Five Creative Ways to Defy China’s Censorship

Ever since the Chinese regime began persecuting the Falun Gong meditation discipline in 1999, concerned citizens inside and outside China have been thinking of creative ways to get around the regime’s censorship and raise awareness of the persecution.

China’s media are tightly controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. They have put out a great deal of propaganda to try to cover up the fact that Falun Gong practitioners are being tortured and killed for their peaceful beliefs.

When the persecution first began, other countries’ media had no way to learn what was really happening, so they could only repeat the propaganda. Even after they learned the facts, mainstream media were reluctant to print them, fearing retaliation from the Chinese regime.

Fortunately, many individuals outside China knew the situation and wished to help. Over the years, they have dreamed up dozens—perhaps hundreds—of ways to tell the truth. Here are five of the most creative ways yet.

1. Bike Ride Across America

This summer, 26 teenagers from 14 countries biked from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness of the persecution. They called their journey Ride2Freedom, and they explained the situation of Falun Gong to people they met along the way. They received support and encouragement from many people, including Congressman Alan Lowenthal, Epoch Times reported.

2. The Art of Zhen Shan Ren
This awe-inspiring collection of paintings was created by Falun Gong practitioners. Some of the works of art depict the beauty of Falun Gong, and some depict the cruelty of the persecution. Zhen Shan Ren is Chinese for Truthfulness, Compassion, Tolerance, the three principles that Falun Gong practitioners strive to live by. The Art of Zhen Shan Ren International Exhibition tours the world and has left many viewers deeply moved.

3. Truth-Telling Comedians

New Tang Dynasty Television, a TV station that specializes in uncensored China news, has a number of YouTube shows, including “China Uncensored” and “Off the Great Wall.” “China Uncensored,” with 184,000 subscribers, entertains viewers with sarcastic wit while informing them of the absurdities and tragedies of Chinese politics. “Off the Great Wall,” with 423,000 subscribers, introduces funny and charming aspects of Chinese culture, both ancient and modern. Both shows have created episodes that raise awareness of the persecution.

4. Classical Chinese Dance
Shen Yun Performing Arts, a New York-based classical Chinese dance company, is world-famous for bringing traditional Chinese culture to life through dance and music. Some of Shen Yun’s dances also portray modern stories of courage in China, informing audiences about Falun Gong and the persecution through the beautiful language of dance.

5. Social Media

Free2Meditate.org presents the facts about Falun Gong along with pictures of people meditating around the world. Internet users who believe everyone should be “Free2Meditate” can show their support on social media by posting an encouraging comment or a picture of themselves meditating.

Sources:

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/1883041-teenagers-bike-through-america-to-rescue-orphans/

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/1380059-ride-2-freedom-seeks-to-free-children-orphaned-by-persecution/

http://en.minghui.org/html/articles/2015/8/10/151992.htmlhttp://www.shenyun.com/

http://free2meditate.org/