Thursday, August 21, 2008

China Bans iTunes (Songs for Tibet)

This is pretty disturbing, but not surprising. The Chinese government has blocked itunes in their country. This is after 40 Olympic athletes downloaded a pro-Tibet album called Songs for Tibet. The intent was for them make a small statement by listening to the album while they were competing in China.

I know this is on par for a restrictive government, but I guess since the latest regulation has to do with music, it really smacked me in the face. I cannot imagine not being able to buy and listen to the music I want to hear.

The way this government treats its citizens upsets me to no end. Below is a video from the Songs for Tibet website. It's very moving. If you can, buy the album...all of the proceeds go to peace related projects.

18 comments:

Arv said...

They cant lower themselves anymore... Pathetic...

gary rith said...

Great. And they make nearly every product on the shelves of our stores....

Jay said...

Who didn't see this coming?

I'm also sick of NBC slobbering all over China and not reporting on thing like this too.

Anonymous said...

I heard about this on the news this morning. I don't know why I was surprised, but it caught me off guard. I just couldn't imagine losing the freedom to choose my own music. It is another sad loss of freedom.

Hemanth Potluri said...

read the news they should ban themsleves who banned this ....


urs..hemu..

Fortune Cookies said...

Jay has it right...NBC is "slobbering all over China" and neglecting to report these injustices. Sad.

Anonymous said...

Those of you who have more than one child, think about this... by law in China you can not have more than one child. The only thing "great" in china is the Great wall.

I try not to get political, but this is what the true end of Marxism and Communisim is--everything for the state.

It is very frightening, and is creeping into American society. Everytime a politician campaigns on what the government needs to do for "us", instead of just staying out of the way---it is a problem.

Enough said!

none said...

What gets me is that people regarless of political affiliation should be supporting tibet instead of slob knobbing on china.

It make no sense to me.

I am totally disgusted by china's heavy handed antics and rampant cheating this olympic cycle.

A New Yorker said...

I like DAD!

Dawn Drover said...

You said it yourself Jessica...
"disturbing, but not surprising."

Anonymous said...

I am not surprise about the ipod China thing. Let's see they killed Buddhist priests in Tibet and supports Sudan's genecidal government. ipod download banning is the least of their crimes...the Chinese government is just low...thanks jessica for your insight.

Mike said...

Remember, very little is known about Oriental history on this side of the ocean (or in Europe, for that matter).

Also remember morals are not absolute.

China has a very, VERY different set of morals than we do. This infiltrates not only the government, but the people as well.

China also wants it's piece of the first world, and with the resources available - it's us or them.

China will get it economically or by force, but most likely both.

As sad as it is, the impending war (if it happens) between China and India will probably be the best thing that could happen for North America.

That is, unless the impending war between America and Allies and Russia doesn't screw things up for us ;)

gary rith said...

Jerks. And Tibet is all about peace and being left alone...

Jessica said...

Arv,
You are exactly right…it is pathetic!

Gary,
Thanks for your comments. I really wish there was a way that we could stop importing so much form China.

Jay,
I agree, I couldn’t even watch.

Vixen,
It is sad…these people losing their freedom for no reason.
Hope you are doing alright.

Hemu,
Unfortunately, their government holds way to much power.

Fortune,
So sad, what is the media afraid of? *sigh*

Hi Dad,
It IS creeping in to American society, but the people need to rise up and not let it happen.

Hammer,
I know, and there are getting away with it. What’s up with that?

Lauren,
Me too!! :)

Dawn,
It’s upsetting that “we” just kind of accept it.

Anon,
I agree. Thanks for the comment.

Mike,
I see your point, and I agree. I’m open minded about differences in culture, but when it comes to freedoms being revoked…I’m not down with it.

David Amulet said...

Couldn't they have just downloaded it before they left for China? I doubt Chinese immigration officials checked every song on every iPod coming into the country ....

Jessica said...

David,
LOL-Great Point! :D

Here, There, Elsewhere... and more said...

Hi Jessica,
I so agree with you - I'm not surprised one little bit but I do find it extremely disturbing.
Thanks for sharing the links..:)

Jessica said...

Hi India,
Very disturbing indeed!