Why Freedom Matters
Rowan McCrea and Mathew Paul

Tibet is an autonomous region of China. It occupies a vast area of plateaus and mountains in Central Asia, including Mount Everest. Tibet developed a distinct culture due to its geography. While influenced by neighboring cultures from China, India, and Nepal, the Himalayan region's remoteness has preserved distinct local cultures and practices. Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and occupies about one-third of the island of Great Britain. Though we often think of Great Britain and its culture as dominated by England, Scottish people have lived in the region long before English invasion and developed a rich culture.

Tibet and Scotland are both controlled by other countries, China and England respectively. Both countries share a long history of cultural suppression, where they differ, is in the present. Scotland is free to express their culture, while it’s still being actively suppressed in Tibet (by China). Both Tibet and Scotland are seeking freedom, but this looks very different for each country. Tibet is still fighting for their freedom of speech and expression, while Scotland hopes for more legislative and political control.

Scotland and Tibet both have long histories of independence. They both had their own governments, languages, and cultural norms. However, they are both ruled by countries that have historically disregarded this. China and England do not have the best interest of these countries in mind. In Tibet, this can be seen in the ongoing violent cultural suppression and human rights abuse. China wants cultural hegemony, while Tibet finds great importance in its unique culture and religious practices. In Scotland, we can see this in how the UK’s decisions negatively impact their economy, like deciding to leave the EU (which was an unpopular decision in Scotland, or Boris Johnson’s disastrous approach to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scotland and Tibet are both examples of violent cultural suppression. Whether it’s in history or in the present, cultural suppression has landed a catastrophic blow on both cultures. Although Scots Gaelic and the tartan are no longer outlawed in Scotland, Scots Gaelic is nearly a dead language, and kilts are no longer the #1 garment of choice for hot or cold weather. Although Tibet is generally more well known as an important cultural location, that does not change the fact that Tibet is being violently suppressed by China. Abducting the Panchen Lama, attempted regulation of Tibetan religious leaders, suppression of revolt via demographic shift, and land appropriation are just a few accusations being levied on China.

Ancient Scotland was focused on the freedom of individuals in many aspects of life, in addition to having a strong warrior culture. As a result, England’s rule over Scotland was the instigating action for countless bloody conflicts. In staggering contrast, Tibet is a culture committed to nonviolence, resulting in many instances of cultural suppression that cannot be resisted with raised arms. Tibet wants to be free from China because Tibetan culture is being repeatedly damaged in terms of both the people and the ideals. While Tibet wants to be free from China for clear religious and cultural reasons, Scotland’s motives for independence are more along the lines of legislative and economic freedom. However, there's another reason for Scotland wanting independence; Scotland is empathetic toward Tibet due to its long history of violent cultural suppression and wants to set a precedent for Tibet to gain independence as well, like a line of dominos. The 14th Dalai Lama was accepted for the 5th time as a guest in Scotland in 2012. His visit to Edinburgh served as inspiration for both the people of Scotland and the Dalai Lama.

Both of these countries show a long and ongoing fight for freedom. They are emblematic of the value we find in cultural and national identity, especially when it is being taken away. They both find strength in their traditions and cultural practices, which manifests itself in many facets of life. The path to freedom for these countries is hard, and for Tibet practically impossible; but that does not mean their struggles should be overlooked, or that their dominant countries shouldn’t be expected to rule in these countries' best interest.