Mixed Emotions
March 17, 2008
[Photo from the New York Times recent reports on protest in Tibet and Nepal.]
Over the past many days I have been intently reading all the news I can find on the recent protests in Tibet. At the moment I have a two-week itinerary, scheduled to begin in just over six weeks, that is to take me from LA to Beijing to Lhasa, and from there on to other monasteries and villages around Tibet. I have been planning this trip for almost two years, a trip I am supposed to take with eight other women, including two of my best friends. Right now the Chinese government is banning all foreign visitors, and considering the fact that the tensions between Tibet and China – which have been simmering for decades – are not likely to subside anytime soon, it looks like this trip will very likely be cancelled.
I am experiencing a lot of conflicting emotions around these protests and my trip, realizing that the choices I make as a traveler need to be carefully considered. When I first began planning this trip, I started educating myself about Tibet, its history and its people, and one of the first things I did was watch Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion. In college, I remember Free Tibet slogans here and there, and I am sure, in my efforts to be a politically aware world citizen, I joined in the chorus, not really understanding what "Free Tibet" meant. Once I gained a better understanding of the oppression and violence the Tibetan people have suffered under Chinese rule, I considered myself fortunate that I was going to be able to see a culture that has a very good chance of ultimately being wiped out.
I have also been walking around believing now was a good time to go in terms of safety, thinking China would want to be on its best behavior for the Olympics. Since these protests began, I am amazed it didn’t occur to me before that this is precisely why now is the best time for Tibetans to draw attention to their situation. It has been reported over and over again that China is treading as carefully as it can right now for fear of Olympic boycotts.
Every time I read an article about Tibet – which is now multiple times a day – a wave of deep sadness washes over me, thinking of how much pain is being felt by everyone in that part of the world. The thought of hoping things settle down simply so I can go be a tourist is a notion that is deeply unsettling; my desire to see this part of the world is so tiny and pale to the desires felt by Tibetans to do things like wave their own flag and express their beliefs. The Tibetans are protesting, expressing their anger and risking their lives because they are trying to save their culture, their identity, their people. Who am I to show up and expect everyone to make nice so I can hike through the Himalayas? Not only this, but could my presence as a foreign tourist somehow validate Chinese policy towards Tibet? Would I simply be feeding the system that is trying to destroy the beauty I am there to experience?
In my efforts to live a life committed to integrity, I have to consider these questions. How do the choices I make as a traveler contribute to the state of the world? While my choices as an individual will probably not save or destroy the world, I am not willing to avoid taking responsibility for my actions simply because I’m "just one person". It will matter.
"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness." -Dalai Lama
thanks for talking about this Christine. that last question is such an important one to think about as it seems easy to forget in our desire to travel and “see the world.” being mindful and having a wider world view is necessary…
I don’t know anything about this specific subject matter, but I will say this is a very selfless way of viewing the world. There should be more people like you who pay attention to the entire scope of their actions. I am confident you will make the best decision on your travels…Lisa
Like most things in life there is a balance to strike between personal desires and what is the right thing to do. I personally believe that travel is one of the most important tools we have at hand for understanding different people, cultures, and ways of life. Only if we have seen and experienced these ourselves can we ever truly begin to understand. And accept. And learn to be peaceful together. Yet the idea of a completely peaceful world is, sadly, an illusion. But this doesn’t mean that on our most basic level, the “I am just one person” level we cannot try to be at least at peace within our own small worlds. And expand those small worlds bit by bit through our travels.
I completely understand your sentiments regarding this trip. And the decision whether to go or not under these circumstances may be taken out of your hand anyway. I think that if I were allowed to travel, and deemed it safe enough (that’s a tough one in view of the current situation) to do so, then I would go ahead with the trip. Because ultimately Tibet needs to keep its doors to the world open so that it can continue to be heard, and seen. And perhaps visitors need to go there to show them that the world cares?
as i type this…you slide music is playing. it seems appropriate background for your writing. i am so sad for all of you , but especially this unrest.
“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.” -Dalai Lama
why is this so hard for humanity, why is this so hard for me. your words spoken, as you always do, with such kindness and truth and best of all you make me think with my arms wide open.
hmmmmwow this is a lot to think about. Integrity is something I think so many of us (me especially) can neglect or forget about in terms of it’s value and impact on the world around us.
Your awareness is very admirable.
I think it’s important to allow yourself to experience both sets of feelings. Someone once told me that the definition of maturity is “the ability to tolerate ambiguity.” There’s no “right” way to feel here, and it’s good that you can see the whole picture.
I really enjoyed this post and it has led me to be more inquistive about the world around me.
I love the quote.
I’ve followed our news and BBC news on these events, and it makes my heart weep! It’s not a day that goes by that doesn’t make me grapple with why one group of people want the total extinction of another! It is truly the dark side of humanity. I see and hear your thoughts.
Peace