In an obvious reference to the ongoing Chinese Government crackdown in Tibet and denial of access to independent media, a Xiamen-based Chinese journalist has come up with his analysis of the development saying censorship will only foster ultra nationalism.
Lian Yue, a freelance writer in the Chinese coastal city of Xiamen, writes in his Eighth Continent blog on March 21, 2008 that “Information blocking is the only reason for making the divide deeper and the situation worse, since people in different positions are all talking from their own perspectives, and cannot be verified.”
“Ultra-nationalism is an emotion, not reason; therefore censorship is a bed for such emotion, fostering extreme-Tibetan, extreme-Han, Japan hatred, Taiwan hatred and other extreme emotions,” the blog said.
China Digital Times, which translated his points into English, says Lian is known for his advocacy for environmental protection in Xiamen. Following is the full text of the translation.
Tibet Information Theory – Lian Yue
1. If there is a power that wants to block information, then we should assume this power is bad.
2. If this power actually blocked the information, then this power should be assumed to be worse.
3. If the power which blocked information now publishes only one-sided information, then we should assume this information is false.
4. For all untrue information, the power which blocks information should be held most responsible.
5. The power which blocks information has no credibility to judge related information that flows around.
6. Information blocking is the only reason for making the divide deeper and the situation worse, since people in different positions are all talking from their own perspectives, and cannot be verified.
7. Ultra-nationalism is an emotion, not reason; therefore censorship is a bed for such emotion, fostering extreme-Tibetan, extreme-Han, Japan hatred, Taiwan hatred and other extreme emotions.
8. Mainland China is a place full of such extreme emotions. This extreme emotion supports the power, and likely prevents reform of the power.
9. Only sufficient information and sufficient expression can dissolve such extreme emotion. Trying to control so-called “dangerous speech” is the biggest danger.
10. Therefore, allowing the media to freely enter Tibet to report is a critical way to solve this problem.
March 21, 2008.