American journalist and comedian Lee Camp recently visited Xizang, known in the West as Tibet, and shared his impressions of the region's culture, development, and freedoms. Camp's journey took him to iconic landmarks such as the Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, and the Tibet Museum, where he explored the rich history and contemporary life of the region.
\"Xizang is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen,\" Camp remarked, expressing his surprise at the modernity and vibrancy of Lhasa, the capital city situated nearly 12,000 feet above sea level. Contrary to some Western narratives portraying Xizang as a place of oppression and underdevelopment, Camp observed a bustling city with modern infrastructure, electric cars, and residents freely going about their daily lives.
During his visit to the Tibet Museum, Camp delved into the region's past, learning about the feudal system that existed prior to 1959, where a small percentage of the population owned and controlled the majority. He noted that the democratic reforms led by the Communist Party of China in 1959 abolished serfdom, resulting in significant improvements in the lives of the people. \"Life expectancy in Xizang went from less than 40 years old to over 70 years old,\" he highlighted.
Camp also addressed misconceptions about religious freedom in Xizang. He witnessed the prevalence of Tibetan Buddhism throughout the region, with numerous monasteries, monks, and nuns openly practicing their faith. \"If they've crushed religious freedom here, they've done a really poor job of it,\" he commented, pointing out the coexistence of various religions, including Islam and Christianity.
Reflecting on his experiences, Camp encouraged Westerners to visit Xizang and see the reality for themselves. \"Maybe we don't quite understand what that word ['free'] means,\" he suggested, drawing a comparison to the United States.
Reference(s):
Truth over lies: U.S. reporter's bold words at Potala Palace
cgtn.com
