Chinese Nationalism... in the office (interesting tidbit on the recent Tibet issues)
4/18/08
I know many of you after reading the title of this post probably would like me to report or comment on some kind of breaking news about Tibet -- maybe something about the government's heavy handed action on the situation, issues of censorship, or about that recent news of the Chinese girl in the U.S. being verbally attacked as being a traitor. I won't be talking about these issues in this post. I think any analytical person would realized that media in both the West and in China are completely biased in their own ways and that he/she should take these news sources with a grain of salt , especially since there is still much speculation and sensationalism on what had actually happened. What is interesting to me is how the issue of Tibet can invoke nationalism among Chinese people (no matter what their background is) both domestically and abroad.


Yesterday during lunch, my director brought up the issue of Tibet at the office. She told us that she was invited to a convention where there were journalists and others who trailed off from the subject of the conference and were blasting on about the Tibet issue. She and the 4 other Chinese people felt so uncomfortable, having foreigners attacking their country. Immediately, several people in the office were talking about how the Dalai Llama was a "splittist" (which is not a word btw) and that he is to be blamed and how China should be united, of course going at length at how historically Tibet has been part of China. I found these comments pretty surprising. Being that we are an NGO, I was expecting a more critical response towards the government on the Tibet issue. I guess nationalism affects all fields, and people view attacks on China as personal attacks.

My perspective?
The reality is, the Dalai llama is losing his influence politically. He is old and I'm assuming he probably wants to go back to Tibet. There is a ideological divide between the younger generation of Tibetans/"independent" advocates and how he is feeling now. Heck, even if he goes back to Tibet, the llamas there might not want him back. Placing blame is never the proper way of dealing with things. It's complicated, but I think people should cut the old man some slack. As for the Western countries, I think many people jump to conclusions too quickly, or are just waiting for an opportunity to attack China. I also think that there are too many "Free Tibet" advocates out there who don't know the issues and is doing it because it's trendy to do so. Don't jump on the bandwagon because everybody's doing it (that includes the Obama bandwagon)-- study the issues and get your facts straight, or else you will give your group a bad rep.

I think its really hard for people to change their fixed views. But the important part is, at least be opened to listen views on both sides.

Last thought: Do I think that Olympics and Politics should be separate? Yes! The Olympics is a sporting event and is supposed to bring people from different countries together. I think its about time that the Olympics is held in China, one of the most important countries and most populous country in the world. At least give China a chance to improve.

Hello everyone! Seems like the last time I updated this blog was over a year ago, hence, an entry is long overdue!

I have taken many amazing trips since my February trip to Sichuan and Yunnan. Alone in May 2007, I traveled to Nepal, Tibet and South Korea. The beginning of December was my first cruise trip to the carribbean -- hitting up Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Dominican Republic, and Haiti. In early February 2008, I hopped along many cities in the U.S., including Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and LA. Last month in March 2008, I went to Taiwan for the elections hype. I am now back in Beijing for work and will be here for the Beijing Olympics 2008. I thank my lucky stars every day that I have the opportunity to travel to so many places at this young age of 23. It is an exciting time to be here in Asia, especially China. I'm glad to be back!

Working life in Beijing is very different than my cushy Fulbright research experience last year. Now I finally understand the woes of working life. Seriously, when I get home, all I want to do is sit and vegetate on the couch while watching reruns of amazing race or house, or some tv series about the cultural revolution. Hopefully by next week, I can incorporate some exercise (dance or yoga) into my daily monotonous routine.

I also hope to travel to a couple more places before law school starts in the fall. On top of my list? Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Maybe Yunnan again, or Qingdao? We'll see. I will post picture tidbits from previous trips soon!

Stay tuned. :)