Diversity & Unity in Exile - Nationalism and Cultural Compromise in the Tibetan Diaspora.

Abstract

Nationalism is claimed to be “on its last legs”, but in reality it still seems to be 'running strong' since many new nationalisms are still resurrecting in this contemporary era. The Tibetans, a fourth world nation, are one of those 'new nationalisms'. They started to present their struggle against the Chinese occupation of Tibet through the language of nationalism. It was their joint enemy and the occupation of Tibet which ignited nationalism, a necessary tool for the legitimation of their struggle. Previous affiliations to Buddhist sects and regions are still hugely influential in the Tibetan diasporic community. In day to day life, nationalism has not succeeded to supersede these previous affiliations entirely, nepotism and regionalism are still visible in the exile community next to the new devision between the 'exile-born' and the 'newcomers'. But, through the unifying elements in the community; Buddhism, the institute of the Dalai Lama and several unifying rituals and symbols, the Tibetans do grant their public priority to 'Tibetaness' and have therefore not become a 'failed nation'. The Tibetan cultural compromise is very strong when its focus is on 'the cause', but it seems to be a very 'narrow' compromise, only superseding previous affiliations where the struggle or Buddhism is the main topic.