Tibet is known as the ‘rooftop of the world’ and has been a refuge for the Tibetan people for generations. The religion and culture of the Tibetans has shaped their identity and provided a unique outlook to the world, with the Dalai Lama at its spiritual heart. In recent years, however, Tibetans have faced oppression and exile, leading to their diminishing cultures and identity being in danger. So what can we do to help?
The People of Tibet
The people of Tibet have faced a long history of oppression since 1951 when China invaded the country and currently, there are over 6 million Tibetans living in exile around the world. The Chinese Government has implemented policies which have caused economic difficulties and cultural suppression for the Tibetan people, such as restricting the Tibetan language, Buddhism, and the free practice of the traditional Tibetan way of life. This has made it difficult for many Tibetans to live happily with their culture and identity in tact, and has caused a lot of unrest and displacement.
Culturally Supporting the Tibetan People
One of the best ways to support the Tibetans is to help keep their culture alive by getting involved and educated in the Tibetan heritage. You can do this by learning the Tibetan vocabulary, exploring Tibetan culture and customs, advocating for the Tibetan cause, donate to organizations that actively work on Tibetan issues, read Tibetan literature, and watch Tibetan-made films. You can also get involved in demonstrations or causes which are creative and engaging, or learn more about the human rights that Tibetans face and how to support them.
Politically Supporting the Tibetans
You can also lend your voice to advocating for the rights of the Tibetan people, whether that is by writing to your elected representatives, raising awareness on social media, joining in solidarity with Tibetans on the streets, or engaging in grassroots advocacy. There are also organizations like the International Campaign for Tibet which actively engages with policymakers and politicians to ensure that the Tibetan people are taken seriously when it comes to their human rights and civil liberties. By getting involved, you can help make sure that the Tibetan people’s voices are heard.
Fundraising for the Tibetan Cause
Another way to help the Tibetans is to support the organizations that are working hard to help Tibetan issues. There are many fundraisers, donations, and campaigns available to help support Tibetans, such as the ‘Save the Snow Lion’ campaign which aims to protect the endangered Tibetan snow leopard. You can also support organizations that provide basic needs and general infrastructure to Tibetan refugees and marginalized communities, or those that provide tools and resources to protect the Tibetan language and culture.
By combining all of these methods, we can help the Tibetans keep their culture and identity alive, while also helping to give a voice to their cause. We can all make a difference, whether that’s through spreading awareness or by getting involved in a direct way. Every bit of effort will be rewarded in the preservation of the Tibetan people and their culture, so let’s do what we can to help.
