Why Falung Gong should march in the parade

Hao Wang - San Francisco Chronicle - SFGate.com
February 10, 2006

The San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce's decision to bar Falun Gong from Saturday's Chinese New Year parade has grabbed headlines and raised concerns about discrimination. However, what is flying under the radar is the simple question of why the local participation of this meditation group -- known for its slow-moving exercises, colorful parades and history of being persecuted by the atheist Chinese communist government -- would cause so much international commotion?

A line from The Chronicle's Jan. 31 article on the parade controversy provides some clue: "The dispute reaches around the globe: Beijing's government has a strong interest in cultivating the loyalty of Chinese people overseas." So, what is seemingly at stake -- at least in part -- is Beijing's ability to retain the loyalty of Chinese communities in the United States, many of whom have formed their own identities. In San Francisco, this translates to a clash of identities. On one hand is the traditional Chinese culture, celebrated by American-born Chinese, permanent residents and recent immigrants alike as their precious cultural heritage. On the other hand is the communist-flavored, nationalistic representation of China that aims for the global unity of all Chinese. The latter aspiration is what Beijing's communist leaders hope to cultivate.

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