(THIS ARTICLE IS MACHINE TRANSLATED by Google from Norwegian)
In early November, the eighth round of talks between China and the Tibetan exile government was held in Beijing, which was undoubtedly a major turning point. Beijing then declared sharply that His Highness the Dalai Lama "was certainly not in a position to negotiate with the central government".
Deputy Minister of the United Front [Chinese Communist Party's Department for Policy on Minorities and Non-Communist Parties, overs. took part in the negotiations and stated at a press conference, without regard to the usual custom, that HH Dalai Lama "hid his evil intentions" and that his message was "falsehood and deceit". He even denied that Deng Xiaoping, 30 years ago, uttered these winged words that people have used far too long ago, namely "everything can be discussed except independence". After this development, a steadfast and highly respected Tibetan exclaimed: "That's exactly how hegemony works!"
After initially reacting with shock and disgust, many Tibetans within the People's Republic have realized that this development did not come as lightning from clear skies. Like a thunderstorm, it put an end to the last remnant of illusions that still resided in the hearts of Tibetans.
For a long time it had been known that no great advantage could be expected from conversations with an opponent who governs with iron hand without any honor and honor. As one Tibetan said: "This moment of disappointment is perhaps a new turning point, and it can lead to a new breakthrough."
Looking at the enormous change in the relationship between Tibet and China and all the turmoil in the rest of the world, we find that history repeats itself. Communist-China founder Mao Zedong wrote an essay aimed at the United States and Kuomintang, urging the Chinese people: "Get rid of the illusions and get ready for battle."
I'm not exactly a Mao fan, although in my upbringing I was indoctrinated to consider him – me and countless others – as a god. But right here we can use his essay to accomplish something in practice. We just need to switch roles. "Imperialist elements will never repent and see the light until they are annihilated. Any hope of persuading the imperialists to change their minds and change course is an impossibility. The only thing we have to do is unite our forces and fight them, "Mao writes.
Furthermore, he demands that clear-minded people «are aware of their responsibilities and point out (…) all people who have not yet dedicated themselves to the struggle… persuade them so they decide to stand on the side of the masses: ask them to get rid of the illusions and get ready for battle. "
In our lives today, "struggle" does not mean anything bloodthirsty and violent, as it did for Mao, no class struggle or armed revolution. Non-violence is also a struggle, a bigger and more protracted battle! For each individual, this struggle begins within one's self, here and now, in every detail of life.
Therefore, let us begin by identifying ourselves as Tibetans, because it is our duty: every task in everyday life, however small, is a form of struggle. What we must always keep in mind is that the struggle is not irrational, but rational, not impulsive, but well-considered, not necessarily loud and tragic, but reflected in practical action. It is rooted in a defense of the rights of all human beings, young and old, children, men and women, clergy and laity: it defends and protects the rights of all human beings.
"Getting rid of the illusions" does not mean giving up on what one dreams. A young Tibetan says that November 4, 2008 was the most beautiful day of his life. Although he could not vote, he wanted to celebrate the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States. Obama's victory was historic because it showed people that nothing is impossible. A dream that one would never think could come true can come true today. Why then can not our dreams of today come true tomorrow?
But to get to this tomorrow, it takes struggle. If you think you will get there through someone doing you a favor, or if you think it will happen quickly and easily, you have some illusions you have to get rid of.
Translated from English by Ingrid Sande Larsen
Tsering Woeser is a Tibetan writer. She was refused entry into Tibet and was placed under house arrest by Chinese authorities this summer. She has been awarded the Norwegian Writers' Association Freedom of Expression Award 2007.
The text was originally written for the Tibetan-language Radio Free Asia.
