![]() Peter M. Geiser
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The Internet Travel Guide |
Population | 1.9 mio |
Tibetan, since the occupation an increasing number of Han Chinese | |
Language | Tibetan, Chinese, some English |
For most Tibetans, the Dalai Lama is the highest being in the world, holy and most revered. Even a photo is considered sacred and of course a great treasure. Many tourist thus think it is a good idea to give away photos of their God. This would be so, if there would not be for the Chinese suppressiors that outlawed these photos. Although the police may or may not hassle you for handing out Dalai Lama photos, you'll not really suffer any harm. But the poor Tibetan found out having a photo will certainly have to face severe problems.
The Dalai Lama himself lives in exile in Dharamsala, India, together with thousands of Tibetan refugees. To learn more about Tibetan culture, it might be a good idea to visit this place first. You can also take Tibetan language classes there or in Kathmandu, Nepal.
It is generally a good idea to be a tourist, not a politician. While we in the West may have a different view on Tibet than the Chinese do, the fact remains that Tibet is occupied by China, and thus a part of China the same way that e.g. North America is occupied by the Europeans (founding USA and Canada.) If you want to be politically active in Tibet, you can be sure that the Chinese will not tolerate this, and that you will face penalties under Chinese jurisdiction. While you may be lucky and simply be thorwn out of Tibet, Tibetans that are found guilty of political activities (e.g. discussing politics with you) face up to 20 years of prison! So be careful, if not for your sake for the sake of the local population!
The best way to help Tibetans is spending your money at their places, restaurants and shops instead of Chinese ones.
The Internet Travel Guide
http://www.datacomm.ch/pmgeiser
Copyright © 1995 - 1999, Peter M. Geiser