An Asian American Viewpoint On China, Tibet and the Olympics

By: AsianWeek Staff, Apr 06, 2008

Tags: Lead Editorial, Opinion |

It’s yet unclear whether the tumult over China, Tibet and the Olympics will ever reach a crescendo. San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors, however, could not help but join the fray by calling for a boycott of the 2008 Olympics opening ceremonies and by protesting the passage of the ceremonial Olympic torch through San Francisco on April 9.
The issue is not that the City is meddling inappropriately in global affairs. San Francisco prides itself as being the gateway to the Pacific. The United Nations was founded here with good reason. And it was the Chinese Olympics Committee that chose San Francisco as the only U.S. host city for the Olympic torch relay.

The issue is that this San Francisco grandstanding is based on pure ignorance — ignorance of the views of these politicians’ own Chinese American constituencies, and ignorance of the real and complicated economic, cultural and political forces at work in China and the Tibetan region.

As Yoichi Shimatsu comments in this week’s issue, it is not just Buddhists and democracy that are causing unrest in Tibet. There is a mix of religions and ethnicities with Muslims, Mongols and others involved, as well as dire ramifications from the spread of Western-initiated globalization. The complexities of China mean that 70 percent of China’s residents still live in poverty, but the 350 million people that makeup China’s middle class is greater than the entire population of America.

By oversimplifying the issues, San Francisco supervisors are practicing the politics of divisiveness. They are turning the Tibet issue into one that is “either/or.” Either we must support the call for democracy in Tibet, or we are not being true to America’s ideals — even worse, we get labeled as politically incorrect. It is the same kind of demagoguery that was used to whip the American public into a war furor over Iraq.

Here at home, these actions feed an undercurrent of anti-Chinese sentiment that all too often spills over onto Chinese Americans and, more generally, against all Asian Americans. The FBI is already asking Chinese Americans to effectively spy on each other.

It’s not so surprising that the Chinese American community has remained largely silent in the face of all the sound and fury. The nearly all white Board of Supervisors simply doesn’t represent Chinese Americans or Asian Americans in San Francisco. It’s as if the community is saying, “No need to waste our voices on deaf ears.”

Comments

There is no “undercurrent of anti-Chinese sentiment” in most of the U.S. I am from the midwest, and have traveled the world for decades. If anything, most of the poeple I have lived and work with respect Asian Americans, and Asians in general as extremely hard-working, disciplined and goal-driven to improve their lives and communities. I think most Asians are an inspiration to others in the U.S. and have simply never seen animosity or racism towards Asian people that one might see towards other ethnicities. But I will also say that any animosity or resentment you are seeing is directed solely at the strong-arm tactics of the Chinese government. Americans feel deeply about any government that would repress or hold-back the desire of people to be more “free” and to march towards democracry. That is woven into the fabric of who we are as a nation- please do not mistake that for anti-Asian sentiment, because it is not. It is anti-communist, and anti-repression sentiment. It just so happens that the Chinese government is crushing Tibet, and hosting the Olympics. The news and opinion will become much stronger in the months ahead most likely.
Best regards-

–Mike on Apr 06, 2008
Many Western politicians, always against their conscience to expand some of the events to get their own political purposes, many credibale news organizations have lost the appeal of the Chinese people.

–David Tang on Apr 06, 2008
An Anglo American Viewpoint On China, Tibet and the Olympics: The Dalai Lama is a master of passive-agressivity. “His Holiness” pretends innocence in perpetrating the quite timely outbreak of global protests and violence aimed at shaming China. We Americans who live in a glass house (Gitmo, torture, corporate war crimes, invasion of Iraq) have NO business throwing stones at ANY other nation. Whenever the western media reflects on Tibet the only invasion they ever mention is 1949, when Mao reclaimed the region as part of China, but no mention is EVER made of the brutal invasion of Tibetan China by the British in 1904. We Americans need to become global citizens once again, finding ways to open communications and increase our knowledge of other cultures… and what better time than during the Olympic Games in 2008. Instead we have Dalai Lama followers grabbing the spotlight, never once mentioning that under the monks rule the Tibetan people were dominated and suppressed under a social order that was far more cruel and reactionary than serfdom in Europe in the Middle Ages. During the era of the Dalai Lama there were no public schools or universities in Tibet. Tibetan women and girls were considered second class citizens and had no opportunity for education. Today, all Tibetan children, both boys and girls, have equal rights to a free and compulsory public school education. It’s time for us Americans to crack a book and do our own homework before deciding to speak out loud.

–Stephen Kastner on Apr 06, 2008
I trace back your well done article on Dalai Lama plotting the murder of the leader of the Karma Kagyu sects in 1977, to bring all these sects under the domination of Dalai Lama’s Geluk sect.
Asiaweek reported in Oct. 2000:
—Long-uneasy relations between the Geluk and Karma Kagyu sects were further strained by the Dalai Lama’s intervention in the recognition of the Karmapa Lama. It revived bitter memories of the 1960s, when the Dalai’s brother Gyalo Thondup tried to bring all Tibetan sects under Geluk control by force if necessary. When 14 exile settlements united to fight his plan, unrest erupted within the community. In March 1977, settlements leader Gungthang Tsultrim was shot several times at point-blank range. The murderer said he received 300,000 rupees from the Tibetan government-in-exile. He claimed it offered to pay him even more to kill the 16th Karmapa Lama (the current Karmapa is the 17th Karmapa He is only 16 years old).

–easterman on Apr 06, 2008
It is fashionable to support Tibet cause now. Do you know there is Chinese version of affirmative action for Tibetans, they are not subjected to “one child” policy, can get into colleges with lower entrance exam score, etc? I live in us and know many white folks resent the affirmative action toward minority here. No country government will tolerate beating, looting burning killing, after Rodney King verdict, the black start looting, burning in L.A, Mr. King did received illegal treatment, was that justify all the looting, beating and killing, did George H. Bush call national guard to restore order in L.A.? When you use different standard you just lose your credbility.

–bin shen on Apr 06, 2008
Chinese Americans should unite and speak loudly against the injustice done by the San Fransisco’s board of Supervisors. Otherwise, we Chinese Americans will be targeted as Dr. Wenhe Li by a few white people with dark motives in the future.

–zhou55 on Apr 06, 2008
As a True American, we must keep america #1. The part of the world that develops, is the part that keeps stable and thus invites investment. China learn this well. They have been fairly stable for far too long and thus could be powerful if nothing happens to trip it up.

Americas high standard of living compare to the rest of the world is base soley on creating instability outside. We can play the good guy on the surface so long as we are winning the game. But if we are losing, get ready to meet the real ugly American.

For China, now is the time to create instability before it’s too late. We try to make the yuan gain rapidly, but that didn’t work yet. America does not want a strong yuan, we want an unstable yuan. A yuan that goes sky high one day and comes crashing down the next day and thus the bubble.

Our next move is using ethnic diversity to bring down the government. The least we can do is create some instability. We are against China, not because it is a communist country or a dictator, we are against China because it is growing too strong too quickly and have the potential to unseat us as the ruler of the whole world.

We will do whatever it takes to keep America #1. We will scream human rights all day when it suits us. Humans are the best weapons for creating instability.

Go America Go, we are #1. Ha Ha.

–Mark on Apr 06, 2008
What is so dramatically ignorant about this article is that it assumes that Chinese Americans somehow represent the views of Tibetans, and that our politicians should represent Chinese American views, and not basic human rights. Written within this article is that Tibet is in fact Chinese. This acceptance of Chinese propaganda is entirely the kind of ignorance that our politicians would be wise to reject, and what we should expect of them.

–Steve on Apr 06, 2008
It is not ‘fashionable’ to disable, abuse, torture, tear children from their homes or parents, parents from their children, human beings from their countries, harvest organs and tissues of any human being, any age, anywhere on the globe. As a disabled voice for local/global understandings, it is probable that the mainstay of our voices who number probably in many, many, millions, with lesser connect in communication because lack of monies, disabled needs, etc., and many other needs of disabled communities, and individuals, prevents the main stay of our voices or persons to be represented equally.

Even though we may have lesser, or have only one day to live, we are emphatically against what is presently transping in Darur as the genocide, the abuses, torture, destruction of Temples, peoples, families in Tibet, the Falon Gong being murdered while they are alive and being systemitically measured to fit the needs of a living person needful of any type of organ transplant, then killing the host for their one or many organs, etc, to the Burmese and the on going killings, abuse, torture of thier citizens , The Ughyars as well wittnessing and confirming deaths, destruction, torture, abuse violations, and many others under Communist domination.

So, cite whatever it is you feel is objectionable, but it remains to date that The Chinese Communists remain with the highest human rights violations in this century!

All i can say for sure, is, boycott the Communist Chinese Olympic Openings, (support the athletes) but for sure, phooey on the Communist Chinese. They are an assured role model for all nitwits, and control freaks wanting top title of “little red monstors from hell”. They create fear and trepidation wherever they go, and are the least country to date chosen for holding the Olympics in their country, who hold the least respect for global confidence, or that of peoples with conscience. We are not complaining because of one life killed, we are revulsed by the knowledge of over 100,000 peoples have been murdered through genocide, abuse, extremes of torture, starvation, and outright murder.

Wake up and realize at least the horror of harvesting organs and tissues of victims while they are still alive. This is done not by medical personnel, but butchers from hell.

We are talking about human beings, objects. Human Rights belong to everyone, everywhere !

Tatiana

–Tatiana A Kostanian on Apr 06, 2008
The word Communism seems to always represent evil. I came from a Communist country that was really evil. However Communist by theory is actual partially, practiced here in America. Communism deals with community rights versus Democracy for individual rights. When you live in a deed restricted neighborhood, you lived in a communist community. Your rights are bound to whats best for the community. When you can’t play loud music at night, thats communist, so the community can sleep. My point is communism is not so bad, unless it is combine with dictatorship and power gets abused. So is China a dictator? In the American mind, again the Chinese government is a dictator. I don’t think that it is a dictator now. For one, they have term limits. Their leaders are elected the same way corporate America elects our leader. They have a powerful 9 member politburo that balance the power of the president, much the same way as a board of director. There leaders are appointed base on proven leadership skills by someone on the inside who knows whats going on. Some local officials are elected by the people. Here in the US, we elect a president base on looks, talks, and promises. I don’t neccessary think its a stronger system.
The one who is able to fool the voters the best wins. I am not anti-america, but I think we need to stop imposing our systems and standards on other country. It’s arrogant and it can come back.

–Hong on Apr 06, 2008
I am an Asian American. I believe Tibet’s issue is an internal issue between the Chinese government and Tibetans. It is China’s civic war or civic problem, we as American or anybody, should leave them alone and let them take care of their problems and concerns. I am an ethnic Chinese American, not born in China and only been there once. I respect human rights. If the Tibetans are being hurted by Chinese government or people in a riot or unfair war treatment, we as global citizens may voice our opinion in it.

Same as our minority or civic inequality or integration in this country. China never dares to intervent our business. It is our internal problem. Therefore, don’t waste your time talking about Tibetans. We might better of doing something worthwhile such as volunteering, donating, setting up non-profit organzations to help the unfortunates.

We can’t even solve our own problem here at home. Why worry others. Speaking for myself and my community. We are still lacking the representation of sport, music, entertainment, government, social or civic leaders, public figures, high level position in various employment sectors. We are still living as second class citizen working either as tech, labor, or regular citizen job. We can’t even break into the glass ceiling positions such as board, executive, management, advisor.

We need an Asian Pacific Candidancy as president. We wait too long to be invisible citizen in this country. I think when the olympic comes, we as Asian American needs to rise above crow and be American citzen like everybody else.

–EL on Apr 06, 2008
The Tibetan people suffered during the Cultural Revolution, and this wouldn’t have happened if the Beijing regime hadn’t intruded upon them. That’s all we need to know, no “complicated economic, cultural and political forces” can excuse that, or excuse the slaughter in Tienanmen Square in 1989, or excuse the intrusion of the Beijing regime on the First Amendment rights of the Tibetans, the Uighurs, and, indeed, the Han Chinese as well. So the support for an Olympic boycott doesn’t stem from “ignorance”; instead, it is based on “eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man”.

–John Savard on Apr 06, 2008
The recent events in Tibet are just an American-style race riot. Han Chinese- and Hui Muslim-owned shops in Tibet were smashed by ethnic Tibetans, reminiscent of the Rodney King riots when Afro-American rioters smashed white- and Korean-owned businesses in LA. In both situations it is a matter of a socioeconomically disadvantaged race venting their frustration, both justly and unjustly, against socioeconomically dominant races.

–Isaac on Apr 06, 2008
As an American-born Chinese, I say “knock it off.” You’d rather not say anything about the Tibetan massacre because of your perception here in the US? That is the most juvenile thing I’ve heard in a while. That’s like saying an American living in France opposes the French local officials opposing the Iraq war because it brings on “Anti-American sentiment.”

As for your statement, “The FBI is already asking Chinese Americans to effectively spy on each other” post references please.

–Lucy on Apr 06, 2008
I agree that many people are jumping on the “save Tibet” bandwagon more because it’s popular and they want to show their love for human rights. Seriously, how many people out there really do know what’s going on in Tibet, outside of what the Western Media is giving them? There has already been evidence of western propaganda with the cropping of pictures and incorrect captions from CNN and the Washington Post. Beside that, China has spent millions of dollars on Tibet to improve roads and education and public services. It was not quite like that back in the times of the Dalai Lama.

The US is not the most well-liked country in the world, and Americans should want to communications and knowledge of other countries. What better way than the Olympics?

–LX on Apr 06, 2008
I respectfully submit that it is our moral obligation to send three messages simultaneously on Wednesday when the Olympic Torch passes through our city.

First, we must send the message that we respect the dignity of every person. This includes Tibetans, Chinese, Chinese Americans, athletes in the Olympics from around the world and, as Mayor Newsom has stated, folks carrying the torch on their feet or in wheel chairs. As a white San Franciscan, I am so proud of the achievements of my Asian American brothers and sisters who have contributed to this city in spite of enduring racism and discrimination. I appreciate the words of Attorney Edward Liu (SF Chronicle, 4/6/08) who reminds us that a third of us are Asians. It is crucial that those of us who are not Asian make clear that our protest is not against the Chinese people or Chinese Americans. Given the human rights abuses committed by whites on Chinese Americans since the earliest days of San Francisco, I completely understand if my words are met with skepticism. My response is to respond sincerely that Asians and Asian cultures are an important factor in making this town a place I love.

However, I feel we must peacefully but forcefully speak out on behalf of all those who have suffered human rights abuses throughout the world. This has been a life long commitment of mine since joining Amnesty International at age 19. So, the second message we must send on Wednesday is righteous (but not self-righteous!) indignation: we must deplore the human rights abuses committed by the Chinese government both in Tibet and throughout China. Yes, I agree: the US and many other countries are guilty of human rights violations — I protest against these abuses as well as I can. But we must not fail on Wednesday to speak out on behalf of folks like Shi Tao, sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for using his Yahoo mail account in a way that the Chinese government didn’t like.

Finally, we must be peaceful and creative in our interactions on Wednesday. No one gains when there is disrespect, violence or a lack of dialogue. We must sent this third message loud and clear: “Although I disagree with you, I will listen to you.” We need to commit to listening very carefully to folks with whom we disagree. This includes respected scholars and lawyers, religious leaders, but it also includes everyday people whom we will meet at the demonstration. We must listen because we understand that no one has a monopoly on the truth. In San Francisco, if no where else, and Wednesday, if no other day, we must affirm that politics, human rights and dignity involve complicated issues! To increase our understanding of these terms requires conversation. On Wednesday when I protest, my third message will be: “I am listening to you with an open mind and an open heart.”

So, a truly San Franciscan welcome would weave together:
one, respect for the torch as a symbol of the dignity of the individual — all individuals;
two, a non-violent but strenuous objection to the human rights abuses done by the Chinese government; and, three, a creative (even theatrical if it causes us to pause for even a moment!) invitation to engage in conversation.

–Dave on Apr 06, 2008
I agree wholeheartedly with the opinion of the author. This pathetic situation is clearly evolving into an “us” vs “them” the for the white “tibetan freedom fighters”. I might note the not-so-subtle strand of racism in their tone about China, and by implication, the Chinese-Americans in this country, which I am one of. It seems to me that the underlying theme for these “do-gooders” is “if you don’t support us by denouncing your China, then you are not American”. It would tragically ironic, but not too far of a stretch, for these same people who advocate for the “freedom” for the hapless Tibetans to one day also call for the internment of those Americans of Chinese or indeed any Asian descent, or a “final solution” to these “yellow menace”. I would not be surprised, given this “holier-than-thou” attitude and tones of these so-call supporters of “human rights”. I wonder if they actually did any research on what Tibet is really like, and what the so-call evil Chinese government has been doing to bring about change there. It is always easy to fall on the comfortable cusion of “good” vs “evil”, when your mind is simplistic and dead set to demonize someone…anyone. It’s also esay to denounce someone as “brainwashed” if that person offers a different perspective. These “do-gooders” are no better than the fascist-totalitarians that they claim China to be.

–Michael Lou on Apr 06, 2008
Lucy,
Where have you been? what kind of white-washed news media are you paying attention to?
http://www.asianweek.com/2005/12/29/wary-of-the-new-%e2%80%98mata-hari%e2%80%99-image/
http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=0f25bbdd532dc20ff32bf4f536120102

–not a prude on Apr 06, 2008
Tibetans definitely deserves to be treated with the Western standards of human rights. It is within their rights to subject to the Dalai Lama’s status as God and do as he says. Dalia Lama wants all non-Tibetan to be out of the Great Tibetan region. If this is not warning of xenophobic actions, then no one gives a damn about the rights of the ordinary Han or Muslim residents who had built homes in Tibet. but of course, they are only pawns sent by the evil government to wipe out the Tibetan culture, they do not deserve our more enlightened moral values. These people have not rights.

–M Z on Apr 06, 2008
Strange enough, I have heared many Chinese people who really experienced the “Tienanmen Square Up-rise” expressing their undersdanding about the Chinese government’s way of handling the situation. Many of these people have lived abroad for many years.

I was too small when the “up-rise” happened, but from the evidence I have gethered so far, I have to say CNN and BBC played a very bad role in it.

Here is my own opinion on China today, based on my own experience:
1. There are millions of problems in China
2. Human right is not yet well protected
but, most importantly,
3. The current government is trying its best to make China a better country.

I don’t know what is a good government in western people’s eyes. But I think the Chinese one is not so bad!

–Tian on Apr 06, 2008
John Savard: “The Tibetan people suffered during the Cultural Revolution, and this wouldn’t have happened if the Beijing regime hadn’t intruded upon them. That’s all we need to know, no “complicated economic, cultural and political forces” can excuse that”

Similarly, I can say, the native American people suffered for 200 years, and this wouldn’t have happened if the white men hadn’t intruded upon them. That’s all we need to know, no “complicated economic, cultural and political forces” can excuse that.

–YZ on Apr 06, 2008
Tibet supporters, let’s cut to the chase and do something real.

The U.S. and all democratic countries should firmly stand up for Tibetans and show the world that we are the leader of freedom and democracy. At a minimum we should re-open the CIA military training camp for Tibet freedom fighters at Camp Hale near Leadville, Colorado. They already worked with CIA in 1950’s-1970’s. Now it is time for us to refresh our obligation to the human rights of those oppressed Tibetans.

Sure, the economy is not going perfect and may pose some financial problems for the operation. But it is our moral obligation that freedom is noble and worth fighting for, that freedom is not to be traded with cheap toys and apparel made by Chinese sweat labor. We can rally help among our rich democratic allies for the Free Tibet cause. We can ask Japanese, as they should remember that Dalai Lama enthusiastically endorsed a Japanese spiritual movement,’Aum Shinrikyo’, in 1980’s-1990’s. We can also ask Germans, who had deep connections with Tibet in 1930’s and 1940’s. Dalai Lama’s tutor in 1940’s was Heinrich Harrer, a member of the ‘Schutzstaffel’. Together we can form a coalition force making Tibet our dreamed Shangri-La.

Let’s do it!

–Mthood on Apr 06, 2008
Through all the years of abuse from outside, Japanese occupation, opium war and internal conflict, China of today is like a turtle. Its hard on the outside and soft on the inside. On the economics side, it’s like a turtle in the sea, it can swim quickly. On the political freedom side, it’s like a turtle on sand. You can poke at it all you want, it is not going to move any faster. Just be careful that you may not poke it so hard that it will just go back in the shell. China has made lots of progress on all fronts in the past few decade. We need to be patient. If China collapse, you may see Iraq like conditions on the whole planet.

In terms of development, China is about 40 years behind the US. Where was the US 40 years ago? Remember Martin Luther King?

–Happy on Apr 06, 2008
In terms of human rights violation, the US just has more experience covering things up. China is like an amateur, very sloppy. The US would have just assinated the Dalai Lama like Dr. King. Anybody who serious challange the US government would be accidentally killed, not tortured and live to tell. China will learn one day.

I got a ticket the other day for safety violation, because one of my brake lights was out. After inspecting it, nothing was wrong with it. I try to fight the ticket, but was told that I could be fined up to $500 if I fail to prove it. I end up paying the $76. This is an example of a rights violation being covered. Yes I have the right to fight, but not really if you consider the consequences.
Our whole government is just as corrupted, they just do a better job covering up.

–Mad on Apr 06, 2008
Yes, let do something. Lets fight for freedom and justice. Afganistan is almost freed, Iraq is almost freed, let’s Free Tibet next. Yes, there are thousands of freedom lovers waiting to be freed. Let’s keep fighting, who cares about the economy. Let’s keep fighting, who cares about the budget deficit. Let’s keep fighting, who cares about the price of oil. Let’s keep fighting, who cares if more US soldiers die. Let’s keep fighting, who cares if more bloodshed to innocent civilians. Let’s keep fighting, who cares if we all die. Let’s keep fighting, who cares if the whole planet blows up. What’s more important is our high moral and dignity.

–Far from truth on Apr 06, 2008
China’s human rights abuses are “staggering”: the detention of hundreds of thousands of people, including political activists, for “reeducation” programs, and forced labor camps; and the liberal use of the death penalty in China — including for political prisoners — which makes China the site of 8 of every 10 government administered executions carried out in the world!

It is clear that the Communists can’t be trusted at all and they have a bag full of tricks to fool not only Tibetans but the people of China with a state-controlled press. The solution is a free Tibet. There is no doubt that a sovereign Tibet would be a savior state not only for Tibetans but for all ethnic groups of China who have nowhere to go if they disagree with the CPC. A free Tibet would be such a free democratic heaven and haven.

–Rick on Apr 06, 2008
Most of the above and foregoing comments are more than interesting and instructive, both about the issues addressed and the addressers.
Loved mthood, but have a question for “mike”:
You have not noticed the literal groundswell of Sinophobia in the mainstream media of late? From tainted pet foods to poisoned toys to the current and massive anti-China campaign of the “Free Tibet” p.r. guys?
And has anyone noted the authentic irony in this exploiting of the “Olympic Games” that the “originals” were considered sacrosanct — above politics AND war — by those who originated this concept of “excellence”?
Not that this concept hasn’t, of late, grown more and more meretricious, like “the ‘Oscars’?”, and less and less open and available to the hoi-polloi? In ticket price, that is. Where is Socrates when we need him? Forget Diogenes.
Frank Eng
P.S.: Hope “Dave” is right, and sophisticated San Franciscans will NOT resort to any destruction and violence when that “sacred” flame passes by. Just bnng those Falun gongs.

–Frank Eng on Apr 06, 2008
Frank Eng, the circumlocuting champion of the oppressed, except when his own kind is doing the oppressing.

–Jim Erbes on Apr 06, 2008
I lived in Lhasa for the past 18 months and experienced the uprising/riot/protest, etc. Your choice of terms probably expresses your pro-Tibet/China beliefs. What is reality, or truth of this situation? Most believe what they already believe, and reject what they do not. Who do you trust? Chinese or Western media?
Each version of reality is different, and focuses on saving “face,” and perpetuating their reality. So how do you decide what is truth?

In Tibet, it is difficult to determine what really happened; What started the violence? The monks or the police? How many died? How many Chinese or Tibetans? The primary sources of information (TV/press/internet) are filtered by the government. Outside media is often filtered, so news travels by rumors, gossip, insiders, etc., but by reading and talking, you can receive different views of an issue or event. If you can rise above the good vs. bad, right vs. wrong judgments, perhaps you can be neutral; seeing both sides, finding the “middle path” that can sometimes lead to peace, instead of violence. This path requires time, patience, negotiation, compromises and transparency to involve people and develop trust. Critical is the intention to avoid violence and find peace. This, I believe, is the best position for all bystanders and observers of the conflicts among the China-Tibet-Nepal-Thailand-Pakistan-India-
Russia-Myanmar-Iraq-Iran-Israel-Darfur conflicts. Violence leads to more violence and more animosity among people as we choose sides. The peaceful ways of showing support for human rights and justice are not common practice; it is not taught in schools, or presented in sermons, nor promoted by media, altough it’s a universal spiritual belief.

We only see/read/hear about problems without solutions, stirring up hatred and triggering violent responses towards our enemies who are also defined by media . It’s the evil Chinese, Tibetans, Muslims or Jews. Take your pick. We show our patriotism by hating foreigners, infidels, liberals/conservatives, etc., who then become our enemies. Just read these posts and see how it goes on and on. We need to change ourselves.

–Pietro on Apr 06, 2008
Tibet – the “Inconvenient Truth”
1. Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy – a combination of religion institution and secular governing body:

Contrary to the popular belief (molded and ingrained mostly by the western mainstream medias and probably in the textbooks as well) in the West, Tibetan Buddhist society was, never a pure form of religious institution in Chinese history, instead, a fundamentalism for as well as an extension of the then secular government solely consisted of slavery landlords. Tibetan Buddhism monasteries both directly and indirectly preserved the feudal system ruling the region for centuries with extreme cruelty, such as peeling off slaves’ skins to make drums, beheading prisoners to use their skull to make bowls. Dismantlement of limbs and gouging out of eyes were common punitive punishment was a memory as recent as 1940s of last century until the communist uprooted ruling class of the then Tibetan region.

The western so-called communist “invasion” and later on its crackdown of rebellion in the ensuing year was in fact not prompted by the quest for territorial gain (anyone with rich knowledge of Chinese history would know the legitimacy behind China’s claim of the region as a integrated part of the country), but rather the result of inevitable clash between two vastly different social ideologies.

As a result most of the Tibet exiles following Dalai Lama, old or new, are those who used to be the beneficiaries of that Tibetan feudal system. They are not real Tibetan people.

2. Dalai Lama – never a spiritual leader in Chinese Buddhism followers’ mind:

To understand this, western minds must abandon the perceived comparison between Buddhism and Christianity, particularly Catholic Church. Chinese Buddhism, due to its pacifist philosophy of life, has never developed into a unified and highly organized religious system. There is NEITHER a Buddhist “Bible” NOR a Buddhist “Vatican” to speak of is self evidence.

In Buddhism the reverence towards a certain living individual is of only academic value – no more, no less. In Chinese traditional point of view, living in seclusion was and still is regarded of the highest Way of Buddhist living. Participation in politicking is scorned off by mainstream Chinese Buddhism. From this standing point, it is not difficult to see why Dalai Lama does not have the respect from Chinese people, let alone win hearts and souls.

The Nobel Prize to Dalai Lama was just a poorly orchestrated politic joke in an ordinary Chinese eye. So please, if you happen to see Mr. Lama coming your way in the street, don’t be scared. A polite “Hi, there!” will be sufficient enough to fulfill your social courtesy.

3. Any logic behind the western medias’ truth-less report and inflammable commentaries:
Firstly, if there was no western reporter inside Tibet during the course of the riot, how can the various news agencies could justifiably declare they had told the public a true story? Second, manipulations of photographs, distortion of facts are surely not deemed as professionally ethical or even legal under the law of “freedom of speech”? Thirdly, when facts desperately in short supply, on what basis did editors and commentators alike make all those comments and accusations?
If we to take a leaf out of the book of the western justice system – “innocent until proven guilty” – to depict the bias of the western medias in this Tibet issue, we have to reverse the sentence and plus, and then it shall read like this: “guilty until proven innocent – but we are the judge and the jury”.
But there is the famous English saying even more deafening:
“You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time”. I hope you take it to your mind – because it is YOUR reputation on the line; and what’s more, as a news agency, reputation is your flesh and blood. Without them you are bound to be out of business – sooner or later.
4. Reaction from some of the world leaders:

It is absolutely shocking to see how they have acted the way like, with due respect to the artists, a pop star – caring only the quality of the tenor and the velocity of the voice, but not giving a dime about what exactly what they were talking about.

Isn’t it the leader of a nation should be the most knowledgeable (with the help of his/her think tank) person among his/her peers? Maturity should be the virtue of his/her leadership, right? And most importantly the national interest should certainly be the order of his/her job?

But hell no! As the anti-China shenanigan uncoiling we see you guys became headless, putting up some ugly no-brainer shows that certainly will not benefit the countries that you are elected to serve. Trust me on this one: whenever there is an action, there will be a reaction. If you want a friend you must yourself act like one; if you want an enemy you just carry on what you are doing now. China is not your wholesale market – she has survived over 6000 years, and mind you, for most part she had no idea where on earth the West was.

By the way, USA, the self-proclaimed leader of the free world, is just over 200 years old. If culture is the soul food and history the time for a nation to grow strong and healthy, it certainly lacks in both. The establishment of a strong and beautiful nation is just like the making of a noble spirit. From this point of view I tend to agree with the Scots: the American Whiskey (or any other Whiskey for that matter) is not Whisky.

As for the topic of morality and human rights, I dare say each and every Chinese baby has been born over 6000 years old. Please save your breath, or better still – lecture to yourselves if you want to. We know what we want and no force in the world could ever change that.

5. An advice to those who threaten to boycott Beijing Olympics:

I challenge you do what you say and say what you mean, please.

To your knowledge, the most cultivated value in Chinese tradition is to be humble and modest. We learned it since childhood.

What does this to do with “boycotting Beijing Olympics”? It surely does.

Because your boycott threats have just betrayed your feel of arrogance hidden in your innermost heart though it is entirely unjustifiable, which is just the adversary to the above-said value so cherished by Chinese people. Tell you the truth: you do know how to flatter yourselves indeed.

I advise you don’t ever backtrack your “boycott” threat, seriously. Because if you do, you will find you are NOT welcomed in China no matter where you go. And you’d better keep your words. Thus, at least we will respect you to be a person of your own conviction – be it wise or stupid.

6. Shame on China?

I don’t think so. To quell a riot and to protect innocent people and to ensure law and order are nothing to be ashamed of. Those violent mob led by Tibetan monks are the shameful lot. And so are those who use physical violence in protest against the Olympic Torch Rally. They have just shown the world how ugly and brutal and lawless they are. There is none too blind for those who don’t wish to see. As to those who insist to twist the facts they are simply from verbal diarrhea.

7. If you care to know who I am:

I am proud to tell you this: I am no government employee if this is what you want to know. But I am well educated and probably know the world a little better than those who are making big noises on their over-sized stages.

I am just an ordinary Chinese!

–james on Apr 06, 2008
Folks:
One more “caution” here.
While we’uns are brawling and growling at one another over what is, in essence, a passing and relatively “minor” (yes, I know, not to Tibetans) incident, and a staged one at that, something much more germane, relevant, AND immense to America and Americans, dunno about the Brits, and even Sarkozy’s French today, is the matter of “iran.”
Whereas the reported Russian report of an Iran strike this past weekend did NOT occur, please read today’s Info Clearing House piece by Paul Craig Roberts about NEXT week’s Petraeus “report” and the likelihood of an Iran strike following.
Point here is that Roberts insists, and I, for one believe, based on the record, yes, you, Nancy!, that a complicit Congress will go along.
McCain is already on the front lines, but how say you? Mme. Senator. And, more to the point, you as well, Sen. Obama?
I think it is much much more important to man the anti-Iran-strike barricades than either jeer OR cheer the passing Olympic Torch come Tuesday.
Frank Eng
P.S.: Rick, are you talking about Mao’s “great leap backward”? That’s more than a generation ago, two? And, like the young lady asking for documentation of FBI snoopings, I ask for the same here. No, western media reports are not enougb.
P.P.S.: Those commie-haters too, seem to me, to be at least two generations behind the times as well. Poor Karl. And he was only trying to help “the masses,” huddled or no. And, no, I never carried a “card,” much less wanted one, insofar as the “Party” was far too “dialectical”?

–Frank Eng on Apr 06, 2008
The opposite of Sinophobia is Chinese Xenophobia, the irrational fear of external influence. When the world chides the Chinese regime for ill-treating minorities and human rights abuses, the local propaganda machine never fails to use the “it’s our internal affair” excuse. When u see your neighbor beating up his wife, i think u have a right to intervene.

–Hank on Apr 07, 2008
Unlike the Jewish folks, who have deep angst since birth that the rest of the world is out to get them (true in some instances), the Chinese around the globe are simply too soft, too complacent, and too trusting. It truly amazes me while so many Chinese can do so well competing against others in so many fields, yet so few take up the keyboard around the world to fight against defamation of their own kind. Sinophobia and racial prejudice against the Chinese have always been high historically, and have been whipped to a fevered froth in the last few months, with exaggerated claims for adulterated foods and allegedly poisoned toys (even though amazingly no one was even significantly harmed, let alone died), and all manner of unsupportable “China Threat” theories.

It is time and it is the duty of every Chinese around the globe to fight prejudice and lies against China and the Chinese.

The Committee of 100, which works quite a bit with the Jewish ADL, can take the lead and encourage all Chinese in America and then the world, to write and speak and protest against lies directed at China and the Chinese. This is one area in which the Chinese can learn quite a bit from the Jewish folks.

–Tongluren on Apr 07, 2008
Frankly, I’m glad this has happened, not for the DaLie Lama and his followers, but for the Chinese people. It’s just wonderful how they have been galvanized to defend China. Their netizens have certainly put the western media on the defensive. By being more aggressive they’ve done a far better job than their own government in revealing the hypocrisy of the western media. Bottom line is the education of the average Chinese person in this area. It’s about time…!!!!

Probably for the very first time, people in the west are beginning to realise that the Chinese people are not waiting to be ’saved’ by westerners, that they are not about to ‘overthrow’ their government, that they do indeed support their government. In dealing with China the western media is finally coming to realise that it’s not just the government of China it is dealing with, but with its people.

There is a delicious and hilarious irony to all of this. The western media has been quick to defend these ‘netizens’ when their (Chinese) government censors the net. Now these same ‘netizens’ are slamming the western media. I wonder if CNN are now secretly hoping the Chinese government censors the website anticnn. com…

To Stephen Kastner; bang on! You’re right!
To mthood: hilarious!!!!

–ganzhuolin on Apr 07, 2008
Tibet was and is a part of China,Dalai Lama wanna uses Olympic to separate China,i don’t think he’ll succeed.
Many people always say China invaded Xizang,please read history of China first,on the contraray,they never mentioned how western power invaded Xizang,Beijing. Beijing was destoried by 8 country allies.

–China on Apr 07, 2008
I deeply know Xizang’s past and current.Xizang was invaded by Uk,as UK used Xizang to safeguard its colony India,so UK tried its best to split China at that time,as KMT had good relationship with USA,so UK’s aim failed,US did not want see Xizang off from R.O.China.After PRC birthed,USA wanted Xizang independant,but it failed to fight with PLA in N.Korea,then USA gradually gave up its attempt,China made diplomatic relationship with USA in 1970s.Dalai Lama self knows it’s harder for him to be a “PRESIDENT OF Xizang’.Dalai Lama once profoundly said he is merely a CARD for western powers to negotiate with China.
Olympics comes,Dalai Lama thinks it’s the best chance to arrive for independance,but he does not know how much positive change has taken place in Xizang.Poeple ’s living level is strinkingly improved in Xizang,Qinghai-Xizang Railway operated.China invested more in Xizang,other ethnic Chinese help Xizang by a big hand. Xizang is stepping on a promosing way,more Xizangnese work and study in inland of China.
Dalai Lama is relatively lucky,as they can convince those pro-Xizang independance guys to smear China on torch relay journey.
China is highly focused by the world,everything has two sides,Dalai Lama’s movement is bigger,China will become stronger on guarding its integal sovereigty,his final failure will prove what really minority ethnics need in China:prosperity,harmony,and better life.China ’s foremost task is integality,development.
Some anti-China activists will be shocked by China Miracle,their intention to separate and smear China will be futile.

–I'm a tibetan on Apr 07, 2008
Western media, politicans and so called rightist are all bias and practising double standard. Remember when American resumed control of Hawaii, the whole native population signed a petition for independance. The American refused to talk to them. What a shame!

–Yik Choo on Apr 07, 2008
The disgusting and obnoxious behavior of those Tibetan “do-gooders” trying to “take out ” the torch is just one example of what happens when rationale thinking and critical analysis are shoved aside for empty slogan and bandwagon herd mentality. Most white supporters of Tibet could not even point to Lhasa on a world map, let alone truly careing for the “welfare of Tibetans”.

Some predictions….

Tibet will always be a part of China, present and future. It will grow, prosper and share the same fate as the rest of China.

The Dalai Lama is in his 70’s, and we will never know who he will “re-incarnate” into. I personally dont care, and he will pass his last days never ever seeing his homeland again. The Tibetan Youth Congress will resort to terrorist tactics, and they will be labelled as such, and hunted down by China’s Ministry of State Security. All gloves will now come off.

The Beijing Olympics wll go on…and all Chinese will be proud. Sarkozy and that German woman who choose to boycott. …Good luck to them and their German/French companies. No more Airbus orders for a while, and VW and Audis will suddenly be out of favor. These politicians will get a lot of criticism from their big corporate supporters. Their days will not be comfortable.

The Beijing leadership will wise up. Why did they make this “Game” into such a public show of “Face” anyway? I am surprised that these “master tacticians” of China’s great imperial legacies could be so DUMB as to not realize that, the more you put your “face” on the line, the more others will want to pee on it and bash it? Why invite all the heads of states so that they can hold you hostage by threatening to not come? Why ask for a global trek of the flame, when previously, it was only done in the host nation? Are you deliberately asking to be humiliated? Why wasn’t the Paris leg of the trek not cancelled, both to humiliate Sarkozy and to make sure the safety of the flame. Beijing has a lot to learn about the real western world. It is so naive and stupid, and so slow and lumbering to respond with any creativity and decisiove force. While I support China’s Olympics, I am disappointed by the wavering, indecisive and clumsy/naive and frankly idiotic ations/non-actions of the Chinese government/ diplomatic corp. Some heads need to roll in Beijing…Smarten up, China. You are too naive!!!!!!!

–Mike on Apr 07, 2008
There is an old Native American saying, “A man’s worth is not to be judged by his possessions, but by the number and strengths of his enemies.”

But for a nation, it is perhaps judged by its possessions, its enemies, and how much it is needed.

This is simple geopolitical reality that modern political activists have forgotten. That “respect” is probably the least of any government’s concern.

(1) Possession: China possesses Tibet, by treaty rights and by physical presence. It’s fact, it is reality that has existed almost 60 years. No sane government will give up that much territory for “respect” or for a “game”.

(2) Enemies: China is not stupid. It has no illusions that its political enemies on various issues will rest. Even after the Olympics, the activists will still protest give any opportunity. Even if China granted everything they asked for, they will still be more protests. In reality, every government faces criticisms and protests abroad. US Presidents take it in stride. Chinese press suppression of such news is propaganda, but so are the protests, which based hardly on reality.

(3) Needs: Bottomline, the World, hard as it allows admission, NEEDS China. That is a hard reality that will NOT go away. Trade is perhaps the most basic need. But there is more. China sits on the Security Council with veto power. But even more, as 1st world nations fade in influence around the world, China is increasinly called to help with troubled areas like Iran, North Korea, and yes, even Sudan/Darfur. Western nations have lost their influence over time via hardline tactics like sanctions and wars. Reality is, “starve and bomb” diplomacy simply does not work. Yet, the Protesters think China is not “doing enough”. Well, if China also did the “starve and bomb” diplomacy, it won’t get anywhere either.

The Western notion of influence, aka “Starve and Bomb” campaigns, teaches us something about the Protests against China. That in reality, such tactics won’t work.

Les we forget history, China (PRC) has gone through economic embargo, and political sanctions. What can protests do to China that its people have not seen before?

And the vain hope that somehow the Chinese People will awaken to reject the Communist Government is hardly logical.

If Tibetan Exiles are so easily willing to forget their own brutal Theocratic history for the sake of their own “sovereignty” and Independence, what makes them think that they can make the Chinese people feel strongly about “human rights” and sacrifice their own “sovereignty”??

–Horatio on Apr 07, 2008
James, if the west has no culture, why are all the 6000 year old Chinese babies mimicking the great musical expressions of the west?

–Jim Erbes on Apr 07, 2008
I think it’s clear from all of the anti-American sentiment here where the majority of the comments lie. However, the country I love and the one I live in is America. Bashing America is not only wrong, but a smokescreen - a diversion from China’s real human rights record. Is it possible to be Asian and be a loyal American? I know it is, but reading the sentiment behing this editorial the comments that follows leads to doubt.

–Mark on Apr 07, 2008
So much hatred from Chinese citizens living in China and abroad, no wonder no country in the world (except Burma, Sudan and North Korea) trust you!!!

When China and Chinese people treat Tibetans so bad, the world should be cautious about Chinas “peaceful rise” ..

–Greg on Apr 07, 2008
Mark,

If Asian Americans talking about US problems is “bashing America”, then is talking about China’s problems “bashing China”?

And questioning Asian American “loyalty” is hardly the sign of an enlightened democracy.

–Horatio on Apr 07, 2008
Greg,

Does any country really “trust” any other country? Trust US?

“Human Rights” is just another pretext for Wars.

I think many countries would choose a “peaceful rise” over “War of Human rights”.

–Horatio on Apr 07, 2008
I don’t think Chinese Americans are afraid to speak out…it’s more like they agree with China’s handling of Tibet. Most Chinese Americans I’ve come across best line of defense is…”mind your own business” in regards to China vs. Tibet….which they follow up with cold and calculated historical facts about why China owns Tibet.

I just call it bull$hit.

As an Asian American myself, I find it troubling that an Asian American writer thinks in order to be a true Asian American….you shouldn’t speak out against China’s treatment of Tibet because of the “white man persuasion.” In fact, the reason why Asian Americans are silent is because they all side with China…..well, maybe the Chinese American community, but not those who have a mind of their own.

Most Asian Americans can think for themselves and can figure out why China’s handling of Tibet is wrong…and for me, it smells a whole lot like Japan’s imperialization of China.

and boycott the olympics….that’s right, I said it James. Freedom of speech baby. ;)

–mike on Apr 07, 2008
“It’s not so surprising that the Chinese American community has remained largely silent in the face of all the sound and fury. The nearly all white Board of Supervisors simply doesn’t represent Chinese Americans or Asian Americans in San Francisco. It’s as if the community is saying, “No need to waste our voices on deaf ears.”” Yeah, go ahead, play the race card - it’s really all you’ve got. China has achieved a level of barbarism unparalleled in human history. I applaud the protests that have accompanied the Olympic torch at every step of its journey (apart from Beijing, of course - protestors are shot on site in the PRC). The demonstrators are exposing China’s genocidal machinations both within Tibet and its own borders. The entire world (with the exceptions of such bastions of freedom as North Korea, Sudan and Nepal) condemns the PRC.

–Vladimir1917 on Apr 07, 2008
Such BS China bashing. I hope the Chinese American community is ready for a full force display of support for the Olympic flame when it gets here. Let’s show them that we are proud to be American AND Chinese. Let’s everyone Unite. For the first time, we can show the world that we are as attached to our ethnic motherland as the Irish, the Italians and the Polish Americans are. It is our right to do so!!!! If some people cant deal with it, there’s the bridge….we have the law and the right on our side!

–mike on Apr 07, 2008
“imperialization…”…

This is not a word.

“it smells a whole lot like Japan’s imperialization of China. “…

Do you want the CHN government to do a “Lhasa Massacre” of 300,000?

“boycott the olympics….that’s right, I said it “…

“May the Dalai Lama die a lonely death without ever seeing his homeland ever again”…there, I said it.

“maybe the Chinese American community, but not those who have a mind of their own. “…

Typical arrogance from someone who can’t deal with divergent pinions. How strange that these are also the VERY same ones who want “freedom” for Tibetans!!!!!! A very typical arrogance from the screaming liberal left. Fascist Liberalism at its best, you get that award!

–mike on Apr 07, 2008
It’s funny how the Chinese trust a Communist media, which has been brainwashing them since 1950+ and call Western Free media a lie.
It’s also funny how they hold American passport but still shows allegiance to the coummist Government in China.
It’s funny why they enjoy free speech in USA, at the same time support oppression of free speech in China.
It’s funny when they choose to hire/marry/live with people from Asian community while blaming others for avoiding them (I was told by one wise guy that they don’t support out-of-chinese marriage because of the blood purity!)
My question to you, all Asians, do you love USA or China? If you love USA, why don’t you support our freedom?

–Robert Mui on Apr 07, 2008
Mike,

Chinese Americans are not afraid to speak.

But “speaking” is often just empty or “double talk”, or “speaking” just leads to rumors and mob violence.

(1) if the world really cared, they would boycott all Chinese goods, and indeed, boycott all companies that do business with China. Boycotting “olympics” does nothing.

But most people don’t, they just “speak”. Nancy Pelosi herself, TALK, but does not support “boycott”.

(2) History of China during the Cultural Revolution, indicates how “speaking” by a mob of Red Guards do nothing more than incite rumors, paranoia, and violence, no less severe than the angry anti-Communist mob in US during the McCarthy era, and the anti-Japanese mobs WWII, and the anti-Chinese mobs during the era of Chinese Exclusion Act in US.

(3) Cold calculated historical facts are just that, FACTS.

China’s claims on Tibet have been recognized since well before 1949, by treaties.

It’s hardly comparable to Japan, which was condemned by the League of Nations.

–Horatio on Apr 07, 2008
Only the sick in the head would find it “funny” that the Chinese trust a Communist media . . . and call Western Free media a lie.”

Either they lied or they did not lie. This time the Western “free media” lied and distorted the reporting. It is right and righteous for any and all Chinese to call them to it.

As to your sick, McCarthyite ranting of “My question to you, all Asians, do you love USA or China? If you love USA, why don’t you support our freedom?” - the Chinese Americans have freedoms in America just as you do, and it is the melding of ALL of those freedoms that constitute true American freedom. By questioning and trampling on the freedom of any group to choose, you are destroying American freedom.

Jewish folks are allowed to love both America and Israel. Italian Americans can sing praises of the Old Country. Irish Americans can wear green and parade their culture from Ireland all year long. The Chinese Americans are yet not allowed the love of the nation and culture of their ancestors? Chinese Americans are second class citizens in America? Whether or not that is true, ALL Chinese Americans must reject that and fight against even any suggestion of this insult.

–Tongluren on Apr 07, 2008
This recent onslaught of cheap shot attacks on China by the pols and by the press constitute direct insult against each and every American Chinese.

WHY should the community take it sitting down? If the pol attacks the Chinese, the Chinese should make the displeasure known, and support someone who honors the community. If the press distorts the truth, the Chinese should speak out and correct such misinformation.

Only then will freedom wrought.

–Tongluren on Apr 07, 2008
“The US would have just assinated the Dalai Lama like Dr. King. Anybody who serious challange the US government would be accidentally killed, not tortured and live to tell. China will learn one day.”

China should really learn to be as sly as the U.S.: when the Chinese embassy was bombed by the U.S., it was a “mistake” in the “outdated” map; when the nuclear fuse was sent to Taiwan by the U.S., it was a “shipping error”.

I am also curious why China didn’t cancel the Paris leg. That big mouth insignicant french(s) is a joke anyway.

–KC on Apr 07, 2008
Wow, reading all the comments from Chinese-Americans here is a real eye-opener. I had no idea so many shared in a pathetic, bigoted China First/evil whitey is out to get us/evil America should never criticize our precious blameless PRC paranoid mindset. After reading what’s been posted here, I’m not only hoping the torch run in SF s trashed and made a mockery of, but I will personally boycott all made-in-PRC products and encourage others to do so. Keep up the good work, folks: you’re opening some dumb round-eyes to the reality of what you fascists actually think.

–Wowsers on Apr 07, 2008
My question to you, all Asians, do you love USA or China? If you love USA, why don’t you support our freedom?
–Robert Mui on Apr 07, 2008

Robert,

Its funny that we Americans have blood on our hands from abu ghraib, yet we attack China for abuse.
Its funny that we Americans spent more money on defense then the whole world combine, yet we attack China for their weak military spending.
Its funny that we Americans kill thousands of innocent Iraqi, yet we attack China for suppressing unrest.
Its funny that we Americans support former dictator Saddam Hussein for oil, yet we attack China for supporting Dafur, Sudan for oil.
Yes we love the USA, and we are supporting our freedom by speaking freely about what is wrong with our government and our double standards. By doing so we hope to keep the USA lovable not just by Asian American but by the whole world.

–Asians on Apr 07, 2008
Those idiotic protesters in London, Paris, San Francisco are all radical losers. Very naive, misguided, and misled by well-financed political groups with vicious agenda. I was impressed by Yoichi Shimatsu’s article, seldom a Japanese has this much insight into understanding the complicated web of relationships in a multi-cultural society. I respect the Dalai Lama for his wealth of knowledge and especially for his championing of non-violent struggle for his people. However, we must also keep in mind that he is a religious political leader, his hidden agenda is to rule the Tibetan people under a theocracy. I somewhat agree with Dalai Lama’s claim of China cultural genocide of Tibet. I think the Chinese government doesn’t really know how to manage a multi-ethnic society. Forced “education” classes and brainwashing only have the opposite effect: seeding further resentment of the government. I think Mao’s original goal of conquering Tibet is to spread communist ideology rather than empire-building, but he was naive in a way that he didn’t really understand the role of religion in a society; you cannot just convert a population steeped in religious tradition and change it overnight.

–Jon Dough on Apr 07, 2008
Let’s keep things straight: Not all Asians are Chinese; Not all Chinese are from mainland China; not all mainland Chinese support Chinese government’s policy.

First, “Asian people” refer to a very large and diverse group, of which Chinese is just a component. Don’t blame “Asians” for what the Chinese are doing, and don’t use the banner “Asians” or “Asian Americans” to drum up Chinese interests. Second, not all people of Chinese ancestry are from mainland China or support Beijing’s policy. For example, many people in Taiwan can be considered Chinese based on their ancestry, but some detest what mainland China is doing. Third, not all mainland Chinese people agree with Chinese government’s policies. Some even protest against them, at much personal risk.

Chinese Communist Party took over the mainland in 1949 and has tightly controlled textbooks and news media ever since. Unless a mainland Chinese person was born well before that and has had a chance to form independent thoughts, that person has been subjected to official party-line propaganda heavily, if not the entire lifetime. Some got to Western countries and might learn a thing or two (like arguing in English on the Internet), and some might even start to disbelieve Chinese communist government’s propaganda. But Chinese resentment towards Western powers still runs deep, very deep, and so does Chinese nationalistic pride, to the point that most Chinese always take a China-first stance regardless of their current citizenship.

How do I know? Being a Chinese-Taiwanese, I’m kind of one of them.

When criticizing the suppression in Tibet, specifically call out “Chinese government”, don’t just say “the Chinese” as that includes millions of powerless poor people. When refer to people of Chinese ancestry, use “Chinese”, not “Asian”.

–MikeLum on Apr 07, 2008
Who is the idiot who wrote this op piece???

–Alessio on Apr 07, 2008
Wowsers, you just realized all this now? There is a sub-set of Asians that are HIGHLY insecure, and the blame game is almost out of control. You summed up things very well though.

–Yeah on Apr 07, 2008
agg It is amazing that Chinese can be so brainwashed by the PRC, even those who are not under the PRC. Oh, we are victims, West pushes us down, Japan pushes us down, Martians push us down. Respect Chinese! Don’t let foreigners look down on us. Did you idiots ever think that people look down on you for this ridiculous behavior? No, don’t look inward, put your head in the ground and blame others. I mean, your culture is so divine, no one else could possibly understand. What a load of rubbish. If you are a real proud “Chinese”, you are a human being first. At least have the balls to criticize your own culture - for FRAKIN once.

–Amazing on Apr 07, 2008
“Chinese resentment towards Western powers still runs deep, very deep”. Then it is up to the Chinese, and only the Chinese, to give it a rest already. It is obvious the politicians in China keep this fire alive, but if individuals can’t look beyond the past, then they are just as bad. Humans have done plenty of lousy things to their fellow humans in the past. I see articles from PRC saying, “don’t let foreigners look down on Chinese”. Don’t tell me you can’t look at what is going on here from a humanistic point of view. If you can’t, well, the World is f’ed in the long run.

–Loh on Apr 07, 2008
Woaa there James from China, you have some MAJOR brainwashed arrogance going on there. You say the US is only 200 years? Well the combined immigrant culture in the US are 100,000 years old. We have Chinese, we have Greeks, we have Italy/Romans, Egyptians. Your culture is so great, eh? Anyone that has to say it so explicitly like you is one thing — a little insecure shrub.

–MMK on Apr 07, 2008
agg Yeah, whites are out to get us. It is all a conspiracy. West insult Chinese, we will never forget. Those eight armies push us down, we will fight forever. Fight, fight, fight, great 6,000 year old China will get what she wants. After we get rid of west/euro/white, then we take over the World. YA!

–Ya on Apr 07, 2008
The spirit embodied in the Olympic torch is one of peace, friendship, and progress.

The majority of Americans and world citizens (99%) support the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. However, the radical fundamentalists (1%) that are driven by a narrow ideology of extremism are using violent tactics in order to force their unwanted ideology on others. These protestors have shown that they represent the opposite of what the Olympics are about.

The spirit of the Olympics will survive in the torch. The Olympic torch represents the will of the majority of the citizens of the world. In the final journey of the torch to Beijing, the world will rejoice the rekindling of the human spirit.

We may have differences. However, we all will work together to make the Olympics a positive sporting event for humanity.

But, let’s not spoil the Olympics for all of our athletes and families who have trained so hard to compete in this sporting event.

–Nancy Rose on Apr 08, 2008
I agree with Nancy Rose’s comment.

Let’s all stop the politicization of the Olympics sporting event. I’m tired of all the personal attacks that I see on this blog.

Stop your political demogogery and your stupid ideological nonsense. Furthermore, stop behaving like immature children that personally attack each other and start behaving like mature adults!

I’m a SPORTS FAN and I want to watch my team compete in Beijing in 2008.

If you don’t want to watch the Olympics, then turn off your TV set. Sheesh.

–Jack Steinburg on Apr 08, 2008
Have you ever seen a Jew criticize Israel in front of goyim? Of course there would be a few, the exceptional, much like the JYGZ (jia yang gui zhi) in present company. Does it mean that the Jewish folks do not criticize Israel? Hardly- it is just not “profitable” to do so in front of goyim, just as it is not profitable for the ethnic Chinese, be they Chinese American, Chinese Brit, Chinese Australian or whatever, to criticize China in front of the gweilo. An ethnic group that feels no pride and is not protective of its own culture, has no future. That’s why the Irish still wear green and paint the whole town green on St. Patrick’s day.

You mean to tell us that the Chinese in America do not have the freedom to choose to support the nation of their ancestors? Given the warped “reporting” by major media in the last few months, it is hardly paranoia to stay alert, and to pool resources to fight the lies.

–Tongluren on Apr 08, 2008
This is not against the Chinese people or even against China. It again the click in power in the Chinese governemement who victimize not only the people of Tibet but the people of China too.

Remember Tianamen square?

–Anton on Apr 08, 2008
Why is’nt any Han Chinese resenting the Manchus for invading China and starting the Qing dynasty? Oh yeah, Manchuria is now a province, and many Han Chinese are actually descended from Manchus.

–Hu on Apr 08, 2008
I studied and worked in China for more than 20 years. If you are a foreigner from 3rd world counrty in China, you’d know how the human rights work.
1. All foreigners are supposed to report to Police every 6 to 12 months, Police decides where foreigners can stay (yes, only nominated hotels can take foreigners!)
2. No foreigner, no matter how long they stay in China, can ever get the permission to stay indefinitely (unlike USA or Canada)
3. All foreigners are kept out of Government jobs
4. We were also barred from attending “Chinese-only” classes, Black people are especially singled out in any social activity (yes, Racism is there!)
5. If something goes wrong, it’s always the “Lao Wai”’s fault
6. China Daily is a piece of crap, never writes the truth
7. Many journalists are jailed for trying write the truth about the government (unlike USA/Canada, where journalists are free to write the truth)
8. All Chinese students must be brainwashed: by attending Communist study, attending military training and listening to Government Controlled media

So, if China didn’t do anything wrong in Tibet, why don’t they allow the foreign journalists to enter TIbet or let the people talk?

–Robert Mui on Apr 08, 2008
China has its own ways to manage their country. Most importantly, China should and must do what is the best for China no matter what others say or feel. The hell with the western media or opinions. And to the the hell with Dalai Lama.
The western media and society are highly hypocrital and double standard —– and shame on them.
China is on the right development course and it will not be long China will be the biggest market in the world. Then they will have a lot more influence and power. The Chinese government should keep up with the good work.

–Roger Liu on Apr 08, 2008
Roger Liu —

You call detaining and sending free speech supporters/democracy supporters to prison a “good work” by Chinese Government, while you are enjoying Free Speech here. Also, you may not have friends/relatives suffering from lack of justice system them…otherwise you wouldn’t say it’s a good work.
If you have courage, ask your government to let people speak!

–Robert Mui on Apr 08, 2008
What’s amazing is no one has brought up the deaths of both ethnic Han and Tibetans in Tibet. Before we discuss the Olympics or our political views, I think that is where the conversation should start first. Ironically, we cannot have such an informed discussion as the Chinese government has been slow to release information, taking days what normally takes minutes with independent news media. One can fault the western media but only to a degree, because it is doing what it can with limited information in a controlled, authoritarian environment. But most importantly, such organizations are independent and free. On the other hand, Xinhua’s lack of timely, objective, independent reporting compromises the credibility of its accounts. If a bias is to be discerned, it lies flatly at the conflict of interest that occurs when a government agency is the sole reporter of the news. This pattern repeats itself in Xinjiang, as unrest there, which occurred the roughly same time as in Tibet, was reported by Xinhua a week after it occurred.

An unfortunate outcome for the Chinese government is that people will come to their own conclusions regardless of what they say as recent polls show:

70% Believe IOC Was Wrong to Award Olympic Games to China
http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1474

–Ma on Apr 08, 2008
Anyone seen this video from someone else’s perspective?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9QNKB34cJo

America really should judge itself first. You want to talk about human rights violation? How about the constant racism against Asian Americans? Constant negative stereotyping of Asians in Hollywood and in the media? How about white washing Asian American stories such as the new movie 21? How about the glass ceiling? The list goes on and on…

How about FREE AMERICA and give the land back to the real Americans the American Indian? How come we don’t have weekly protests about that?

–Rob on Apr 08, 2008
The Dalai Lama reminds us (I am an American) of Gandhi and Martin Luther King. The behavior of the Chinese government reminds us of the KKK, and Nazis. When China abuses and represses Tibetans and Han Chinese civil rights activists, China reminds us of everything we despise. We want to be friends with China, but not at the cost of losing our ideals!

We are not condemning the Chinese people, we are condemning the Chinese government. Nothing would please us more than being able to like and respect the Chinese government, but that will not happen until it respects religious freedom and civil rights.

If you believe that critics of Chinese government policy hate China and the Chinese, how do you reconcile this with the fact that I know the names, Zhao Ziyang , Hu Yaobang, Yang Chunlin and Hu Jia, and admire and respect them? My earnest hope for freedom and civil rights for all citizens of China, including Tibetans, is a sign of my good will towards all of the citizens of China.

–Tim Dunn on Apr 08, 2008
“I will personally boycott all made-in-PRC products and encourage others to do so. Keep up the good work, folks: you’re opening some dumb round-eyes to the reality of what you fascists actually think.”…

Good luck. You should be thankful that the hard working Chinese who work for slave labor wage provide you with cheap stuff to keep your inflation down, and your consumption up so that your waste size continue to grow to be the first in the world. You should also be glad that the Chinese buy up all the rapidly depreciating US government bonds needed to fund our little war in Iraq. If it was not for the Chinese, we would be in a huge economic mess by now. As for boycott, please do try…let’s see how far you get. talk is cheap…just do it.

As for “being Patriotic American”…

Dont worry. Lawyers are a dime a dozen. Hire them and defend our civil rights to speak freely. The Jews and all other ethnicities have learned to bash back..so they won respect. the African Americans, especially, have learned to use the guilt/law/righteousness card against the whites. We Chinese Americans need to LEARN from our African American brothers. Bash back. When they question our “loyalty”, threaten them with lawsuit!!!!!!!!!!! Sue the crap out of them, and use the law for our own benefit. That’s what being a “real” American is about.

–mike on Apr 08, 2008
“The Dalai Lama reminds us (I am an American) of Gandhi and Martin Luther King. ”

Sorry, but the two did not own any slaves, nor did they preside over a feudal theocracy. Get your facts straight, buddy. Can you ever reconcile a theocracy with ‘democracy”…did u ever think through what would happen to tibet if the dalai lama returned? Do you think suddenly a “democracy’ would appear like some ghostly apparition?

“The behavior of the Chinese government reminds us of the KKK, and Nazis.”…

So the KKK and the Nazis were responsible for ncreasing the life expectancy of the Blacks and the Jews from 36 to 67 years on average? Both those “nazi” Chinese must hate them tibetans so much that they sent free medical services and other social programs…FREE for the past 50 some years to keep them alive longer and to prevent them from “re-incarnating”..HOW EVIL!!!!!….Get your facts straight, foolish person.

” When China abuses and represses Tibetans and Han Chinese civil rights activists, China reminds us of everything we despise.”…

Indeed, so how do you feel when our own troops are responsible for some MAJOR crimes against the Iraqis. Does that make you gross out too…it better, or you are nothing but a self-righteous bigot.

” We want to be friends with China, but not at the cost of losing our ideals!”…

Indeed, the US is the fat consumer, and China is your enabler with cheap products. Both are at fault, and as much as you hate it, you need China to solve the global environmental problems.

“We are not condemning the Chinese people, we are condemning the Chinese government. “…

Not when the language used, the undertone, the implied messages all read….”these yellows are not worthy of our standard”. I would have more respect for your “feelings” if you actually had your facts straight (see above) before you open your trap.

“Nothing would please us more than being able to like and respect the Chinese government, but that will not happen until it respects religious freedom and civil rights. “…

And does the US government respect al aspects of religious and civil freedoms? Does it respect the inalienable right to sovereighty of other nations. You are so holier-than-thou that you should apply for being the poster Child of the “ugly american” that the world so despise. I am ashamed to call you an “american”. learn some balanced istory…not CNN soundbytes. By the way, CNN is highly unreliable, we all know now.

“If you believe that critics of Chinese government policy hate China and the Chinese, how do you reconcile this with the fact that I know the names, Zhao Ziyang , Hu Yaobang, Yang Chunlin and Hu Jia, and admire and respect them?

Did you know that Wen Jia Bao, the current premier, was a colleague/subordinate of Hu and Zhao? You dont know squat and you just proved it…

“My earnest hope for freedom and civil rights for all citizens of China,”…

It will come, at the country’s own pace. China faces particular sets of challenges, and no country in the world face the challenges that it faces (do the math). CHINA DOES NOT NEED SELF-RIGHTEOUS, IGNORANT DO-GOODERS TELLING IT WHAT TO DO.

Improve yourself before you lecture others.

–mike on Apr 08, 2008
“One can fault the western media but only to a degree, because it is doing what it can with limited information in a controlled, authoritarian environment. But most importantly, such organizations are independent and free.”….

yeah, free and independent to “invent’ news. Like claiming that monks are bashed in China or Xizhang when it was Katmandu? Boy, talk about using “what’s available” to make the story “fit”. Face it, even those of us who live in a free society find this disgusting…especially because it was so blatant, and so self-righteously done. You know that even the german station apologized for this “error’…right. Good job in showing the true color of the free press. Thanks.

–mike on Apr 08, 2008
Save your breath, Tim Dunn. We’re white/foreign devils, and thus anything we say will just wash off the backs of the brainwashed hyper-patriotic subset of Chinese who see everything associated with their ethnic homeland with extremely rose-tinted glasses. And as an Irish-American, I’ll play my own ethnic card by saying I am personally offended by a commenter’s comparison of St. Patrick’s Day with Chinese-Americans defending the policies of the PRC. Excuse me? A celebration of a Saint is now comparable to excusing sixty years of genocide and police state oppression? Wake up, people: the PRC is responsible for more deaths than either the Nazis, or the Soviets. Chinese-Americans who do not speak up in protest of the PRC regime should feel ashamed, and should face hostility and disdain from freedom-loving fellow citizens, whether Chinese, Irish, or whatever.

I hope tomorrow turns into a riot and the torch is thrown into the bay. Beijing 2008 = the Prison Games.

–Wowsers on Apr 08, 2008
Wowser - how about talk about some facts vs. name calling and labeling all Chinese as some lunatics that follow China blindly? Don’t think many Chinese are highly educated in the West and actually know what’s going vs. just the usual propaganda whether it is from the West or the East?

Dalai Lama has said he DOES NOT FAVOR SEPARATION OF TIBET from China. Whether you like it or not, Tibetans are Chinese. Tibetan culture is Chinese culture and Chinese culture is Tibetan culture. Read this article: http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Tibet-part-of-China-Dalai-Lama-agrees/2005/03/14/1110649129309.html
Do you think the separatists that want free Tibet is the majority? Did you know Tibetans in China can have as many kids as they want while Han Chinese are limited to only 1 kid? Did you know that PRC invested quite a bit into Tibet to develop the region?

Why use the Olympic as the vehicle to get the message across? Olympic is suppose to be about world unity and peace. Why use such great event to promote violent protests?

True faces of western media: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSQnK5FcKas&feature=related

There have been a ton of pro china protests throughout the world. They get almost ZERO coverage in the western media while 100 people that gathers for Free Tibet is front page news. You want talk about bias?

Chinese government is nowhere close to perfect. They got a long way to go on improving human rights. However, they are making progress however slow. Why are we Americans so quick to judge China? We got human rights violation all over the place at home. You want to live up to this country’s ideals that all MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL? How about fix racism first? How about fix all the system in this country that promotes white privilege? If you don’t know what that is and I know for a fact most white Americans don’t, please go read it up on this Website: http://whiteprivilege.com/

Put it this way, China has more claim to Tibet than whites have to America. Do you think whites would all pack up and go back to Europe and hand over the land to native Americans? Please answer this question honestly.

–Rob on Apr 08, 2008
Rob, take a long leap off a short pier. Comparing ‘white privilege’ to the tens of millions of corpses the PRC has created since 1949 is lunacy of the highest order. The US isn’t perfect — no country is — but we’re light years ahead of the PRC when it comes to human rights. And nope, I don’t think that ‘whites would all pack up and go back to Europe and hand over the land to native Americans’, but maybe you should since you seem so intent on licking the boots of the PRC regime. Your true loyalties, Rob, have been noted. Don’t be surprised when it bites you in the ass.

–Rob on Apr 08, 2008
I am a Chinese American. There is no need for the whole world to insult and humiliate each other. Each country has the right to do what’s needed to protect their country.
I get upset when others criticize America for trying to protect our country. Sure we had to use some unpopular tools including torture, wire tapping, war, assinations. But our country is much safer as a result and I am grateful. A few individual’s rights got violated to protect the country. I feel is absolutely necessary for survival. Remember freedom fries?
On the same token, I get equally upset when China gets bashed for trying to do what’s necessary to protect their country. At their level of development, their are lots of resentment. From their experience, peaceful protest don’t ever stay peaceful. You can get away with quite a bit of stuff in China now versus a couple decades ago. The only thing you can’t really do is make the government loose face.
I am j