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-In One Hour -
In one hour I will have to say good bye to some amazing people and it is going to hurt to do so. The feelings that have erupted from this past week are so intense I am still truly searching for the proper words to describe them. There will always be things that I will remember- little flashes of innocence and brilliance, of perfect solace and unbending courage, but sometimes the things most remembered are inconsequential in the grander picture. Sometimes it's just a glimpse of something that doesn't even exist, yet clearly could have been possible. It happened like that this morning when we were waiting for three classes of students at Merrillville High School to shuffle into the Arena where we were scheduled to present Tibet's case. They were all just sitting there in the back row like little children waiting for their teacher to come and instruct them, but this isn't simply some silly little comparison because we were sitting in a High School. I really saw them as little children sitting there- one innocently fumbling with his thumbs, while another rested his chin upon a curled hand. Another was aloft in a daydream with the sweetest sense of being I have ever seen, while her best friend here in America concentrated on something unknown. Ngawang, and Passang, and Ngawang Dolma, and Jamyang Dolma- four childhood friends from Tibet who never knew one another until they came all the way across the world to America to fight for their country. The perfect picture of innocence had ... and wrongfully lost. A bell rang and woke me from my vision of their untouched youth. The doors flanking the podium swung wide and in marched our hundred plus student audience. One of their Teachers informed them that they were handpicked for their supposed maturity level and ability to receive the Tibetan Issue with respect, while two others assisted us in passing out newsletters and informational sheets discussing the foundational facts of the Tibetan community's situation. We had one hour to explain 50 years of oppression, torture, religious intolerance, and a continuing genocide. We had one hour. This past summer a group of colleagues and I were asked "How do we like to learn? Which method do we find the most successful?" The seminar on educational techniques was linking our response to this query with others that investigated our individual personality traits in an effort to better determine how curricula should be developed. Although this process lumped us into quick, general, and broad distinctions it became glaringly evident that the most common response to whether we like to learn via visual, literary, lecture, presentational, group collaboration, or independent study methods was a resounding 'all of the above.' Much like my colleagues and I, the students we had met along the Walk were appreciative of the varied degree to which we presented the case. 'By any peaceful means necessary' has become a recurring theme when students ask how they can help, and there are many ways that do not incorporate losing one's temper and resorting to violence. After a brief introduction to what the Tibetan people have been through we presented a film I had developed after a personal journey through Tibet. 'Exile'-a collection of still images depicting what remains of Tibetan Culture, utilizes non-linear editing to incorporate quick transitional values and is synched to Tibetan Monk chanting, Peter Gabriel's hauntingly inspirational 'I Grieve' as well as Monastic Instrumental music. When 'Exile' rolled to an end I stated that "Life would not carry on for the Tibetans as Mr. Gabriel suggests if our community and government maintains their apathetic stance on China's belligerent and brutal policy for Tibet." Jigme Norbu assailed the podium and reiterated my initial introduction by stating that what they just saw is only a sliver of what once was. It was in no way intended to present a thriving Tibetan Culture, but rather was presented to provide them with a glimpse into a rich traditional way of life that is teetering upon extinction simply because it will not go against its foundations of non-violence and compassion. He expanded upon the information provided in the handouts, which listed grim statistics compiled during the past 50 years of China's illegal occupation of Tibet, and explained that the future of his people depended upon international assistance. Ngawang Norbu, a Tibetan American from Boston and one of the older Walkers, backed up Jigme's point by wondering aloud how many future Presidents, Vice Presidents, and members of Congress he was addressing. Feverishly, Ngawang hammered home how important it is for all those who agree that violence is not a means to an end to get involved in the Tibetan Crisis. Each person that joins the fight is one more voice that can amplify the concerns of those oppressed within Tibet. Tenzin Jamyang limped up to the podium and gazed out over the students as he grimaced in pain. He paused for a great deal of time before sharing his thoughts on the rape of his culture. He begged for assistance, promoted compassion for all,- even to his country's oppressors- and commented upon how lucky everyone in the room was for having the right to wear whatever they wanted at this very moment. Tenzin prayed his people would someday get to celebrate the freedom of deciding which color shirt to wear to a school that allowed them to study their own culture and language without censorship, but then retreated into how unlikely that vision was unless people in America got involved. Just in time for the bell, Jigme introduced the rest of the Walkers, fielded questions on Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, and His Holiness the Panchen Lama, and thanked Diane Mansen, James Stamper, and the rest of the faculty at Merrillville High School who made it possible to share their story. Two students- Katy Quick and her boyfriend Robert Hopkins- approached to personally thank us for coming, and to let us know that they needed to walk as well. I guess an hour was enough. Douglas F. Herman Tour Coordinator/Photographer India was under British Colonial Rule for 200 years before they broke free. Tibet has been down for nearly 50, and with your help Tibet will be free within your life time. FREE TIBET! . Douglas
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