TIBET BEFORE CHINESE REVOLUTION

ANALYSIS OF THE VIDEO 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc0NMce12SY&feature=youtu.be

Tibet before the Chinese Revolution

            The video provided shows an astonishing film of how Tibet was like before its brutal occupation by the Chinese people. It provides an in-depth coverage of the rich cultural scenario of the Tibet people. There are religious, cultural, and political practices that were carried out by the Tibetans. For instance, there is the description of the great prayer festival where the monks took over from the government for a few days, ceremoniously whipped their subjects, and imposed fines for dirty houses or singing in public.

            There is also a revealing interview with the Dalai Lama. He recalls how much he missed his mother and his brother whom he envied as he played with his toys. At the time when the Chinese people were preparing to take over the country, Dalai Lama was taking the monastic exams. There was little knowledge of the kind of events that were waiting to unfold. One interviewee recalls, “We were just engrossed in our little ponds.” Cruickshank makes an informed commentary. The film was perfectly timed at the time when the protests about Tibet and China were pronounced.

            The Tibetan culture is known to have developed over the past half century. Therefore, its destruction as well as the destruction of the temples sends shivers up the spine of the viewer. What could have made China to invade a well-developed nation? Will the Tibetans live to forgive the Chinese? Largely, the invasion could not have taken place given the nature of the people in the land and their preparedness to live in harmony. Their religious, political, and general well-developed societal structures exemplify this.

            The evidence of the diverse cultural practices, organized political transitions among others shows vividly that Tibet was a free nation. Before the invasion by the Chinese, the Tibetans lived a descent life, peacefully and respected the elderly people. There is enough ground to believe that there was democracy among the Tibetans. For instance, Dalai Lama came from a nomadic and poor family. However, this did not bar him from being made the king of Tibet. He was therefore the most powerful person in Tibet political wise. This gesture could only be portrayed in very few or none of the independent countries.

            The claim that Chinese made, that the Tibetans lacked fair societies, cannot be justified as it is evidenced from the film. They cannot lie that the less advantaged people in the society are mistreated yet the less unfortunate members of the society are the most powerful people in the society. For instance, Dalai Lama was made the political as well as a spiritual leader yet came from a poor family.

References 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc0NMce12SY&feature=youtu.be