By Robert Lawrence Kuhn
In Western ears, the word “Tibet” rings with a particular resonance that seems to connote a kind of repression or oppression, “China’s Tibet” even more so. Tibet, to be sure, is a sensitive, multifaceted topic, but what is singular and simple is the commitment of the Chinese government to alleviate all absolute poverty in Tibet, sending in substantially more resources than Tibet sends out.
We have focused on education, where Tibet provides free tuition, meals and accommodation for children from farmer’s and herdsmen’s families, and for children from impoverished urban families, throughout 15 years of compulsory education. This week we focus on three areas: bilingual education; human rights, obviously the most delicate issue; and broader rights — all of which has been underappreciated, certainly underreported. For example, how is the Tibetan language being maintained? Are religious rites being respected? How do ethnic Tibetans participate in the governance of the Tibet Autonomous Region?
Students read a Tibetan textbook in a school in Shigatse on October 19, 2009. / VCG Photo
Standards of living in Tibet could not be where they are today without the support of China’s central government. My statement should be tried by facts. It is a fact that the learning and use of the spoken and written Tibetan language is guaranteed by law, with computers and the Internet a new platform for learning, and with bilingual education good maintaining traditional culture. It is a fact that freedom of religion in Tibet is protected by law and all people may freely take part in religious activities and express their religious beliefs. For example, the Golden Urn system for seeking out and identifying the reincarnation of Living Buddhas.
Moreover, for years, China has allocated substantial funds, manpower and materials into Tibetan temples, monasteries, cultural relics, and historical sites. The caveat, of course is provided that religious activities do not subvert state interests or disrupt social stability. It is a fact that two of the top leaders of Tibet Autonomous Region are Tibetan, and Tibetans and other ethnic minorities account for over 70 percent of all government officials.
To be clear, it is not my claim that the material benefits that Tibetans indisputably enjoy supersede all other matters of ethnic, social, cultural or religious concern. It is my claim that these broad benefits, especially for younger generations, are under-reported and under-appreciated. That said, the situation is not perfect, the Chinese government has a responsibility to make sure that what is law is what is reality.
