KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan: The Dalai Lama headed for typhoon hit areas of southern Taiwan Monday on the first full day of a tour that China has warned will hurt improving ties with the island.
(http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1001817/1/.html)
This is an extract from a news report on the Dalai Lama's trip to Taiwan to help the victims of the typhoon cope with their loss or properties, family members etc. He is perceived to be the the spiritual leader for many. And his trip to Taiwan sounds like he is just going there to lend spiritual aid to the victims of the typhoon. He says that as a monk, he was there to say prayers for peace. This creates the perception for those who do not know him is that he is very dedicated to being a spiritual leader and providing guidance. However, moving on to the next line might change our perception of him. Firstly, it is presented that he is exiled from his native of Tibet. This makes some people look at him negatively. Once there, the Dalai Lama makes political remarks to the typhoon victims making it sound like originally he had political agenda. This caused uproar from the Chinese government as his words may hinder the talks between mainland and Taiwan. This shows how the the government fell about his visit and also Chinese people on the streets are arguing why he is staying in a posh place if he wants to give spiritual aid to the victims. Before reading this article i had little information about this Dalai Lama. I knew he was an icon and one of the most influential men in Earth, according to Time magazine(http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1733748_1733757,00.html.
However, seeing how an influential man can be denied entry to do what he does best, providing spiritual help, made me rethink my perception of him. A reputable magazine names him one of the most influential people on earth and yet, the common man and even China's government is against his trip. Speaking to some friends also showed that there are people that think of him other ways than a spiritual leader. This shows the sometimes, Mass media has to bow down it's head to the social beliefs and preferences of the individual. Our perception although is largely dictated by the Mass media, It is actually our own set of beliefs and values that shape our perception to a larger extent.
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ReplyDeleteGOOD ONE.i think that what we belief and the values we were taught when we were young really influences our perception of something.
ReplyDeletegood one salman!
haha.. judging from the traffic, perception is at play here as well. no colour, no pictures... BORING!! still got to figure out how to make it look legit.
ReplyDeletethanks jer..
ReplyDeletehi Salmon! i cannot agree more that our perception towards certain issues are shaped by the influence of mass media. especially the way most people view politicians! they may be good leaders but once they are portrayed in a bad light by the media, their reputation will most likely be damaged.
ReplyDeleteanyhow, great example used there. good job! (;
I think what you missed out here is that there are more factors at play here than just belief. The Dalai Lama is known for slipping in his beliefs into speeches and interviews that are supposed to focus on his religion and his leadership of Tibet so I kind of expected his little 'outburst' if you like it. Taiwan was also probably wary of this guy because a) they mainly worship Matsu, a water goddess if I'm not wrong, and hold her in high regard (taoism and ancestor worship hold stronger influences than buddhism in general in taiwan) and because big brother china is right next door and watching every moment of the dl's visit. Any wrong move like sending somebody to meet him would be cross-strait suicide.
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