My discussion with Chinese students about Tibet.

August 19, 2008 6:40am CST
I recently engaged in a discussion with Chinese students over China's occupation of Tibet. Their view was that Tibet depends on China (for things such as food) and that the Dalai Lama only want a free Tibet so that he can can gain power of Tibetans. What do you think? Does this illustrate a skewed 'propagandist' view the Chinese have over Tibet. Have they been mis-informed?
1 response
• Philippines
19 Aug 08
I have long thought that Tibet was a nice place to live in because the Dalai Lama was there and for what I know he is supposed to be this enlightened person. Tibet may depend on China for many things, but if that is the case then freeing it from China would only be disastrous for its people. Indeed The Dalai Lama will have power over the masses, but what would be its use if Tibet couldn't suffices its own needs by itself. I understand that they want to be known as separate from China because they were unwillingly taken over and that they may be oppressed by the current government, so as long as they file their independence by the book I think nothing bad will happen. I can't say that they were misinformed because all I know is the literature presented to me, but chances are they are. All it takes is a small bit of lie to start a war, though the reason why someone would do such a thing still eludes me.
19 Aug 08
If power over the Tibetans is used in a possitive way that the people want and accept via democratic means then it has to be better than despotic, totalitarian power deplete of a democratically elected leader. I think the Chinese live a sheltred life.
• Philippines
19 Aug 08
You may be right that they live a sheltered life, most largely populated nations are. For me I really don't have much faith in democracy. I think democracy is only good for people who are civilized enough. Its just like the ideal communism whom man kind doesn't seem to be able to reach. As of now I'm more inclined to prefer capitalism over both.