In regards to my trip, people love to ask me “What was the (weirdest/most bizarre/craziest) thing you saw?” Luckily, this question gives me a chance to talk about a truly surreal experience.
Throughout the trip, I couldn’t help but be blown away by the appearance that “Communist” China is winning at capitalism. Additionally, the entire society seemed very… free. No one seemed oppressed in the way some American politicians argue. But, halfway through the trip, I was forced to reconsider this judgement when we visited Tiananmen Square…
In the matter of seconds, a woman (seemingly) jumped in front of a bus and get on the ground, seemingly trying to end her own life. A police officer managed to slow the bus and move the woman to safety. She wasn’t distraught or weepy. Rather, she was kicking and screaming, fighting the multitude of soldiers, police officers, and suited men who materialized and surrounded her. Just a minute or so after her suicide attempt, she was hidden away in a conveniently stationed van.
I was left wanting much information. Who was this woman? Was her jump in front of the bus truly intentional? Why did she choose this location? Did she have a cause? Will she be okay in the hands of the guards? What we do know is that the National People’s Congress was in session just down the block. The security personnel, were, also, obviously not willing to allow a scene and were well trained to prevent just that.
My reaction and opinion is predictable: I couldn’t help but reconsider how free the people of China are. Suicide is certainly something security would want to prevent… but was it necessary to cart the woman away? In addition to shocking me, this incident did actually affect how I perceived migrant issues.
Previously, I wondered why nothing significant was being done to address the inequality that migrants experienced. With migrant inequality affecting so many people in Shanghai alone–and arguable withholding some human rights–one would think that someone would stand up and force change; the sheer number of rural workers and migrant urban dwellers would certainly carry some authority. However, perhaps in addition to factors such as apathy or political education, political censorship may very well be preventing some from making a bold move.
Pollution has been forced onto the political agenda, partially due to pressure from the citizenry. Even still, migrants are unprotected, and they have everything to lose. Perhaps many factors align to allow censorship and the fear that accompanies it to prevent migrants and those who care about migrants from making substantial change happen.
Simultaneous, on the other end of the spectrum, the event also makes me question the political and media environment in the U.S. While silencing a woman’s protest (and also concealing the events that occurred at Tiananmen years again) seems audacious, doesn’t the U.S. do the similar things? Various groups can functionally alter history recorded in text books, while the media determines what does–or does not–receive publicity. Similarly, if an individual jumped in front of a vehicle in front of the U.S. Capitol Building while Congress was in session, I don’t believe that security would exactly allow media coverage or significant attention.