Image analysis #2

Images such as these were prominent during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Their main purpose was to put pressure on the Chinese government and raise awareness about the issues of Tibet. This image capitalizes on the imagery of the Olympics, specifically the five rings of the Olympic logo. The serrated appearance of the rings lends a sinister air to the visual, while the clenched fists breaking the chain of rings evokes the imagery of breaking the chains of servitude. A simple message, the only propaganda technique used prominently in this image is name-calling or a variation thereof. The imagery of the Olympic rings is linked to the metaphorical chains of Tibet's subservience. The Olympic imagery, so important to China at the time, is subverted in order to call them out on the issue of Tibet.

Something interesting about the "Free Tibet" campaign is its almost pop culture significance at this point. What started as a serious push to remove China from Tibet has become a cultural mainstay; a generic convention of liberal college students. Its impact, I feel, has been lessened over time and is due for some modern revision, both in message and imagery. Unfortunately, making real progress on the issue of Tibet requires taking on the behemoth that is China. There is no solution to the problem that does not involve some heavy inquiry into China's practices and therefore no solution that does not require a greater national interest in taking on China diplomatically. With American interests split between serious domestic and political issues, and foreign affairs that have yet to be resolved, a national push in support of Tibet any time soon is unlikely.