Dear President Obama,
I have been researching the Tibet and China controversy for a few months. After closely studying each sides viewpoints, I have decided that China is wrong for not letting Tibet become independent. Tibet is a very unique region that deserves to become independent. They are very unique because of their religion, and where they live. They isolate themselves high in the Apalesian Mountains. This peacefull region has tried to become independent in many ways. After many failed plans, they are now violently protesting. Violence may not be the best answer, in this case, but it is moving them farther than other attempts have in the past. After so many years of fighting with China, Tibet deserves to have their independence.
China has held on to Tibet for too long. It is not right, and we need to do something about it. Anything we do, can help Tibet. For example, if we advertise for a free Tibet, more people will want to help. Giving Tibet our support is an easy way to make a difference. Tibet needs help, and we need to help them.
Sincerely,
Paul Stover
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Statistics
Finding a graph or chart on the Tibet and China controversy was very hard. Finally, after some time, I came across some statistics about the population of Tibet. The information was pretty bland, but I was happy to find something. According to Peter Kauffner in the article “How Many Ethnic Chinese Live in Tibet?” more and more ethnic chinese are choosing to live in Tibet. The population of Tibet in 1990 was 2.2 million. Of that 2.2 million, there were “ 66,000 ethnic Chinese with permanent residence status. Not included are another 40,000 Chinese entrepreneurs who are part of an unofficial "floating population" and between 40,000 and 65,000 soldiers and paramilitary police, putting the total Chinese population in Tibet at no more than 8 percent.” (Peter Kauffner) This is a very small percent. However, in 1995 the number increased immensely. The statistics show that “250,000 and 300,000, not including small groups of peoples indigenous to the region” (Peter Kauffner) were living in Tibet.
As you can see, the numbers of ethnic chinese living in Tibet are small for now, but they are increasing fast. This means that Tibet is slowly becoming less and less isolated from China. This population transfer is not a good thing for Tibet becoming independent. The more isolated they can be, the better. I would like to believe that this is a reliable source, however, a few parts of the article were very confusing telling me that this source was not professionally written. All in all, this weeks blog was quite challenging and bland.
As you can see, the numbers of ethnic chinese living in Tibet are small for now, but they are increasing fast. This means that Tibet is slowly becoming less and less isolated from China. This population transfer is not a good thing for Tibet becoming independent. The more isolated they can be, the better. I would like to believe that this is a reliable source, however, a few parts of the article were very confusing telling me that this source was not professionally written. All in all, this weeks blog was quite challenging and bland.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Article Summary
While searching through nytimes.com, I came across a recently posted article on Tibetan riots. I chose this article because it is about Tibetan Riots, which is a subject I have not yet researched. According to the article, there was an exceptionally large riot in March resulting in the deaths of “18 civilians and one police officer, while 382 civilians and 241 police officers were injured,” reported Xinhua. Xinhua also reported that “rioters also burned 120 houses and 84 vehicles and looted 1,367 shops” which caused a 47 million dollar economic loss. China angrily blames the Dalai Lama of organizing the riot. As time goes on, the riots will keep getting worse and worse. Both Tibet and China still remain stubborn, as each side refuses to give up. As the violence increases, more Tibetans being sentenced and convicted. “As of April 29, 30 people have been convicted of arson, robbery, disrupting public order and attacking government offices, among other crimes related to the riot, which has the worst outburst of ethnic violence in China in recent years.” (Edward Wong) As you can see, Tibet is starting to become violent because they are tired of waiting.
This article was very interesting. It was great, because it provided many facts, and contained many details. The article was very easy to find and source. The New York Times web site is very easy and informational. I liked the subject a lot because it was very different and off the main flow of most research. The article did a great job of giving both view points on the subject. All in all, the article was very informational.
This article was very interesting. It was great, because it provided many facts, and contained many details. The article was very easy to find and source. The New York Times web site is very easy and informational. I liked the subject a lot because it was very different and off the main flow of most research. The article did a great job of giving both view points on the subject. All in all, the article was very informational.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Movie Review
Seven years In Tibet is a touching movie that is meant to educate, and inform it's audience. It is clear that a lot of time was spent on this movie. From the helicopter shots of the vast Himalayas, to the clevar dialoge, this movie will make you want to say "Wow".
Brad Pitt plays as a famous Austrian backpacker who has a very unpleasent and angry personality. The movie starts out just as Brad Pitt is leaving his pregnant wife in order to climb the largest mountain of the Himalayas. The wife is obiously depressed and in anguish when he leaves her. As Brad and his crew are climbing, they come across british soldiers. The soldiers capture and imprison them because they are at war with Germany; Austria is allies with Germany. After attempting several times to escape, Brad and one of his crewmen manage to escape. They travel untill they eventually reach Tibet. Brad ends up staying in Tibet for seven years. During his stay, he is fortunate enough to become friends with the Dalai Lama who is a young boy at the time. The ending is very concluding and suspensfull as China invades Tibet and Brad Pitt returns to Austria.
Seven Years In Tibet has many great features making it a fantastic movie. The actors did an exceptional job making the audience very attached to the characters. The filming will make you fell like you are in the movie. Although the movie was very exciting, it is also very long. However, compared to the Tibet and China controversy, the movie is exceptionaly short. After watching this movie, you will learn to live life to the fullest, and without regret. All in all, this exciting, informative movie will have you hooked from begining to end.
Brad Pitt plays as a famous Austrian backpacker who has a very unpleasent and angry personality. The movie starts out just as Brad Pitt is leaving his pregnant wife in order to climb the largest mountain of the Himalayas. The wife is obiously depressed and in anguish when he leaves her. As Brad and his crew are climbing, they come across british soldiers. The soldiers capture and imprison them because they are at war with Germany; Austria is allies with Germany. After attempting several times to escape, Brad and one of his crewmen manage to escape. They travel untill they eventually reach Tibet. Brad ends up staying in Tibet for seven years. During his stay, he is fortunate enough to become friends with the Dalai Lama who is a young boy at the time. The ending is very concluding and suspensfull as China invades Tibet and Brad Pitt returns to Austria.
Seven Years In Tibet has many great features making it a fantastic movie. The actors did an exceptional job making the audience very attached to the characters. The filming will make you fell like you are in the movie. Although the movie was very exciting, it is also very long. However, compared to the Tibet and China controversy, the movie is exceptionaly short. After watching this movie, you will learn to live life to the fullest, and without regret. All in all, this exciting, informative movie will have you hooked from begining to end.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Reflection
When I first started to ponder about research projects, the Tibet v.s. China Controversy seemed very interesting. When I thought of this topic, I was hooked immediately. So far, I have greatly enjoyed this subject and can’t wait to find out more. While researching, I have learned a lot about the difference between the culture’s of Tibet and China, along with the relationship between them. This topic is very interesting, and controversial.
The reason why this controversy is such a big deal, is because it is very debatable. There is Tibet protesting to be free on one side, and China trying to build a greater nation on the other. After researching both sides of the argument, I eventually came up with which side I am on. I decided that I was on Tibet’s side. This is because Tibet is the underdog, and they deserve their independence. I find their religion very unique and different from anything else. That is why they should be their own country. However, China’s argument is very convincing as well; and that is why this controversy is so debatable.
There is more to this topic then the differences between culture and beliefs. While researching one day, I read that China had kidnapped the Penchen Llama when it was a young boy. I find this topic very interesting. I wonder what China’s argument is. As you can see, the China and Tibet Controversy is a very appealing subject, and I have enjoyed learning about it this year.
The reason why this controversy is such a big deal, is because it is very debatable. There is Tibet protesting to be free on one side, and China trying to build a greater nation on the other. After researching both sides of the argument, I eventually came up with which side I am on. I decided that I was on Tibet’s side. This is because Tibet is the underdog, and they deserve their independence. I find their religion very unique and different from anything else. That is why they should be their own country. However, China’s argument is very convincing as well; and that is why this controversy is so debatable.
There is more to this topic then the differences between culture and beliefs. While researching one day, I read that China had kidnapped the Penchen Llama when it was a young boy. I find this topic very interesting. I wonder what China’s argument is. As you can see, the China and Tibet Controversy is a very appealing subject, and I have enjoyed learning about it this year.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Opposing Views
China and Tibet have been in controversy for decades. Tibet is pursuing it’s independence, and China is denying it. According to a school survey, most people are siding with Tibet because they do not know both sides of the story. The statistics did not fluctuate one bit. This research paper does not side with Tibet nor China; it is designed to educate and inform.
Is Tibet better off with or without China? China claims that the Dalai Lama, representing traditional Tibetan culture, is “historically violent and backward, and makes a poor alternative to Chinese administration.” (Tibet 277) Many Chinese officials say that China has greatly influenced Tibet’s economy and culture with their policies. China does not want to let Tibet become free, because they do not want Tibet to turn back into the civilization they once were. Most people will state that Tibet has improved their own culture and economy. However, China is taking credit for making Tibet a more improved region. As you can see, Tibet is begging for freedom, but it may be best for Tibet to be under Chinese rule.
When there is one view, there is always an opposing view. While China is claiming that they are improving Tibet, Tibet believes that China’s policies are taking away from their unique culture, religious traditions, and personal freedom. Tibet also states that the “so-called economic prosperity that China has brought to the region mainly benefits ethnic Han Chinese migrants, not native Tibetans.” (Tibet 277) All in all, both sides of the story seem very powerful. This is why the controversy has been going on for so long, because both sides strongly believe that they are right and will not ever give up.
Another argument between China and Tibet is China’s historical control over Tibet. Because China and Tibet’s history goes back so far, there is no clear evidence that proves how Tibet became a part of China. “The current Chinese Government asserts that Tibet was incorporated into China by a Mongol-led empire during the thirteenth century.” (Tibet 278) However, the Dalai Lama’s view is much different. The Dalai Lama states that the fifth Dalai Lama was politically weak, and this is when China started to influence Tibet. He also states that Tibetans “never regarded Tibet as a part of China.” (Peter Kauffner). Unfortunately, this issue will never be resolved. This is because China and Tibet will never give up, and will always argue over who is right.
As clearly stated above, Tibet and China both have very strong points. This is why the controversy has lasted for decades. Now that you are informed of both sides of the story, it’s time to ask yourself: Who is right, and what will happen in the future? Don’t forget to ponder that there is a new Dalai Lama when the old one dies. This could change a lot of different things.
Kauffner, Peter. "What is the historical basis of the Chinese claim to Tibet?" 10 Oct.
1990 http://stason.org/tularc/travel/tibet/b5-what-is-the-historical-basis-of-the-chinese-claim-to-tib.html.
Tibet, 277-284
Hoyt, Mark, ed. China Terrorizes Tibet [Tibet Fights For Independence]. Digital image. The New York Times. 18 Mar. 2008.
Is Tibet better off with or without China? China claims that the Dalai Lama, representing traditional Tibetan culture, is “historically violent and backward, and makes a poor alternative to Chinese administration.” (Tibet 277) Many Chinese officials say that China has greatly influenced Tibet’s economy and culture with their policies. China does not want to let Tibet become free, because they do not want Tibet to turn back into the civilization they once were. Most people will state that Tibet has improved their own culture and economy. However, China is taking credit for making Tibet a more improved region. As you can see, Tibet is begging for freedom, but it may be best for Tibet to be under Chinese rule.
When there is one view, there is always an opposing view. While China is claiming that they are improving Tibet, Tibet believes that China’s policies are taking away from their unique culture, religious traditions, and personal freedom. Tibet also states that the “so-called economic prosperity that China has brought to the region mainly benefits ethnic Han Chinese migrants, not native Tibetans.” (Tibet 277) All in all, both sides of the story seem very powerful. This is why the controversy has been going on for so long, because both sides strongly believe that they are right and will not ever give up.
Another argument between China and Tibet is China’s historical control over Tibet. Because China and Tibet’s history goes back so far, there is no clear evidence that proves how Tibet became a part of China. “The current Chinese Government asserts that Tibet was incorporated into China by a Mongol-led empire during the thirteenth century.” (Tibet 278) However, the Dalai Lama’s view is much different. The Dalai Lama states that the fifth Dalai Lama was politically weak, and this is when China started to influence Tibet. He also states that Tibetans “never regarded Tibet as a part of China.” (Peter Kauffner). Unfortunately, this issue will never be resolved. This is because China and Tibet will never give up, and will always argue over who is right.
As clearly stated above, Tibet and China both have very strong points. This is why the controversy has lasted for decades. Now that you are informed of both sides of the story, it’s time to ask yourself: Who is right, and what will happen in the future? Don’t forget to ponder that there is a new Dalai Lama when the old one dies. This could change a lot of different things.
Kauffner, Peter. "What is the historical basis of the Chinese claim to Tibet?" 10 Oct.
1990 http://stason.org/tularc/travel/tibet/b5-what-is-the-historical-basis-of-the-chinese-claim-to-tib.html.
Tibet, 277-284
Hoyt, Mark, ed. China Terrorizes Tibet [Tibet Fights For Independence]. Digital image. The New York Times. 18 Mar. 2008.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
China vs. Tibet Survey
The China vs. Tibet survey, that was handed out to ten people, is very simple and methodical. It is a quick three question survey. The three questions that were asked, were: Do you think that Tibet should be an independent country? Is Tibet doing the right thing by protesting? Will Tibet ever gain their independence? As you can see, the survey is a simple way to see what side people are on. Before giving the survey, my hypothesis was that the majority of the surveyors will be on Tibet’s side. This is because, people are generally engrossed by the underdog, and a lot of people have heard Tibet’s side of the story and not China’s.
After taking the survey, I was not surprised to see that nine out of ten people circled yes to every question. This means that they are all pro Tibet. Because of this, the surveyors must have seen, read, or heard of something about Tibet. I think that there is way more information that is pro Tibet, than pro China. Because everyone always hears Tibet’s side of the story, my next blog will be all about China, and why they want to control Tibet so bad. This will hopefully educate people on both sides of the story, and possibly change the minds of some of the surveyors.
After taking the survey, I was not surprised to see that nine out of ten people circled yes to every question. This means that they are all pro Tibet. Because of this, the surveyors must have seen, read, or heard of something about Tibet. I think that there is way more information that is pro Tibet, than pro China. Because everyone always hears Tibet’s side of the story, my next blog will be all about China, and why they want to control Tibet so bad. This will hopefully educate people on both sides of the story, and possibly change the minds of some of the surveyors.
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