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Thursday, June 4, 2009
Goddess of Democracy
June 4, 1989. Tiananmen Square. China.
Students at a Fine Arts school created the Goddess of Democracy.
"At this grim moment, what we need most is to remain calm and united in a single purpose. We need a powerful cementing force to strengthen our resolve: That is the Goddess of Democracy. Democracy…You are the symbol of every student in the Square, of the hearts of millions of people. …Today, here in the People’s Square, the people’s Goddess stands tall and announces to the whole world: A consciousness of democracy has awakened among the Chinese people! The new era has begun! …The statue of the Goddess of Democracy is made of plaster, and of course cannot stand here forever. But as the symbol of the people’s hearts, she is divine and inviolate. Let those who would sully her beware: the people will not permit this! …On the day when real democracy and freedom come to China, we must erect another Goddess of Democracy here in the Square, monumental, towering, and permanent. We have strong faith that that day will come at last. We have still another hope: Chinese people, arise! Erect the statue of the Goddess of Democracy in your millions of hearts! Long live the people! Long live freedom! Long live democracy!"
Minzhu Han (1990). Cries For Democracy: Writings and Speeches from the 1989 Chinese Democracy Movement. Oxford, England: Princeton University Press
Let us not forget.
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3 comments:
So, is this "great minds think alike" or are we reading between the lines of todays news. You call it, I'm tired.
Well, of course, great minds think alike and reading between the lines is a fun past time. Read your comment on the homeless on Pearl's blog. I'm afraid to say my first reaction was not as generous as most of the commenters. I had a friend tell me, "There but for the grace of God, go I." or something like that anyway. Food for thought for this misanthrope I guess.
I need to put a lid on it, my comments can get a little out of hand. I only have a couple buttons, but they are rather sizable.
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