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.

Poms Poms in Peking

ABC News

Cheerleading in China~! Go America. Conquering the land of the Forbidden City with poms poms and pyramids. As the mom of a former high school cheerleader, this absolutely tickled my fancy. I missed the opening ceremonies of the Olympics last year, so I missed the cheerleaders. I had no idea it had become a big deal there.

How does a country go from ugly ass Chairman Mao suits to short skirts, wiggling hips, and basket tosses? Can you imagine a Communist version of "Bring It On"? I would love to see a competition between a Chinese cheerleading squad and one from the south. That would be one heck of a reality show. Do they have the tradition of Homecoming games and alumni?

Tyranny cannot last long when freedom comes with glitter and poms poms.