So, what are your thoughts on Tibet, D?
Too much cosy nostalgia and not enough
real understanding.
The prospect of
true independence is close to zero, and I'm not convinced that's what many of today's Tibetans would
really want even if given a free choice. None of the above is any excuse for systematic programme of what amounts to cultural genocide by the Chinese and decades of western intransigence of course.
The general impression I got was (and this is very general) that for the most part,
they just wanted to be left alone. Many also accepted that this wasn't really a practical option, and accepted that they had long needed to modernise.
The Chinese 'occupation' has brought some tangible benefits and this
was generally conceded (usually, but not always grudgingly), by many (but not all) of those I spoke to about this. Nonetheless, there was an almost universal,
very deeply felt resentment against any and all attempts to subvert their culture by the Chinese. IMHO, independence issues aside, this was (and probably still is) the root cause of their unhappiness and these recent troubles. That was some years back though, perhaps things have changed, though if recent events are any indication, I doubt it certainly not for the better.
As for solutions, here's one idea: Beijing should stop being such a cultural ideologue and acknowledge Tibet is no threat to their social or political hegemony. They should allow the Dalai Lama to return as spiritual leader and de facto head of state,
if he is willing. Independence it ain't but it's likely to be as close as Tibet will even come to that again.
That's by no means all I have to say but I'm multi-tasking right now, so short posts are me, so apologies if my comments don't appear well reasoned...:biggrin1:
