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Friday, May 02, 2008

Chinese Violence in Auckland

A friend of mind offers this excellent, thoughtful, long and very detailed blog post about the "protests" by Chinese in New Zealand.

“Kill the pig! Cut his throat! Kill the pig! Bash him in!” - William Golding, Lord of the Flies

Sunday afternoon saw Auckland subjected to a mass display of ugly Chinese nationalism. Thousands of Chinese gathered in Aotea Square for what was billed as a “celebration” to “support the Beijing Olympics” and promote “peace and harmony’. In reality the event was clearly a political rally. Olympic references were drowned out by nationalistic flag waving and chanting. The chauvinistic demeanor of the majority, coupled with a lack of policing, encouraged a large and hostile minority to indulge in physical intimidation and random violence. Within a few minutes of arriving at the event I was assaulted and abused, getting rescued from the hostile crowd by a protest marshal. The marshal then politely asked me to leave, because the event was, in his own words, “not safe for New Zealanders”.

So what exactly happened here?

Go read. It didn't seem to make the world news. It's ridiculous that China, so strongly politicizing the Olympics in every way, shape, and form, criticizes others for responding to its politicization of the Olympics.

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11 comments:

  1. skiingkowMay 2, 2008 at 2:18 PM

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    Let's not overlook the distinct possibility that Chinese supporters were acting as poseurs at several events -- backed up by photographic/video evidence I've seen on other blogs.

    There are protests planned in Hong Kong -- I'm curious to see how that pans out.
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    ReplyDelete
  2. TommyMay 2, 2008 at 3:00 PM

    It was reported in the media, it seems, although the coverage does not seem to have gone far. Here is one link I found:

    http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411749/1747034

    ReplyDelete
  3. TommyMay 2, 2008 at 8:58 PM

    The Hong Kong protests were dead in the water. They couldn't be otherwise. Hong Kong now has a huge population of mainlanders and a huge number of parties whose livelihoods are tied to Beijing. The few who did protest were quickly surrounded by goons and thugs and then taken away by the police "for their safety".

    One evening news report I saw called it a shot of confidence for Beijing to see so many red shirts supporting the torch. But truthfully I would have been very surprised to not see so many, especially since it is so easy these days for mainland tourists to come here. Expect more of the same in Macau. Then, the world will tune out as the "holy torch" (gag me with a sharp object) blesses the Chinese masses for a month.

    What was the most troubling thing about Hong Kong was how they turned several activists back at the airport for no reason, citing "national security".

    ReplyDelete
  4. channingMay 3, 2008 at 1:52 AM

    Disrupting a public event is illegal. If your purpose for entering a territory is to disrupt a public event, then you're as welcome as dog feces on a plate.

    This is an issue of common sense and public order, not freedom of expression. Actress Mia Farrow was allowed into the HKSAR and her intentions are to protest, not to disrupt. Freedom of expression is not in question here.

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  5. channingMay 3, 2008 at 1:55 AM

    Separately, I am totally against the violent activities of Chinese parties directed at protesters. These people do not understand the concept of protesting, nor do they have any respect for the opinions and concerns of others.

    They are uncivilized and undisciplined, and by attacking the freedom of others they are acting out of total immaturity. Just look at the Carrefour boycotts in mainland China--the same people are at work here.

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  6. AnonymousMay 3, 2008 at 5:29 AM

    I have to point out that New Zealand and Australia are highly racist places and that the majority of the racism is directed against Asians and Aboriginals.

    They may speak English real cute, and they are democracies, but in some ways, very different from the US and the UK. In terms of civil rights and ideals of equality, Australia and New Zealand are relatively backwards.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousMay 3, 2008 at 10:28 AM

    To Anonymous,

    First, I do not understand your purpose in painting a picture of serious racism in Australia and New Zealand. Is this supposed to justify the behavior of the Chinese protesters (many of them overseas students anyway)?

    Second, you are lumping Australia and New Zealand together. In fact they are very different places, and race relations are one of the most glaring points of difference.

    Like anywhere, New Zealand has issues of racism. Having said that, New Zealand is undoubtedly a less racist society than those most of its Asian immigrants come from.

    ReplyDelete
  8. taaleemMay 3, 2008 at 6:56 PM

    @ Anonymous

    What are you referring to, or maybe you are raving from your own uneducated mind.

    New Zealand would be the world leader in institutions against racism and equality.

    On a personal, street level, one may be subject to verbal racism, most commonly about driving.

    New Zealand has had large scale immigration compared to population and such rapid changes in societal makeup alarms some people; most vigorous are indigenous people who feel they are being swamped by Asians.

    As everywhere, the most vocal, are the lowest and most uneducated; maybe anonymous fits into this criteria.

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousMay 4, 2008 at 7:35 AM

    Anonymous is right off target in saying that Australia is a highly racist country. Blatant "in your face" racism here mostly comes from aboriginals and is directed towards white Australians. I have never seen racism against asians in Adelaide. In fact we revel in our ethnic diversity. It is bloody wonderful! Geoff.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousMay 6, 2008 at 6:17 AM

    New Zealand is undoubtedly a less racist society than those most of its Asian immigrants come from.

    You're undoubtedly brainwashed. Asian people are probably the least racist but are the least politically correct.

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousMay 6, 2008 at 11:12 AM

    As a Chinese-American, my own thoughts are that Asians are among the most blatantly racist. I've been to China with non-Chinese friends, and could easily understand what was said, and how differently they were treated. I have relatives in Australia as well, and they absolutely love it there, as do all my other Asian friends who have visisted.

    A decade ago an African-American friend of mine decided to go to China to study abroad. She returned within a few months, calling her off her trip and cried whenever she recounted how badly people treated her, despite her fluent Mandarin.

    ReplyDelete

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