Viewpoints A Personal Protest | A Personal Protest |
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The freezing weather doesn't seem to be a problem. People are shouting and running around, and they are all busy doing something: one man in his twenties is holding up a signboard with a picture of the USA's president, and a phrase above his head: "No More War". Around each corner in Russell Square, queues of women are standing behind tables and distributing newspapers, and campaign cards to passers by. A few teenagers are preparing a paper-made "Bush", and providing more clothes for him, in case the chilly weather and people's enthusiasm would ruin him even before the formal demonstration against President Bush starts at 2pm in Trafalgar Square. Wu Ge is the first Asian person to be spotted standing among the other stewards. He is a second year Mathematics and Economics student at University College London. "I myself like being here; otherwise I wouldn't have attended the last demo in September." Wu says. A few meters away from Wu, Yin Zheng and two of her friends who were also wearing striking green uniforms seem more excited. They are postgraduate students at Warwick University, and they all came from Guang Zhou in South China in September this year. They registered from the Internet to be stewards to organise and help others in this Demo. Unlike Wu who is standing calmly and quietly, they are itching to set their energy free to do something. Like birds after been released from the cage, they long for the freedom and the ability to fly. "We just got off the coach. I am so excited because this is my first time to really see and take part in a British National Demonstration against Bush and Blair. I am fully prepared for it." Yin adds. It's not surprising that they have never experienced any demos before, because such activities would definitely be banned in China, even if people are not satisfied with the government or for any other reasons. In fact, after the student movement took place in the Tian an men Square, China, in 1989, and the Falun Gong Cult movement in 2000, the Chinese government suppression resulted in such public fear and anxiety, especially among young people, that people don't want to talk about any issue related to their country's political policies. According to Mr David Tan at Education Department of City of Westminster council, 300,000 Chinese students studied in Britain last year. Although it's unclear how many of them have gone back to China, however, there is little doubt that those who went back will bring not only their knowledge, but also the experiences they have witnessed in this great land. Maybe an individual is too powerless to persuade or have any influence on the Chinese policy makers, but if these students believe democracy is a good thing for their country's future, then there will be 300,000 voices to speak in the same tone. However, there will be a long history process. Since the European Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR) came into force in 1953, the fighting for freedom of speech has never stopped. Until 2 October 2000, the UK government had decreed a Bill of Rights – the Human Right Act - UK laws for the first time incorporated relevant provisions of the ECHR into English law, so that they can be relied upon before domestic courts. It then further strengthens the rights of citizens to express their views. Young people are countries' aspirations and prospects. Democracy is also countries' hopes and future. |
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