tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645158726513920812.post2566544232513273990..comments2021-07-03T01:18:29.438-04:00Comments on Overlooking Tibet: Setting a Low BarUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645158726513920812.post-34853631167239251262011-07-26T07:37:32.543-04:002011-07-26T07:37:32.543-04:00This post accurately describe the most damaging as...This post accurately describe the most damaging aspect of the phenomenon I called "White Experts". The non-Tibetan speaking "experts" exist because other white people rely on them to help them understand a non-white culture, even when there's plenty of English speaking local scholars available. It's just nice to see a white face explaining things to you. With credibility firmly established by skin color and facial feature, the low-bar knowledge described is really doing a great disservice to the cause of Tibetan freedom. Thus I don't think this issue lies purely with the problem of "low-bar experts", but with white, Western societies' innate racism as well. Frankly, I see no resolution with this and all Western efforts to "help with the cause" as futile. True solutions lies in the hand of the Tibetans and the Chinese people, and not with any foreigners.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645158726513920812.post-58424675330322736782011-07-17T00:27:08.461-04:002011-07-17T00:27:08.461-04:00"To say: 'don't question what I am do..."To say: 'don't question what I am doing, I am trying to help you' is something, I feel, is supremely dangerous."<br /><br />Dangerous and well-documented within imperialist history. It all relies on the ridiculous notion that the unknown, in this case the native/indigenous, is a collective that must be saved from itself, and thus, needs a white, "civilized" savior.<br /><br />"but it is it really that much effort to create something which you can verify *won't be damaging*?"<br /><br />In my experience, it is and it isn't. Sometimes we are just completely oblivious to the harm we're doing, and many of us stay oblivious. I've certainly written and done damaging things, and will probably continue to do so, but I strive to learn when I do it, and fix it. It can be really hard trying to rewire yourself but it's worth it. Some things are quite obvious, but racism, et. al. goes very deep and is often very subtle. As a white person, it can be hard to spot because of white privilege, etc.<br /><br />And Metak, I do think I am the person you're thinking of you. Who are you? I followed this site through a post on facebook--was that you?Angienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645158726513920812.post-26074134697515391822011-07-16T23:27:35.757-04:002011-07-16T23:27:35.757-04:00I agree with the sentiment I believe I hear you sa...I agree with the sentiment I believe I hear you saying: even if something is said which lends support to a cause you align yourself, and the statement (paper, book, blog post, et. al.) has not been properly thought out or considered seriously, then the support is something which can potentially damage the credibility of your movement, and not only that, your expression of sympathy and solidarity with a cause.<br /><br />To say: "don't question what I am doing, I am trying to help you" is something, I feel, is supremely dangerous.<br /><br />This very topic is something which is something that, I feel, can be strongly identified with by Natives. I have dealt with this personally as a Native scholar, because: yes, I am trying to help my community's language revitalization, but at the same time, I am attempting to also create new, interesting linguistic work. Reaching the intersection between these two takes much longer to reach than simply pursuing a path of scholarly commentary takes much more effort. The question I feel you asking and answering here is: is it worth it?<br /><br />In essence, I would say, yes-- I agree with you, it takes more work to understand and create something truly meaningful for a cause you support-- but it is it really that much effort to create something which you can verify *won't be damaging*?m hillhttp://montyhill.infonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645158726513920812.post-70027013469160054992011-07-16T23:10:02.294-04:002011-07-16T23:10:02.294-04:00Wow. Thank you for making me think. And thank you...Wow. Thank you for making me think. And thank you for calling people out on this. If you are the Angie I think you are (Sarah?) then I'm very happy to hear you are calling people out because I know you have the open-mindedness and experience to be doing so. I also have been frequently accused of being a Chinese agent when I criticize anyone sympathetic to the Tibetan cause. Our (we, the authors) hope in creating this blog is to make a forum where we can call people out, in a firm and honest way. The stigma against calling people out allows for fallacies and inappropriate behavior to thrive. I know you aren't supposed to bite the hand that feeds, but if it's feeding poison, what then?<br /><br />And yes, I saw the whole thing about TYC at Kalachakra. You know as well as I do that there is no "united front", despite how hard people try to pretend there is one.<br /><br />I agree, we need to stop and look at ourselves. Be willing to criticize ourselves, which can be painful and embarrassing, and be willing to accept honest criticism and correction. Good intention does not excuse bad action or false statements.<br /><br />I hope that people will be willing to call others out, and make people accountable for their actions and statements, without detracting from other good work that they may be doing. I think this is just one of the many challenges Tibet Supporters need to take responsibility for. <br /><br />What can we do? I think, when it comes down to it, we need to demand honest scholarship, research and a willingness to accept correction when it comes to any publication or statement intended to educate others about Tibet. We must demand accuracy above intention. I think it's a long hard road, and will only increase the amount of hate mail I (and surely you) receive, but in the end it will be worth it.Metakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01073619786043008627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645158726513920812.post-65381224128914421042011-07-16T22:17:41.823-04:002011-07-16T22:17:41.823-04:00This begs the question: what can we do? How can we...This begs the question: what can we do? How can we try to change the current atmosphere that leads to that select, established group of people, to say what they please and be seemingly immune from criticism?<br /><br />It is incredibly hard to call out people for their racism, etc., and even more so if they are known for doing good work within their respective fields. I've called out numerous authors and individuals, and have been told things like, I'm obviously a Chinese agent since I'm questioning them, or I'm the problem with the "movement" (as if there is a unified movement concerning Tibet! just look at what happened at this year's Kalachakra and the president of TYC if you think there's a unified movement for Tibet).<br /><br />I think it starts with each of us as individuals. We have to address our own issues, establish our own inner peace, before tackling the problems of the world. For me, this means speaking up when I read or hear something problematic--even if the speaker is someone known for their good work in their respective field. It also means unlearning a lot of my own stereotypes, and, specifically with regards to Tibet, learning to see how the West has always treated Tibet as "Shangri-la" and the place I fit into that, so that I can begin to dismantle it.<br /><br />At the end of the day, even if we are campaigning for a good and rightful cause, we are all human beings, far from perfect, and stuck in an unforgiving samsara. But this doesn't mean that we can't call out others and respond to criticisms of ourselves--sometimes, this is the only way we can learn.<br /><br />Great, thoughtful post.Angienoreply@blogger.com