Hi, everyone!
This is C--, Phil's sister from Canada. Phil asked me to post this message on his blog because, as of three days ago, the Great Chinese Firewell has blocked www.blogger.com, the site hosting Phil's "Runnin' the Great Wall" blog.
My friends (and digital enemies):
Phil here. The reason for the block is not known (and may never be known*), and I am not the only blogger in China who is sad (and angry) that the Chinese government feel the need to protect their citizens from diverse opinions and cultural-exchange in the name of "political stability." I have had several Chinese university students who follow my blog express the same disgust towards the Chinese government for preventing me from logging in and posting my experiences, opinions, and overall journey through the Middle Kingdom as a Peace Corps Volunteer. As depressing as the situation is, this shared disgust presents a glimmer of optimism, as these same students are the future of China and will hopefully lead their country out of its propaganda wars and promote free press, speech, and individual expression in the future.
It pains me to do write this, but this post could be the last post you see until August of this year; Youtube.com has been blocked for a few months now and if the CCP treats Blooger.com in a similar fashion, then the future of blogs like mine looks grim, especially since the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre (a taboo subject in China) arrives on June 4th of this year. This does not mean that I will stop blogging! I will blog just as much - if not more! - as before, and post all of my experiences whenever the block is lifted, or when I finally reach a country that allows me to think aloud! I will still create enlightening cheese-y videos, snap pictures, and record the lessons I learn from the REAL Chinese in China: my students. No oppressive government can stop Phil Razem from speaking his mind!
If you believe in me, I hope you will read this blog post from one of the leading Chinese bloggers who believes in the power of free speech online:
Let's pray - for you and for my own sanity - that this block is temporary!
I love and miss you all,
Phil
Posts
4 comments:
This news is pure garbage, I hate how the Chinese government censors everything. I went on a 10 day trip there and was dying for the freedom to talk whatever crap I wanted, I can't even begin to imagine how you must feel Phil, after living there for two years!
Fuck the dictator bastards. They are fat assholes.
And the people are sheep - too afraid to break the cycle with violence (which is the only way).
I feel sorry for them all.
FWIW, your friend from the Pacific NW is still posting. I think the block is/was for the runup of the 20th anniversary of Tiananmen Square so maybe you'll be back online before you leave China. Today it's the Iranians who are getting blocked; sounds like the Iranian Govt doesn't quite know what to do with Twitter. - Connie
I am able to see other blogs hosted by blogspot from China. Are you sure it's still blocked?
Post a Comment