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Commentary Category
You’ve heard it before…we have a choice about how we view our life and the events that take place around us. This is a generallization, but from comments I sometimes hear, many people seem to think the world is going to hell in a hand basket. No one can deny that there is much suffering in the world, that the world economy is struggling, or that there has been an inordinate number of violent acts of nature in the recent past, resulting in death and homelessness for people all over the world.
Still, there are many, many good things happening. People of all ages are living their lives in encouraging ways, showing by their positive philosophy and kindness to others, their concern for the planet’s well being, that something new is emerging. My friend attended the Vancouver version of the “Occupy Wall Street” protest on Saturday outside the Vancouver Art Gallery; it’s meant to show the government that the public is tired of so few corporations (and people), holding so much of the wealth and power in Western nations. My friend wrote that she was so proud of the young people, and when I gave the matter some thought, I realized what a great job they’re doing at stepping up to make their voices heard.
Dan Gardner wrote an article in the Saturday Vancouver Sun entitled “Attached to our pessimism”. The tagline was “We are the wealthiest and healthiest people who ever lived, but we are loath to admit humanity has progressed.” In his article Gardner asks why people won’t at least consider the possibility that their pessimism is wrong, when so much data shows otherwise.
The author goes on to say that some people are startled and want to hear more when they learn that homicide rates, war, torture, slavery, terrorism, cruelty to animals and other forms of violence have declined significantly. Others say “yes, but…” (one of the games in the old “Transactional Analysis Therapy” – remember “I’m okay, you’re okay”?). Others flatly reject the claim as absurd.
Several theories about why people react this way have been put forward by Gardner and another author, Steven Pinker, such as when we acknowledge progress it makes us complacent, we have a negative bias against civilization, modernity and Western society, we’re much more morally repulsed by violence now – and we’re surrounded by constant media reports about it. But perhaps most importantly, is a tested theory many of us have heard about – when we believe something to be true, we don’t check out our beliefs about the subject, we grab onto whatever supports them.
Whatever, the reasons for our sometimes tendency towards half full cups, I think it’s something to be aware of as we go through our days.
The reaction of anger and public shaming to those who instigated or went along with the actions of rioters in Vancouver after the loss of the Canucks was counter productive in that anger and violence are never solved or mediated by more anger and self righteousness. The anger about the destruction was understandable, but the only helpful response to the destruction, anger and thoughtlessness is compassion.
I would like to extend the same compassion to those who participated in the riot that I wish others would give me after any of the mistakes I’ve made, and will continue to make, in my life. It may seem trite to say that we all make mistakes and deserve forgiveness, but everyone, regardless of how good their intentions are, will inevitably do many things in their lives, large or small, that hurt those around them. I would like to extend the respect, patience and compassion we all deserve in this lifetime to everyone.
This is not to diminish the impact of the destruction that was created after the game. Those responsible should be held accountable for their actions, but not in a punitive way, which will never help them to truly understand and change their behaviour for the better. In a fair and sane way that respects and acknowledges the humanity of all people, even those who have made a large mistake.
Bronwen Besso-Smith
The day after the shameful riot on Wednesday evening in Vancouver, I went into town for lunch with my daughter. We found it very heartwarming to see the two projects that were underway downtown. Fifteen thousand people went into the city, beginning at 5 a.m., to clean up the mess of glass and graffiti and some were still cleaning when we saw them around 2:30 in the afternoon. It was an overwhelming, positive response to this sad episode in Vancouver’s history and it showed what Vancouverites are really about.
The second project was initiated by Chapters Bookstore and the Mayor of the City got on board with it also. Chapters placed a flipchart just inside their front door for people to write positive things on, and also velcroed black felt pens to the plywood that covered the broken windows of the store. By the time we passed by there were hundreds of uplifting messages written on them. This activity was picked up a few blocks down at Sears, the first major target of the vandalism and looting. Mayor Robertson wrote on the windows of both stores, as did the Premier of the province, and went around town giving out felt pens to whoever he saw, after buying all he could get his hands on.
The Police Chief and Mayor say the riot was caused by a small group of well prepared, (i.e. gasoline, face masks), anarchists, that it was all premeditated and highly organized. I do not dispute their role in what happened, but as more information gets out, it’s clear that the atmosphere downtown was a dangerous one, even before the game began. “The air was full of testosterone”, one woman said. Hundreds of inebriated, underaged males poured into the outside public areas, “fan zones”, where the game was broadcast on giant screens; eventually the perimeters of the fan zone were broken, and many people drank alcohol openly when the police were not looking.
When the riot began, many males, (not part of the organized group), participated wholeheartedly in the burning of cars and throwing of bricks etc., while many other people – women included – egged them on, watching and taking pictures. The crowd would not leave the area despite multiple requests from the police.
Two things stand out from my reading of sociologist and psychologist interviews: Firstly, the riot became a form of entertainment unto itself; Secondly, an incredible sense of entitlement existed amongst many in the crowd – they held a belief that what they were doing was alright.
Although most of the people who acted out were not part of the “anarchist group”, I believe that the sense of entitlement shown by them and their treatment of the riot as a spectator sport is also a form of anarchism – anarchism without purpose, without the formal philosophy and without the organization. We can say that these people are disenfranchised and alienated, that they don’t feel a sense of belonging in the community, but that does not excuse what happened.
However, it’s important to remember that all those who committed crimes and those that egged them on were a small percentage of the overall crowd present that night.
Post Script: Right after I posted this I read an article in today’s Vancouver Sun about the extent of rage and vilification against the rioters. Is this righteous indignation going too far?
As many of you know I am passionate about the rights of Tibetans both inside and outside Tibet. Here is the latest from Huffington Post:
In 1993 the Beastie Boys spearheaded a movement to raise youth awareness of Tibet – through music. A series of landmark Tibetan Freedom concerts were held, and a fire was ignited. 17 years later, much has changed, but Tibet is still not free, nor have the conditions improved. In fact, in the past two years, it has grown worse, and in an ironic twist, arrests, disappearances, and extended sentences to Laogai (reform-through-labor concentration camps) have increased for Tibetan musicians, filmmakers and writers.
It is time to change that — and the Street Dogs have lent a hefty dose of gasoline to the fire.
Here is the link to the entire Huffington Post article including You-tube shots of Beastie Boys concert.
Read more
Tibet Situation Worsening
I am reprinting this email, sent out to Canada Tibet Committee members in case you are not aware of the seriously worsening situation in Tibet.
You can read more about Tibet on the Canada Tibet Committee website or become a member.
Hunger Strike, Rally, March, and Vigil
Since 2008 when Chinese Government pressure escalated, life as a Tibetan in Tibet has been unbearable for many. Tragically, since February 2009, 17 Tibetans have self-immolated in protest.
In recent weeks the unbearable conditions in Tibet have worsened. Underground testimonies speak of horrific conditions, and convoys of Chinese military trucks have been witnessed heading into Tibetan regions. Canada Tibet Committee has appealed to Prime Minister Stephen Harper to prioritize “Tibetans Before Trade” on his upcoming trip to China.
The Chinese Government is struggling to hide the current military crackdown from the world by blocking internet traffic and barring foreign media from Tibetan areas – e.g. CNN crew detained, January 31
Nonetheless, Tibetans worldwide have heard the pleas of their brothers and sisters. In response to the appeal from Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government in Exile, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, to carry out a Worldwide Vigil on February 8, 2012, Tibetans of British Columbia and Washington State will gather in Vancouver.
Please join us for all or part of the program, from 11am to 7pm.
If you are not able to attend the event in person, please join us in a day long solidarity fast.
The Event Program – Wed Feb 8
11am: Meet at the Vancouver Art Gallery (Robson St side), 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver. Rally with Tibetans and supporters and begin a day-long hunger strike.
12pm: March along Granville Street to Chinese Consulate at 3380 Granville Street, Vancouver.
1:00pm: Protest, Prayers, and Hunger Strike continue at the Chinese Consulate.
4:30pm: Candle Light Vigil (at the Chinese Consulate)
7pm: Closing Prayer
Copyright 2008 Comité Canada Tibet Committee
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Montréal, Québec H2X 4B3
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