Sunday, August 15, 2010

Sacrifices for Publishing

What would you sacrifice to publish? Sleep? Time with family? Vacations? Your life?

According to The New York Times, there’s an author who has published knowing that he may give up the last one. He’s Tibetan. His name is Tragyal, but he writes under the name of Shogdung. His book, The Line Between Sky and Earth, will most likely be the main evidence against him.

The New York Times says:
The book, published illegally in March, is a poetic, painstakingly written indictment of Chinese rule and a call for a “peaceful revolution” against what Mr. Tragyal describes as Beijing’s heavy-handed governing style.
The NY Times also noted:
If recent history is any guide, the trial will be brief and the penalty severe.
Did Tragyal realize the dangers of publishing his book? Yes. At the end of his book, he wrote:
“I am naturally terrified at the thought that once this essay has been made public, I will eventually have to endure the hot hells and cold hells on earth,” he writes. “I may ‘lose my head because of my mouth,’ but this is the path I have chosen, so the responsibility is mine.”
What would you sacrifice?

20 comments:

  1. That certainly puts my petty grievances to shame. His book will continue to speak for him even if he cannot.

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  2. Wow. That is unimaginable.

    Elle

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  3. His is a story to be told. My word if he is prepared to lose his life over it, there must be power in his words.

    Interesting post, thanks.

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  4. If he's willing to lose his head over this writing, hopefully the world will read what he has to say. That is sacrifice.

    Mason
    Thoughts in Progress

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  5. What an amazing story. I don't know what he's writing about but it must be important if he's willing to give his life for the chance to speak. I'm surprised the government haven't made the book illegal. Or maybe they still will.

    CD

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  6. Both a gift and a curse to have convictions that strong.
    Mary

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  7. He is a man of strong convictions. I hope a public outcry would stop him from being persecuted. There are many before him in a wide variety of cultures who suffered because of their absolute need to write against oppression. Fredrico Garcia Lorca comes to mind during the Spanish Civil War. I'm afraid, I don't have the guts - that's why I choose Magical Realism - commentary hidden amongst the surreal or fantasy.
    Thanks for sharing this. It's something to always keep in the back of our minds.

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  8. What I have to say doesn't even compare!

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  9. He is very brave to speak for what he believes. Whether you agree with him or even understand his convictions, you have to admire his efforts.

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  10. Wow. Makes me so grateful for my life, my country and the freedoms I enjoy. So brave.

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  11. The sad irony is that as long as the United States needs China, his words will go largely unheard and unheeded. But I understand his need to speak out, regardless of the consequences, and wish I had such courage.

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  12. That's incredible - I can't imagine sacrificing so much! I won't complain about my lack of lattes... this week, anyway.

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  13. This is so humbling...

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  14. That's a tough guy. I hope fellow writers all over the world will fight for him and the freedom of speech.

    Cold As Heaven

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  15. We'll see what happens. I hope it will be good news.

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  16. Tagyal is a brave man. I'm not so sure I would be so brave in his place.

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  17. What a compelling story.

    I wouldn't sacrifice my life *to get published*, but I'd like to think I'd sacrifice a whole lot if it was for the greater good of mankind.

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  18. Talk about brave. And while I admire him for standing up, it's just so terrifying at the same time - there aren't many who'd do the same.

    I really hope he's shown leniency for his courage, although I doubt it. :(

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  19. Writer's have paid with their freedom and lives for speaking out since writing began. I really feel for him, and admire his courage. I'm not sure I would be able to do that. By killing him, if they do, they will make him immortal.

    Too many people take our Freedom Of Speech for granted and don't realize just what a great treasure it it.
    ~jon

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