By Kirsten Westby
Privilege is a complex subject. On the one hand, those of us who enjoy countless privileges often take them for granted, despite reminders to ‘be grateful for what we have.’ On the other hand, many of us who live in the land of plenty cannot help but question, ‘At what price do my freedoms come?’
If you are aware of the disparity of wealth and basic human rights around the world, than you are probably aware (or perhaps, like me, convinced) that, in order for true equality to manifest globally, those who benefit from such disparity must be willing to give up some of their resources and, when appropriate, use their privileged voices to speak for those who have been silenced.
Operating from this core belief, four colleagues and I traveled to Tibet last month and carried out a non-violent protest of China’s plans to carry the Olympic Torch to the top of Mt. Qomolangma (Everest). Many friends have asked if this action has made me more aware of privileges I enjoy here in the United States.
Our privileges were, in actuality, deliberately woven into our strategy. We knew that, as foreigners, we would get permits into China’s Tibetan Autonomous Region, not always a simple task. We estimated that, by using our U.S. passports as shields, we would not be held too long. But, above all, we hoped that the detainment of American tourists would spark an international news frenzy, effectively shedding a long-forgotten light on China’s human rights abuses in Tibet.
During this year’s build up to the XXIX Olympic Games, you will hear a lot of talk about the “spirit of the games” and “humanity and equality” (most likely in the same sentence). We have been accused in the media of “politicizing” these games, while politicians and diplomats have been quick to point out that they will not get involved in Chinese politics.
In 1936, Adolph Hitler’s propaganda machine used the Olympic spotlight on Berlin to demonstrate how mighty Nazi Germany had become, including the first televised coverage of the games, which introduced the world to a “torch relay,” the swastika flag, and the Third Reich’s motto: “Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Fuhrer” (one people, one realm, one leader).
The 2008 games are predicted to become the most-watched televised event in history, and China has quite openly uncovered a political agenda behind hosting the games. China’s reminiscent motto reads, “One world, one dream.” One China?
Students for a Free Tibet, a nonprofit human rights organization, has spent years lobbying the International Olympics Committee to pressure China to loosen its grip on Tibetan freedoms.
The IOC responded first with empty promises, and, more recently, with a claim that their hands are tied on political issues. Over the past year, the IOC has placed strong demands on China’s pollution standards in Beijing, but remains unwilling to address the arbitrary imprisonment, torture and murder of innocent Tibetans who bravely speak out against the conditions they are forced to endure.
While in Chinese detention a couple of weeks ago, I was forced to watch the live television broadcast of the unveiling of the torch design and its relay route (accompanied by fireworks and live musical performances). IOC President Jacques Rogge boasted: “By crossing the five continents, and going to new places (Read: Everest), the Beijing 2008 torch relay will, as its theme says, be a journey of harmony, bringing friendship and respect to people of different nationalities, races and creeds.”
There I was: imprisoned, dirty, tired and hungry for holding up a piece of cloth reading, “One world, One Dream, Free Tibet 2008.” Police officers and members of China’s Foreign Affairs Bureau pointed fingers at me and laughed at “our useless action.” I remember thinking, where is the “Olympic Spirit” in that?
As a result of our action, China has cracked down on tourism to Tibet, effectively closing the borders to individual travelers and returning Tibetans. People question whether I have learned my lesson about illegal actions in foreign countries.
My sincere hope is that it is the Chinese government, the IOC and people of conscience around the world that have learned something. China should have learned that millions of people around the world do not believe they deserve the honor of hosting the Olympic games.
The IOC should feel ashamed to have approved a torch relay route that allows China to legitimize its illegal occupation of Tibet. And those who care about basic rights and freedoms, who heard about our action and have since educated themselves and others about the Tibetan genocide, should get involved in SFT’s Olympic Campaign, or at the very least refuse to be bought by China’s Olympic propaganda. Why would China close Tibet to travelers if it had nothing to hide?
Kirsten Westby is a Boulder native and was raised in the Buddhist community under the teachings of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Westby has been working as a human rights activist since receiving her degree from Occidental College in 2000. She has extensive training in the human rights of women and girls in areas of armed conflict, and holds a special place in her heart for the struggle for Tibetan freedom.
