Miss Gioia

Monday, July 20, 2009

Why My Blog is Banned in China


Yesterday morning, we noticed an inordinate number of tow trucks prowling the street where we live. Chris (correctly) surmised that something was up. Later we saw some Falun Dafa (Falun Gong) people handing out literature in bright yellow T-shirts by the 101. Truthfulness. Benevolence. Forbearance.

Then this afternoon, Gioia and I heard a marching band outside our apartment (which is not an everyday occurrence in Taipei). After the snare drums and horn section passed by, I realized that it was a large Falun Gong parade. I was astounded for a moment, soaking in the boldness and spirit of democracy that is here in Taiwan. Gioia and I grabbed the camera and a stool so she could peer over the balcony edge.


I don't know much about the Falun Gong beyond the facts that the Chinese government calls them a cult. But here they were, marching peacefully in Taipei, with children and drums, calling for Truthfulness.

Gioia is too young to understand when I talk about "freedom of expression." But I hope one day, she learns. I could not read any of the signs carried by the marchers, but I can only imagine what they said. I guess that the people in the image above were carrying photos of people either killed or imprisoned for their beliefs. Below is a vignette of people in chains, with guards standing close watch.

Pretty brave, the people on this little island.

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