A Eulogy for 1.2 Million

Author: Dhrid Ramesh

Country: USA


1.2 million. A number that hardly takes a second to say represents the number of Tibetans that have been slaughtered by the Chinese Government over the past fifty-eight years. Countless others have fled their homes and sought refuge in neighboring countries, and others rot away in jail for indefinite amounts of time. I'm sure Tibet has been on many people's minds after the protests and rioting that started on March 10th. However, before this wave of violence swept through Tibet, this problem lay dormant in our thoughts for too long.

For years monks, nuns, and everyday Tibetan people have been protesting the Chinese government's occupation of the area. Even those who believe that Tibet would do fine as part of China cannot deny the crimes against humanity happening there. Not only are people being killed and imprisoned but Buddhist Monasteries have been destroyed, and Ethnic Chinese have been moved into the area to take jobs that should by right go to Tibetans.

And what is the worst part of this situation? WE, as a human race are responsible for this. Had the international community intervened fifty eight years ago, during the invasion of Tibet, this would not even be an issue now. Fifty eight years later we have yet to take action and make a firm stance on this issue, an issue that affects millions of people. And why haven't we taken a stand? Mostly because governments are afraid of rubbing the wrong person the wrong way, and upsetting the fragile balance currently existing in international relations. In the end, we have to ask ourselves, can we just ignore the big issues like this because of fear? Can we just let millions of people suffer because we're scared that making a stance might drive up the cost of living? Can we just put this at the back of our brains for the sake of convenience? The answer should be no. So take a stance in any way you can, not just about Tibet but about any issue that you consider important.