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April 01, 2008
roots
In today's WSJ Online is an opinion about the roots of Chinese nationalism. To go back to 1800s is not enough. One has to reflect the long and illustrious Chinese history that was marred by the events in the 19th century. Chinese nationalism arises from this amazing history and maybe, sparked by the romanticism to again achieve that same greatness.
History is tough to move past (pun intended). In United States, Southerners still bring up the War Between the States as if they had just fought in it rather by an event in the long past. In the Muslim world, Saladin's conquests are still much remembered.
It is when the nationalism becomes aggressive and harmful to its own or other nations, problems arise. Sense of national superiority (sometimes known as pride) is common in all countries and is necessary in nation development.
With the question of Tibet, this problem is also an issue of national sovereignty. It should be noted that Tibetans are among many hundreds of people groups in China and some that share strong philosophical and religious differences with the communist party. I've met people who view China as some kind of beige color, uniform in all corners. Instead, it is just as melting pot as the United States with compartmentalizations just as common.
Tibet will continue to be a thorn in China's side like many other people groups in China. The question I ponder is if that is necessarily bad.
Posted by azileretsis at April 1, 2008 01:59 AM
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