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