Boycott for Tibet

Tibet Blog

04/03/08 - Thanks to Last Chance Democracy Cafe for posting a link to this site in their most recent Tibet story. I've noticed some hits and pledges since that story was posted.

So it's been nearly two weeks sicne the site has been up. How are we doing? I have a mix of two feelings right now: 1) I'm extremely proud and thankful that many people, complete strangers, have found the site and pledged their name to the cause; it's rewarding to know that people can connect over such issues, 2) I'm also frustrated that the movement hasn't taken off and attracted greater numbers. I can attribute #2 to a few things, mainly that the issue is a little complicated and also that the level of reporting in the mainstream media has diminished to a trickle and, with it, public knowledge and interest.

There are many strong movements out there for Tibetan rights, and I saw one petition that was signed by nearly half a million people... yet, this petition was being sent directly to the Chinese president. I can't help but question the effectiveness of such a petition, as it seems obvious that the Chinese leadership has little concern for how freedom activists view their nation.

I wish all the websites, petitions, and movements well. Hopefully, with our combined voices we can make a difference. Thank you again to everyone who's contributed and who will contribute. These recent pledges have motivated me to keep working. As long as there are people out there who want to make a difference, then I'll do my part.

03/22/08 - Why am I doing this? Maybe it's been the recent political season here in the US. Maybe it's that I'm a new father and I want this world to be better for my child than it was for me. Maybe I'm just tired of talking-heads on the evening news being the only voice we have to listen to.

For whatever reason, I've decided to throw my voice out there. This is my personal website, which I made originally to host family pictures, let friends keep track of what I'm up to, and maybe someday serve as a community for fans of my book. Well, the book isn't published yet (though it is finished), and I've been too busy at the university to post pictures of the family (I see everyone in town, as it is). So pretty much this space has just been sitting here.

I should probably start a new website with some fancy title like "boycotttibet.com", but I don't have the extra cash to register or purchase new hosting space. Besides, I like that my name is attached to this movement. You know that it's not some corporate shell. You know that this isn't some underground political movement sponsored by extremists. My name is Ben Murphy and this is MY site. I'm a husband (soon to be), a father, an employee at a small ISP, and a full time university student, who will be a new elementary school teacher in about 18 months. I'd like to be a published writer someday, but all that's on the backburner while I finish school. The book is done, but submissions are on hold until at least the end of the semester. Ever had too much going on at once? Yeah, me too.

So why am I doing this? I should be doing homework now (I'm already behind). I'm still not really sure. The cause of the Tibetans has called out to me. Of course, there are literally thousands of noble causes out there, but this is something I think I can help with. It has all the right ingredients for a grassroots movement: a plighted people, an oppressive government, and international corporations caught in the middle. The Global Olympic Sponsors (McDonalds, et al) have a choice to make: Do they stay silent while their money is used to legitmize an abusive government, all for the sake of advertising? Or do they take a stand and tell the Chinese government that they will not lend them their name, their brand-power, so long as these abuses remain?

The American people, the best consumers in the world, also have a choice. Will we turn our heads and continue purchasing these products, unconcerned as to where this money and ultimately our support will go? Or will WE take a stand and say NO?

I'm starting this pledge to find out.