Research

We are in the middle of independent study period, where we pick a project and interview people, translate texts, watch, and generally participate in the Tibetan community to collect data and observations. Eventually we are supposed to create a 30ish page paper on the topic. Typically, I chose the Tibetan government, which is particularly pertinent because the exile population elected a new Kalon Tripa, or prime minister, in March. The results came out last week, and Dr. Lobsang Sanagy of Harvard won the election.

I happen to think my topic is fascinating, because the government in exile calls itself a democracy. In practice, though, the Tibetan people and government look to HHDL for guidance and would (at least in the past) submit to his will without even voting. That is changing, but it's interesting to figure out why.

Since it happened so recently, people are really receptive and open to talking to me about their involvement and experiences, and I've had some enlightening exchanges. Unfortunately, I can't really tell where my paper will go, or even if I'm actually going to have an argument. Sara Stern, I'd like to publicly acknowledge the fact that you may read approximately a bazillion pages of terrible writing on something you don't care about this year (and this is even before I start writing thesis....ouch) and that I also probably owe you something comparable to my firstborn child. Let's make a deal: if/when China releases Tibet from its clutches, we'll go kick it. Tibet is awesome but I don't think even I could persuade you to go back to China.

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