[quote]lixy wrote:
4-13, to what extent do you think the Hans’ condescension towards the “ungrateful” Uighurs is to blame for the tensions in the latter’s homeland? Every single Chinese person I’ve talked to, seem completely unable to understand how these “privileged” minorities (think Uighurs, Tibetans, etc.) could be complaining instead of just enjoying the benefits. That line of reasoning seems common to every other colonizing force.
I can appreciate the challenge of keeping about a billion and a half people in check. I also acknowledge the Chinese non-belligerence (relative to its status) when it comes to foreign policy. But when you get a 15 years old girl and women wound up enough to attack your authority with knives, it’s highly probable that you’ve done something to push them over the edge.
Uighurs seem determined to milk the media exposure of these Olympics. They just killed 3 cops today.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ijbN4TZ-Q8baRSmL9qcyI7zUQwCgD92GM40G0[/quote]
well there has been a vast migration of Han people to the western regions in the past decade. Many Uyghurs see this as a threat to their language and culture. For example, even though the textbooks may be in their native language, a history class would be geared towards Han history and culture.
It must be how French Canadians feel. I remember when I was in Montreal, I kept speaking to the waiter in English at a restaurant while he kept talking in French, pretending that he didn’t understand English, despite the fact that he brought back the right order (hopefully without any saliva).
Many of these Han migrants also have the benefit of a better education so they usually receive the better jobs. I think its like any other country, no one really wants to work under someone they consider an outsider. And because of this, there is a growing wealth gap between the Uyghurs and Han people. On the other side of the fence, the Han usually view the Uyghurs as being backward and lazy because of the difference in work ethics.
Xinjiang is also close to Afghanistan and Pakistan where religious extremism has been able to make its way into China. Because of this, the Chinese government has put its hand into religion by approving or denying teachers at religious schools based on what they teach. The Uyghurs don’t share the Han’s concerns over this and view this as another interference into their lives.
The Uyghurs are also in close proximity with Central Asian countries that they are culturally linked with. There is a concern from the Chinese government about outside interference though they do have a reason to be concerned because the Soviet Union was able to back a separatist movement in Xinjiang and the CIA was able to do so in Tibet. So China has been seeking closer cooperation (the Shanghai Cooperation Organization) with neighboring Central Asian countries that are also fighting battles with Islamic extremists. The result is a growing feeling of isolation among the Uyghurs.
That is not to say that China is completely ignoring the plight of the Uyghurs. An effort has been made to reduce the wealth gap in China’s slight return to socialism.
