
It is a failure to see the other side which keeps the fire of hatred burning. I personally feel these people need to read a good history book before marching off to demand freedom without understanding what it is.
Having said that I am for respect and equal rights for all humans.
On Tibet 2, some perceptive perspective « Chapel Hill, China // April 3, 2008 at 11:08 am |
[...] 3, 2008 · No Comments I received comments on my April 2 post about Tibet that – I believe- highlight an issue difficult to address in the international [...]
angelatchou // April 3, 2008 at 11:13 am |
cheshmgir:
After reading your comments, I’ve posted a video that I think you will find balancing to this post. Thank you again for your comment!