TIBET IN
THE MEDIA:
Despite years of media and celebrity focus on
the human rights abuses in Tibet, rarely has
the world’s attention been captured as
it has in recent days. Due to the Chinese colonial
occupation of Tibet for over 50 years, modern
Tibetans have little or no say in their lifestyle,
culture, or spirituality. For decades, Tibetans
have quietly been losing their human rights,
unsupported by other governments due to China’s
superpower status. Stories of imprisonment,
oppression, and torture abound.
When China's 2008
Olympic torch recently passed through the western
world, press coverage intensified and many global
citizens got their first bleak glimpse into
modern-day Tibet. Terrified monks panicked and
cried openly at press conferences. Tibetans
and sympathizers protested in large, fervent
numbers wherever the torch landed. Activists
scaled San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge to
bring awareness of Tibet’s current situation.
Originally intended
to symbolize the fire of the human spirit and
determination to overcome obstacles, the Olympic
torch has become more symbolic of the bright
flame of the Tibetan people and their will to
survive a brutal Chinese government. As the
torch migrates around the world, all eyes are
focused on Tibetan protesters and the Chinese
government. Read on to see what you can do to
help Tibet.
Call on
President Bush to boycott Opening Ceremonies
in August.
Many political leaders and public figures are
rethinking their involvement in the 2008 Olympics.
Urge our leaders to opt out of the 2008 Olympics
opening ceremonies and take a stand against
China's response to Tibetan protests.
For the U.S. President call 1-202-456-1111
or email comments@whitehouse.gov.
Boycott
products made in China. In a consumer-driven
world, one of the most powerful weapons to effect
social and political change is our purchasing
power.
