The “Western media” that many Sinophiles refer to in derision doesn’t really exist. Media in the free world is varied and multi channel; by principle Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive. No one can put you down (or have you “disappeared”) with 吃地沟油的命，操中南海的心。Be prepared to be taken to task for what you say, but everyone deserves and has a right to a voice in the free world. But freedom comes with responsibility. Consequently, everyone can be subjected to scrutiny and even criticism – including leaders and the authorities. It’s not a perfect world, but good principles and guidelines should be upheld.
The Sinophiles’ perception of “Western media” is to a large extent, based on their limited understanding of the censored environment they choose to (or are forced to) dwell in. These days, that controlled media is pretty much anti West, so they simplistically assume that “Western media” is anti China whenever these folks criticise their beloved country.
Media hype, drama, sensationalism are the reality of competition in the free world. There is no monopoly and every player is effectively subjected to the challenges of showbiz. Hence there are trends to follow, bandwagons to jump on.
The plight of Tibetans first caught my attention decades ago. But unlike many boycotting hippies in the West, I had the benefit of seeing both sides. I not only read Chinese. I have a keen interest in Chinese culture and history. I dare say I’m more in tune with China past and present than most Sinophiles. I experienced China’s rapid rise firsthand. The ignorant Westerners with a one-sided view are wrong. I’ve also witnessed the bullying, the desperation, the hooliganism and other problems generated by an authoritarian regime. Temples, churches and monasteries are headed by Party members. The “worship” of communism takes precedence over the respective religions. Monks who drink, gamble and womanise are left alone. The pious and disciplined ones are scrutinized. Like office holders, their decadence keeps them safe. It is also a double edged weapon that can be used against them when someone powerful wants to have them removed.
The Party could, at the drop of a hat, replace the Panchen Lama with someone they can control. They can insist that the Dalai Lama must be reincarnated (and picked by them) even when the Dalai Lama himself had declared that he would be the last. The mockery of the institution doesn’t bother the Sinophiles, the majority of whom are pragmatists who have no regard for the traditions of their “inferiors”. Some Sinophiles are ignorant. Others are simply bigots.
I sympathise with Tibetans who feel that their dignity has been trampled upon. I also roll my eyes when I see pathetic celebrities like Steven Segal twisting his identity along with the reality of the Tibetan cause to fabricate an alternate “reality”.
I’m wide awake and my eyes are wide open. I can’t say the same of ignorant people who think that I’ve been”brainwashed” by the “Western media” simply because I see and know the realities in China outside the tourist bubble.
Below is an excerpt from a book I bought at Pilgrims Book House, Kathmandu.
Saviours and Fools by James Rinaldi
“During the early part of 1998, our group was holding a demonstration and banner-wave event at a cinema that was showing Kundun. There was quite a bit of earnest yelling of the usual “Free Tibet” and “Shame on China” when a local La Jolla yuppie in a BMW drove by, rolled down his window and blurted: “The Tibetans have sewers now because of China, why are you guys so angry?” I didn’t know how to answer that, frankly. Why were we so angry? What did we hope to accomplish on a practical level with our demonstrations in comfortable, sunny San Diego?”
The Chinese authorities have given Tibetans a better material life (after starving and killing millions 50-60 years ago). That’s undeniable. Sinophiles who only need money and creature comforts to be happy cannot understand what more they could ask for and hence have no problems with an authoritarian regime as long as they themselves are not the victims of injustice.
Meanwhile, there are genuine sympathisers, human rights activists, trend followers and also celebrities who need to make a political stand who ignore the good and dwell on the bad. Fortunately or unfortunately, the Tibetan cause is fast losing its shine. Nowadays, YouTubers and Instagramers who had an enjoyable experience within the tourist bubble of Chinese controlled Tibet are telling a far more powerful story to the shallow and gullible masses. Organisations like International Campaign for Tibet (headed by Richard Gere) are losing the propaganda war because even though their cause is noble, they are often detached from reality.