I'm Back: Tibet

It's been over a month since my last post. Things got derailed for me back in March due to work. After pulling a few 16 hour days, I just didn't have anything left in the tank. But I am back now with a few things to post from the last several weeks.

China and Tibet have exploded across the world media as of late. Since then I am just baffled by the lop-sided coverage and demonization of China. The situation there is just WAAAAAAY too complex to be summed up in sound bites and video clips.

China's point of view: Tibet since the Tang Dynasty has been a protectorate of China meaning that it was a distinct realm, but paid tribute to China for its protection. It has never been separate. Having Western countries lecture China on Human Rights and an Independant Tibet lacks credibility since those same countries once occupied China and tried to divide her up for themselves. Remember Manifest Destiny? Can you imagine the US making laws and resolutions on how Canada should resolve problems with its Quebec separatists?

Tibet's point of view: They have always been a distinct society but since the PRC came along in the 1950's, China has imposed itself on Tibet's society, religion, and government. Since then they have lost their ability to select their own leaders, have systemically been pushed aside by China's pro-Han policies, and are now under a strict crackdown by the PRC. Now that the Olympics are in Beijing it is a strategic move to use it to draw attention to their cause. And it is a brilliant PR move.

Western Government point of view: The western governments would like nothing better than to have Tibet separate from China, because that would mean Tibet's dependance on the West for survival. As soon as that happens, you can be sure that you will see US military bases there. Just think of how the US and UK commonly screw with the Middle East, South America, South East Asia, and Africa. Ask the people of Okinawa and the Phillipines just how much they like having those bases around. Though the people of the West may be sincerely sympathetic to the Tibetans, their governments are calculating. In world politics their are no friends, only common interests.

Underneath all of the macro-perspectives there are the common people; The Tibetan who worries for their family and longs for the home of their ancestors; the Mainland Chinese who wish themselves for a better future as an equal member of the world, or the Canadian who is moved by all of the footage and wants to understand the situation and try to help solve it.

These photos were snapped by me the other day when I was walking past the Legislature. Seeing the local people peacefully banding together regardless of race to represent their views made me wonder if the answer is here. Maybe governments should find a way to help the people solve problems, rather than try to exploit the opportunity for themselves.