PODCAST:Drum Tower
TITLE:Drum Tower: Pomegranate policy
DATE:2024-01-16 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
This episode of the "Drum Tower" podcast, hosted by Alice Su and featuring Gabriel Crossley, delves into the impact of China's assimilation policies on the Mongolian community in Inner Mongolia. The main focus is the shift in education policy since 2020, mandating the use of Mandarin instead of Mongolian in schools, which has sparked significant backlash and protests in the region. This change is seen as a threat to the Mongolian identity and culture.
Gabriel Crossley's reporting trip to Inner Mongolia reveals a tense atmosphere with a heavy security presence and a crackdown on dissent following the protests. Interviews with locals indicate a sense of loss and resignation, fearing that the younger generation will lose their cultural identity and language skills. While Mongolian is still spoken and visible in public spaces, its removal from educational curriculum is a significant blow to the preservation of Mongolian culture.
The discussion also touches upon the broader context of China's ethnic policy under Xi Jinping, emphasizing a shift towards a more assimilationist approach. This is exemplified by Xi's "pomegranate policy," which advocates for the tight integration of China's 56 ethnic groups, akin to the seeds of a pomegranate. This policy reflects a departure from earlier practices that allowed ethnic minorities some degree of cultural and linguistic autonomy.
Furthermore, the podcast discusses the historical context of China's minority policy, its roots in the Soviet model, and the current shift towards a melting pot ideology. This change is driven by fears of separatism and disunity, as seen in regions like Tibet and Xinjiang, leading to more aggressive assimilation tactics.
Despite government efforts to showcase ethnic harmony and multiculturalism, the reality is more complex, with coercion and lack of consultation in policy changes. The podcast also explores the perspectives of both Mongolian and Han Chinese residents, highlighting a general lack of understanding and agreement on the need for these educational reforms.
In summary, the episode provides a detailed examination of the changing dynamics in Inner Mongolia, the implications of China's evolving ethnic policy, and the challenges faced by the Mongolian community in preserving their language and cultural identity amidst these changes.
