Here's a dilemma. You're an ambitious programme-maker, working for the BBC. A totalitarian state with an appalling human rights record offers you "unique and unprecedented access" to film inside a country it occupied half a century earlier.
On the one hand, it's the opportunity of a lifetime. On the other, you know perfectly well that this is a propaganda exercise - the state in question is about to host the Olympics, has promised to relax reporting restrictions, and wants you to make it clear to the world that the so-called "occupation" of its neighbour was in fact a "liberation". You will only be allowed to film when and where the authorities permit, and anyone you interview will be either in the pay of the state or too frightened to speak out of turn - most likely both. Plus you will come under pressure from your own government not to rock the diplomatic boat. Is there any possibility, in these circumstances, of producing a work of any integrity?
Political events of the past weeks have forced the BBC's A Year in Tibet series, which concludes this week, into the spotlight - whether it wants to be there or not - and both footage and commentary make the producers' dilemma painfully evident. On the surface they appear to have rolled over completely. Every Tibetan we see dutifully toes the party line - as when a monk refers to a Buddha statue as a "cultural artefact" - while the commentary is bland and uncritical: the strongest word ever used is "controversial".
But read between the lines and you realise that this is in fact an extremely clever production. By not attempting to rein in the Chinese rhetoric and simply letting the words and pictures tell their own story, writer and series producer Peter Firstbrook makes a far more powerful statement on the reality of life in occupied Tibet than any attempt at undercover filming could have achieved. Yes, the Chinese have introduced modern medicine - for those who can afford it. Yes, there are opportunities to make money - for those who cooperate with the authorities. There are lovely new roads and railways linking Tibet to China's heartland - just don't think of travelling anywhere outside the People's Republic. And look how hard the local Party works to free the Tibetans from their "feudal", "superstitious" ways - whether they want it or not.
Whether it's the spectacle of the local Party Secretary organizing a monastery festival, or the hotelier wheeler-dealing with the State tourism authorities, we are left with the uneasy feeling that, despite what the commentary is saying, what we are witnessing is just wrong. And when at the end we learn that the faithful party worker who has renounced Buddhism, denounced the Dalai Lama and dedicated the past four decades to enforcing religious restrictions and political re-education in local nunneries is forcibly retired at 55 with no pension, we are left in no doubt at all. Very uncomfortable - and essential - viewing. Delia Pemberton
Actually the monks keep and feed the dogs when no one else would. The people who handle the dogs roughly ARE NOT Monks. The Monks tried to use sleeping pills so they could carry the dogs in without forcing them, but the pills didn't work. Locals then took over to clear the dogs for the Panchan Lama. Also remember how much influence the Chinese government has on the monks, this isn't the same Buddhism that was prevalent under the Dalia Lama. The Panchan Lama is essentially an official appointed by the Chinese government, and the Monks are officially credited by the Chinese government, if they screw up then they risk losing this accreditation then the monastery can be shut down.
April 22nd - 4:54pmterminator said...
Hardcore anti-China-pro-Tibet who have never put a foot on the land of Tibet accuses those who have been in Tibet for a year? Go Tibet and see the truth by yourself! You will feel shocked on how badly you have been brainwashed by the media before!
April 21st - 9:03pmmoya gracie said...
What an amazing programme! Where can I buy the music accompanying it?
March 26th - 3:24pmBilly said...
Before you visit denise foley's petition page, please make sure you also check the following:
The Secret Truth about The Dalai Lama (Hitler and the Dalai Lama)
http://www.newspiritualbible.com/index2.html
Friendly Feudalism: The Tibet Myth
http://www.michaelparenti.org/Tibet.html
World News Briefs; Dalai Lama Group Says It Got Money From C.I.A.
This film is a highly selective and distorted view of life inside Tibet, and little more than Chinese propaganda. For more informaton read the petition at:
I am a Chinese student currently in US and hoping to have a look at the programme (not available in US yet).
As far as I know about Buddhism, I have to say that it changes a lot while spreading all over Asia. There are many styles of Buddhism in China (perhaps hundreds of). The style in Tibet is actually quite unique among all of these because it once dominanted local political power(since 13th centry, until 1950s). As a consequence, the monks changed some of their principles, like the opinion towards violence.
March 12th - 1:18amchristine said...
Singa woo
Nobody is trying to demonise china and there is nothing hysterical in airing our views on the mistreatment of animals when as westerners we are led to believe that buddhism is a peaceful religion which respects all living things. Now if that is so absurd to you and you wish to misunderstand the reason why people are upset then i am sorry for you. A lot of people in this country practice and respect buddhism and would not imagine monks allowing this to happen. Unfortunately it shakes their beliefs.
March 10th - 4:31pmsinga woo said...
I always wonder why some westerns think Tibet is a perfect land. "Peace"？ "love"? I believe the only reason is the requirement of a propaganda to demonize China. So that is why when BBC just shows something facts that the westerns are not willing to face. They become so hysteric
March 8th - 3:37pmK Marsh said...
I have never been so disgusted than what i saw on this programme. I have always been an admirer of the Tibetan way and of the lord Buddah. Who ever is reading this i am no more. I will as of this point destroy all my books and Buddhist items which i have many. I am disgusted.
March 8th - 2:16amchristine said...
Absolutely upset by the treatment of the stray dogs, one kicked in the face and anothers head beat on the ground, some also being dragged by their tails and thin ropes by there necks. All done to clear the area to prepare for a visit by the panchen lama. All watched and aided by monks. Peace and Love to all except dogs?
March 6th - 11:41pmKim Stewart said...
I am glad that I watched the first episode of the TV series.
It has enlightened me to the fact that monks are not to held in high regard.
The program showed footage of Tibetans beating one dogs head on the ground to subdue it, another dog being kicked in the head, another dog being lassoed lifted and carried by the lasso, another dog being stuffed into a bag and another being lifted and carried by it’s ears and tail!!!!! All this carried out by monks or at the consent of monks so that the stray dogs did not taint their image!!!!!!!!!
I no longer hold monks in high regard quite the opposite I no look upon them with disgust.
I now have no intention of visiting Tibet and I hope that this program affects tourism to extent that the average Tibetan begin to think about the welfare of all living creatures.
Thanks to BBC to beringing this activity and way of life to my attention.
March 6th - 10:01pmAUDREY said...
could you please give me the name of the music played on the program
March 6th - 11:54amJaney said...
ashame to bbc tries to cover up China's ugly side of human rights and minority issues like Tibet. It will bring down international public trust of BBC.
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