a ruled by a gentle, giggling monk???or not it just bothers me while reading your blog. "Tibet itself is a magical kingdom, ruled by a gentle, giggling monk"??? really? Is that how westerners got brainwashed? or you just watched too many hollywood fairy tales?
The fact is Dalai himself was a dictator and Tibet was a society of few monks ruling slaves. Yes, Monks and Slaves are pretty much the two words that can summarize Dalai's old Tibet. Well, whether Tibet should be a part of China or not, I don't care. But Dalai and his old Tibet was nothing but a brutal feudalism society. The Chinese government at least brought more freedom to the slaves. Yes, you hear me, MORE freedom than Dalai's old Tibet....
The Big "T" Hi,
I happened to stumble upon this particular blog entry, and read, with great interest, your thoughts on Tibet. First let me state, for what it is worth, that I am an overseas Chinese (who has never been through the Chinese education system). Thus I hope that my comments will not be misconstrued as somehow pontificating Party lines.
I believe that Tibet is the metaphorical baton that is used, by the West, to give China a bloody nose. That the Western media is often biased against China is now well-known. But the extent to which the media - often the only gateway of information and understanding between China and the English speaking world - portrays the Tibet story in a wholly one-sided fashion is appalling and serves, in fact, neither the interests of the Chinese government, the Tibetan government-in-exile nor the Tibetan people themselves. In fact, it would not be a hyperbole to suggest that some (Western) media outlets are mouthpieces of the Free Tibet movement. I do not make such an accusation lightly. But watching news channels (notably last year when troubles began) in which representatives of such groups were free to describe whatever "facts" (historical or current) they liked without any retort, or forensic questioning, from the reporter lends at least some credence to my claim.
The Tibet story is presented, in the West, as a simplistic moral fable in which, to quote the academic Donald S Lopez Jnr, "an undifferentiated mass of godless Communists [are] overrunning a peaceful land devoted only to ethereal pursuits". In fact, Free Tibet groups often portray the Chinese (because Tibetans are not Chinese?) as subhuman, as a slitty-eyed, god-less, militarized, materialistic, and expressionless horde. This is seen easily in cartoons in many of their campaigns. This over-simplistic, and perniciously moralistic, portrayal of the Tibetan plight is served the oxygen of publicity to the extent that no-one has ever questioned the official account, whatever that may be. What is certain, though, is that whatever the Dalai Lama says is true, and not to be questioned, of course. I observed, and chuckled internally to myself, that no (Western) media coverage was afforded to the Western Shugden Society in their protests again the Dalai Lama when he visited the UK last year.
That is not to say, however, that there are no serious grievances among the Tibetan people, politically, socially and economically, that need to be addressed. Of course it needs to be. However, no serious dialogue can take place so long as the Dalai Lama and his followers continue to advocate for Tibetan independence, or be prescribed "genuine autonomy” (which really is a euphemism for independence, as Serbia can attest). No country, indeed no government - communist or democratically elected - would give up territory willingly. Given China's painful history of seceding territories - Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan - this last point is particular poignant.
Enjoying your blog Sean,
Your writing is excellent when it comes to describing your Chinese adventure. I haven't been able to read all your blog entries but I have enjoyed the ones I have had time to read.
Take Care & Stay Safe,
Bobby Luv
Good to catch up! Hey Sean,
I just logged onto your blog for the first time in, well, a long time. I'm glad to see the two of you are having such a great time and enjoying life. Keep livin' the dream!
Suzy
it rolls around Emmett Fox says that the wonders God (i.e. the universe) provides are like an ocean of goodness. All we have to do is dip in our cup and take all we want. Unfortunately most people feel unworthy and take very little. I backed up a tanker truck and have filled it a few times already as I seem to have taught you. Go with it, Boy! Fill that sucker again and again. Remember when you hit that base camp that any steps you take toward the top could go into the expression, "While we were there we climbed Mt. Everest. We didn't make it to the top, but we enjoyed ourselves." Yea, do it. Is it Everest or K-2 you have to walk around counter clockwise to avoid evil spirits?
Dad
This is Alice... Yea. Cooper! nice post dude, thanks for the props about my song...had me some kick-ass summers, bro, hope you did too. Billion Dollar Babies was a good one too but nobody bought that album...take it easy, have fun in China. Peace out, Love, Alice.
Fathers Day Presents As I see you on that track I thank God that you "rang the bell" so many years ago. Even then you knew you were on the wrong path. This little girl was unborn, but waiting to meet you in her future. Two paths cross and each is changed by the encounter. That's life. That's the meaning of community and evolution to the Godhead. (Or as you like to say the Budda while others use different names and sounds to describe the concept of perfection many strive to emulate in face of all opposition that attempts to drag us back to the primeval ooze)
When I was a boy of sixteen I asked my father in private, "How will I know when I am a man, Dad?" he replied, "When you can walk in the darkness without fear son. Then you will be a man." I never forgotten that, and used it as a mantra for many years, but one day I realized it wasn't enough for me. Maybe for a doctor from Montana, but not for me. I altered it. From that day on I have said, "When you can walk in the darkness to bring light to one who is filled with fear, then you are a man." This short article shows me you are a man, my son,in full.
details This is the some of the best use of adjectives I have seen in a long time (non-Hemingway, how ironic). Your details are explicide and interesting to read. Glad you are having fun. Travel safe! Tampa misses you.
Throwing the bull Ahhhhh, what a wonderful irony that the bull is for once throwing you,
sean. Love the story, the drama, the great adjectives! Hemmingway would be proud of you. Please stay safe while you flirt with death.
Love ya,
Dad
P.S. Don't want to get political but Americans aren't liked in most of the world, Sean. Get use to it
Hola Wow Spain is just like S. Tampa, don't speak the language, ignored by Latinas and trying to get across Howard for a McDinton's drink or drown without getting run down... who woulda thunk it!!! I am truly jealous sounds like you guys are having the time of your lives!!!!
FYI - Maybe if Bishop leaves the bullhorn at home the locals will be more receptive...
Cant Wait to rule the Tribe So, with the King away, proving something to someone, the next in command is me, i guess. I am the King's younger brother, and I hope all is well. We here in the caravan are missing his leadership, but we wish him well in his dance with death. Remember, That which does not Kill you can still leave you horribly maimed, or make you stronger! Good luck with your stroll with the steaks, and don’t worry, Ill keep an eye on the Tribe while you are away.
What up Bull Man! Sean,
I get auotmated e-mails from Google anytime there is a website mentioning KOB. A link to your Blog came in this morning (07/09). Have fun with the bulls.
G
Plagarism Hello older bro--How is it that you can not "Wrap your brains around it" however, you could never say that to Susan while the horses were trampling you--do you like the special effects?? Wrap my brain around it only comes out of the mouths of AIG babes--Are you truly gifted in other areas other than romance, looks, writing and charm???? Why would you be so blessed? Please remember on thing--you already have the title of 'the guy who broke off the marriage the night of the rehearsal dinner". It's hard to top that!! I would love to add: He also ran with the bulls because he pictured one of them as being Karen.... but, there could be another ending...We all ate Bull .... for dinner---or they flew the remains of an "A" type personality home today. We will throw him out of the plane as we are sky diving--it is waht he would want. Thanks for being able to take the risks. You make us look good!!!!
Al
You go Boy!!! Wow! What an exciting you leave. My students have decided that you are the bomb and want to know how tall you are and how much you can lift--many of their dad's are currently in Iraq, so being in shape is important to them. I almost beat the strongest 8th grader at arm wrestling, but you know, I had to give in when my vein started to bulge. It only took two days to recover. I have explained to my students that their frontal lobe is not "totaly cooked" until they are 21 years of age--how about that for irony--so they are quite interested in the fact that someone "a little older" than 21 would still seek thrills knowing the consequences. I must say that I am impressed. You only have one life and you choose to make it exciting. I choose to live vicarously through you. Sounds like a wild and swinging time. Please....."Billy, don't be a hero, don't be a fool with your life.....the right lane is for slow runners--or in Spain, is the left lane for slow drivers/runners?? You might want to check that out. I hope you video live tape and possible make it onto America's Funniest...
With all the confidence and admiration in the world,
Allison
Only my bro!!! I don't know who Bish is, he sounds alot like Mike(?) in Scottland.
I can honestly say, as an ER nurse, I would be honored to tell my friends all about my brother being killed running from a bunch of bulls.
What a cool story that would make!!!! Please be careful you friggin nut!
I love you,
Mel
Leave it to you and Bish I don't know if I have the stomach for this blog. It's a little too bloody for my blood, and you haven't even left town yet!
I'm sure the bulls will think you're just gored-geous.
Jennifer Bevan and I have been back in the states for awhile now, we decided to part ways near the end of 2011. We both still live in Tampa, Florida and keep in touch with many of the Chinese students we taught and befriended during our year in DanYang in 2009.
This blog takes place throughout all of 2009. We ended up teaching English to 1,000 Chinese students per week at the #1 and #2 Sr. High Schools in a small town in Southern China, Jiangsu province. We have kept our travels, and memories, fresh by blogging about our adventures here in TravelBlog and we hope you have enjoyed living our ... full info
NYCkid
non-member comment
a ruled by a gentle, giggling monk???or not
it just bothers me while reading your blog. "Tibet itself is a magical kingdom, ruled by a gentle, giggling monk"??? really? Is that how westerners got brainwashed? or you just watched too many hollywood fairy tales? The fact is Dalai himself was a dictator and Tibet was a society of few monks ruling slaves. Yes, Monks and Slaves are pretty much the two words that can summarize Dalai's old Tibet. Well, whether Tibet should be a part of China or not, I don't care. But Dalai and his old Tibet was nothing but a brutal feudalism society. The Chinese government at least brought more freedom to the slaves. Yes, you hear me, MORE freedom than Dalai's old Tibet....