Tuesday, July 2, 1996 - San Francisco Examiner

G-Haw

SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER

IF YOU DIDN'T go to the "Free Tibet" concert in Golden Gate Park last month, you have to catch the next one. I was blown away not only by the big-name bands that performed, but also by the message that the whole event communicated.

Before, when I thought about politics I'd think about what's happening nationally. But now I have a better understanding of how things work on a global level. By listening to the speakers and reading some of the literature, I became enlightened about the unfair relationship China has with Tibet, and the lack of freedom of people not only in Tibet but all over the world.

One speaker, with the help of a translator, spoke of the atrocities he witnessed and experienced as a prisoner of the Chinese government. He mentioned stun guns that shot out sparks and were used against all the prisoners - young and old, male and female. He spoke of murders, human rights violations, concentration camps, slave labor, torture and the suppression of free speech.

The audience was reminded of our power to vote not only at the polls, but also with our dollars. We were all asked to boycott goods made in China for the month of June, and were told that by becoming conscious consumers, we can send a message to the Chinese government that we will not tolerate the unfair treatment of its citizens.

Thousands and thousands of people attended the two-day benefit, so there were many like myself who received the message. The park was packed both days and it must have been like Woodstock - only bigger and better. The big names included the Fugees, Bjork, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, Biz Markie and the Foo Fighters. All of these fine musicians contributed to the cause of a free Tibet by performing and letting their fans know what they're down with.

The concert helped me realize that I have been taking the freedom I have as an American for granted. I should be more appreciative of the luxuries I enjoy day to day, and also do as much as I can to fight for freedom for all human beings. One way to do that is to share what I learned at the concert with my friends, and to learn more about Tibet and China, as well as about the situations of all people around the world.

G-Haw is on the staff of YO! (Youth Outlook), a newspaper by and about Bay Area teens produced by Pacific News Service.