Globalization and Uyghur ethnic group in China

How are China’s Uyghur’s faring in that China’s rapidly globalizing economy and society? What space is made for traditional, non-Han cultural practices in modern China?

How are China’s Uyghur’s faring in rapidly globalizing economy and society?

China’s Uyghur’s are faring less well than expected in the global economy and society. The New York Times article I selected is from the time period of the Beijing Olympics. With the Olympics fast approaching and Beijing officials rushing to make deals to maintain a stable environment, many were protesting. The main Uyghur protest is about the banning of head scarves and traditional clothing. “Human rights groups say that Chinese Uyghur [ethnic group], like Tibetans, have fought for greater freedom to practice their religion as well as more autonomy from Beijing.” (French, 2008) However, the protests and autonomous nature of protests have concerned Han officials, this has increased party rhetoric. “The official [rhetoric] said the [Uyghur] protest was staged by Islamic separatist groups seeking to foment a broader uprising in Xinjiang. China often blames any ethnic disturbances on what it calls splittists and terrorists.”(French, 2008) Beijing in an effort to maintain social stability between groups, “has sought to pacify with economic development programs and suppress with heavy police presence, appearing to be using the upcoming Olympic Games, to be held in Beijing.” (French, 2008) Uyghur grievances regarding Han Chinese moving into Xinjiang and limiting cultural events and practices, are dramatically affecting how the Uyghur’s are progressing in the Han Chinese economy. The Han Chinese economy is the Uyghur’s direct path to globalization.

What space is made for traditional, non-Han cultural practices in modern China?

Space is limited for non-Han cultural practices in Xinjiang for Uyghur’s. “Han-run local governments insert themselves deeper into schools and religious practices to weed out cultural practices that officials fear might reinforce a separate ethnic or religious identity. (French, 2008) Uyghur traditions are neglected by the majority of Han Chinese. For example, in the months prior to the Beijing Olympics, protests in Xinjiang occurred over freedom to practice Uyghur religion and maintain Uyghur autonomy. China, in effort to cover the ethnic disturbance, “blames any ethnic disturbances on what it calls splittists and terrorists.”(French, 2008) The official rhetoric was “the protest was staged by Islamic separatist groups seeking to form a broader uprising in Xinjiang.”(French, 2008) However, the general lack of trust and understanding of different cultures or acceptance of religions in general has limited the space for the Uyghur minority. There are however, a few Han who are not biased. For example, Mr. Chen, a local bank clerk, stated that people were cautious in the months leading up to the article, and his opinion was he did not agree with restrictions on Muslim headgear. “It is their national custom and we should respect it.” (French, 2008) Local Uyghur leaders provide much support and space for cultural and religious practices; however, Han Chinese lead Beijing does not provide space for non conformity

French, W. Howard, “Protest in Muslim Province in China.” New York Times 2 Apr. 2008, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/02/world/asia/03china.html?scp=1&sq=Protest%20in%20muslim%20province%20in%20china,%20french&st=cse

Lack of Employment regulations at the coal mine

The material covered thus far in the course has reshaped how I view the work conditions in China. The Chinese economic growth is directly affected by coal over half of China’s energy needs come from coal. Coal is building the future of China, passing laws for coal minor safety and coal mines will be one of the first major successes for Chinese workers. Miners should not be endangered in their work. However, in the rush to supply these needs the Chinese government and the coal industry has not regulated safety and provided adequate training to its workers. Instead, it is more accepted “under China’s authoritarian system, that superiors reward subordinates for strict compliance with targets set from above, like reducing mine disasters. Should one occur the incentive to hide it is often stronger than the reward for handling it well. A disaster on a bureaucrat’s watch is almost surely a blot on his career.” (LaFraniere)

In the case of the illegal mine in Zhonglou, 35 people died, it took three months before the information reached the news. Typically, the officials bury problems, rather than correcting the problems, because of not wanting a blot on their career. Local officials pretended to investigate [Zhonglou], then issued a false report. Journalists were bribed to stay silent.” (LaFraniere) Because of “the lack of a free press, independent trade unions, citizen watchdog groups and other checks on official power this makes cover-ups more possible, even though the internet now makes it harder to suppress information completely.” (LaFraniere) China in its rush to succeed and make goals has forgotten the worker. China’s death rate within the mines is 40 times higher that of the United States. (LaFraniere) Widows and those who lost relatives do not believe that the system provides justice for their dead relatives. And as long, as officials can find ways to hide tragedies they will. The system rewards compliance, but does not consider environmental concerns, adequate safety training of coal workers and mine owners, standardized wages, and long-term health of coal workers.

Chinese markets deregulated by the socialist market economy, provided the governments with quick growth potential but, little focus or direction. This lack of direction permeates throughout society as the market economy grows, without the state providing this regulation the Chinese people are left to suffer through difficult work conditions. If China was planning ahead, work conditions, and structured growth would be in place to insure a stable amount of growth within the economy. The health of the Chinese society and its environment would be increase because coal is an unrenewable source of energy.

China's younger generation and its job creativity- graffiti

What general points might you conclude about China’s younger generation from the two sources you have examined?

In the video interview with, Alex he describes a successful Chinese life helping others and having a quality life with meaningful work to better himself and his family. However, he does bring up concerns regarding Chinese youth’s competition in the job market due to increased capacity in the Chinese Universities. Chinese Family insistence on more education and dedication to this succeed seems to transcend generations. In comparison I chose an article from Frontline, regarding Chinese graffiti artists. The article explains about a young 21 year old living the edge of Chinese life while painting illegal graffiti. She does this because she needs freedom from the constraints of society. Graffiti art has even become branded by Nike. Nike paid graffiti crews to paint their trademark on public basketball courts. I concluded that in the absence of a standard job and lack of freedoms in China the youth will be successful even if they make their own job.

Graffiti Art China's urban nomads target graffiti canvas, the Wall ( 2003-12-23 09:49) (cityweekend.com) Frontline