Summary of NPR's Throughline Episode: "Five Fingers Crush The Land"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Embedded
• Host/Author: NPR
• Description: NPR's home for audio documentaries brings untold stories to light through deeply reported narrative series. They explore hidden corners of the headlines to uncover sealed-off, undisclosed, or overlooked stories and the people at their heart.
• Episode: Five Fingers Crush The Land from NPR's Throughline
• Release Date: December 19, 2024

Introduction

In the episode titled "Five Fingers Crush The Land," NPR's Throughline delves into the complex history and ongoing persecution of the Uyghur people in China. Hosted by Rund Abdelfatah and featuring insights from experts and firsthand accounts, the episode meticulously traces the origins, cultural richness, and the severe repression faced by the Uyghurs. The narrative intertwines historical events with personal stories, offering a comprehensive understanding of the plight of this ethnic minority.

Historical Origins of the Uyghur People

The episode begins by introducing the Uyghurs as a Turkic-speaking, predominantly Muslim ethnic group residing primarily in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China. Sean Roberts, a professor at George Washington University and author of "The War on the Uyghurs," provides an academic perspective on the Uyghurs' deep-rooted connection to their homeland.

Sean Roberts (02:38): "The Uyghurs live in a region that they consider their homeland, which the Chinese state calls the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region."

Roberts emphasizes the rich cultural tapestry of Xinjiang, highlighting its historical significance as a Silk Road hub that fostered diverse cultural and genetic influences. This melting pot of Persian, Turkic, and Islamic cultures has shaped the unique identity of the Uyghur people.

The Golden Age and the Cultural Revolution

The narrative progresses to the mid-20th century, detailing the impact of the Chinese Communist Revolution on Xinjiang. Initially, the region was home to a majority of Uyghurs, with Han Chinese comprising only about 6% of the population. However, the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) marked a turning point, leading to significant demographic and cultural shifts.

Sean Roberts recounts the aggressive measures taken during this period:

Sean Roberts (09:24): "The Red Guards tore down street signs, ransacked museums, libraries, and temples, and persecuted clergy and local politicians."

These actions aimed to assimilate the Uyghurs into the Maoist ideology, suppressing their language, religion, and cultural practices such as the Meshrep—a traditional harvest festival critical to Uyghur social life.

Despite the end of the Cultural Revolution in the late 1970s, the repression left lingering trauma. Abduvali Ayub, a Uyghur poet and activist, shares his personal experiences of cultural suppression:

Abduvali Ayub (10:59): "We have two kinds of books at home. Red books are revolutionary, and yellow books are anti-revolutionary. All Uyghur books were yellow books, kept in a secret box."

The Relaxation and the Brief Renaissance

With the rise of Deng Xiaoping and his ally Hu Yaobang in the late 1970s and 1980s, China embarked on political and economic reforms. Hu Yaobang advocated for political liberalization and greater autonomy for regions like Xinjiang.

Sean Roberts (12:23): "Hu Yaobang was interested in opening up the political space, almost like a Chinese version of glasnost and perestroika."

This period, often referred to as the "golden age" for Uyghur culture (1985-1997), saw a renaissance in Uyghur cultural expression. Mosques were rebuilt, religious practices resumed, and there was an explosion of Uyghur-language publications and a burgeoning film industry.

Abduvali Ayub reflects on this era:

Abduvali Ayub (13:30): "We had the golden age from 1985 till 1997, almost 10 years."

However, this optimism was short-lived. The episode highlights how the repercussions of the Cultural Revolution continued to influence Uyghur society, with deep-seated mistrust and the lingering effects of decades of repression.

The Tiananmen Square Massacre and Its Aftermath

A pivotal moment in Chinese history, the Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989, is explored for its indirect yet profound impact on the Uyghurs. The violent suppression of pro-democracy protests led to a tightening of political control across China, including Xinjiang.

Sean Roberts (21:08): "The Chinese Communist Party started to view its relationship with minority-inhabited regions differently."

Following Tiananmen, Hu Yaobang's death in 1989 symbolized the end of liberal reforms, leading to a conservative resurgence within the CCP. This shift intensified the government's suspicion and suppression of minority groups, including the Uyghurs.

Rob Schmitz recounts witnessing increased political repression in Xinjiang:

Rob Schmitz (15:12): "In 1986, student protests demanding democracy began to mirror the sentiments seen in Beijing."

The CCP's subsequent "strike hard" campaigns aimed to root out "separatists," broadly defining any form of Uyghur cultural or political expression as a threat to national unity.

Escalating Repression and Cultural Suppression

Entering the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the Chinese government's policies in Xinjiang grew increasingly oppressive. Anish Balsar, an NPR reporter, describes the systemic discrimination faced by Uyghurs:

Anish Balsar (27:28): "Uyghurs weren't part of the economic boom, leading to feelings of exclusion and frustration."

The episode details how economic development in Xinjiang often sidelined Uyghurs, with Han Chinese migrants receiving preferential treatment and opportunities. This economic disparity fueled tensions, culminating in significant ethnic riots in Urumqi in 2009.

The 2009 Urumqi Riots

The violent clash between Uyghur and Han Chinese workers in Urumqi, sparked by unsubstantiated rumors of a Uyghur rape, resulted in widespread bloodshed and further deepened ethnic divides.

Abduvali Ayub (38:30): "An incident in a toy company led to ethnic violence that spiraled out of control."

The riots led to an intensified crackdown by Chinese authorities, transforming Xinjiang into a heavily policed region with pervasive surveillance measures. Police checkpoints, pervasive use of surveillance cameras, and stringent restrictions on religious and cultural practices became the norm.

The Impact of September 11 and the War on Terror

The events of September 11, 2001, had global repercussions, including a significant shift in the CCP's approach to Xinjiang. The Chinese government leveraged the global war on terror narrative to justify increased repression of Uyghurs.

Abduvali Ayub (33:11): "A Chinese girl asked if I was Osama Bin Laden because I looked different. It was a reflection of the post-9/11 mindset where Uyghurs were increasingly associated with terrorism."

The CCP initiated campaigns targeting "the three evils"—terrorism, extremism, and separatism—which provided a pretext for widespread human rights abuses, including mass detentions and forced labor.

The Rise of Internment Camps

By the mid-2010s, reports emerged of massive internment camps in Xinjiang, where hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities were detained. Rob Schmitz recounts his investigation into these camps, highlighting the inaccessibility and secrecy surrounding them.

Anish Balsar (43:25): "One man recounted horrific interrogation tactics, including forced positions and psychological manipulation with loudspeakers."

Rob Schmitz eventually gained limited access to these "vocational training centers," revealing a stark contrast between the government's portrayal and the reality experienced by detainees.

Rob Schmitz (46:34): "Inside the facilities, Uyghur prisoners were forced to perform propaganda songs and were subjected to deceptive practices aimed at masking the true nature of the camps."

Abduvali Ayub's personal story underscores the human cost of these policies. After years of activism, he was detained, tortured, and ultimately forced into exile. His family remains under stringent surveillance and repression in Xinjiang.

Abduvali Ayub (51:52): "I chose this path to protect our language and culture, but it's unfair to my sisters and brothers who have never chosen this way."

International Responses and Ongoing Struggles

The international community has responded with increasing concern and sanctions. Anthony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, has labeled the CCP's actions as an attempt at genocide.

Rund Abdelfatah (52:14): "The erasure of entire groups threatens the very fabric of humanity, making it a global concern."

Legislation like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act reflects the growing acknowledgment of these abuses. Companies like Apple have faced accusations of complicity through supply chains, leading to legislative measures banning goods from Xinjiang linked to forced labor.

Rob Schmitz (52:55): "China's actions in Xinjiang not only constitute cultural genocide but also have far-reaching implications for global supply chains and human rights standards."

Personal Stories and Cultural Resilience

Throughout the episode, personal narratives like that of Abduvali Ayub highlight the resilience of the Uyghur people. Despite severe repression, Uyghur culture persists through clandestine efforts to preserve language, literature, and traditions.

Abduvali Ayub (51:39): "It's unfair to my sisters and brothers who have never chosen this way."

These stories emphasize the human dimension of the geopolitical and cultural struggles faced by the Uyghurs, illustrating the broader implications of systemic oppression on individual lives and communities.

Conclusion

"Five Fingers Crush The Land" offers a profound exploration of the Uyghur struggle within China, blending historical context with personal testimonies to illuminate the extent of cultural and human rights violations. The episode underscores the urgency of global awareness and action to address the ongoing genocide and cultural erasure perpetrated against the Uyghur people.

Sean Roberts (53:57): "It's not inevitable. The Chinese state could have chosen to enfranchise the Uyghurs as part of their national fabric while respecting their unique cultural identity."

The episode serves as both a historical account and a call to action, urging listeners to recognize the human cost of geopolitical decisions and the importance of supporting marginalized communities facing existential threats.

Notable Quotes

• Sean Roberts (02:38): "The Uyghurs live in a region that they consider their homeland, which the Chinese state calls the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region."
• Abduvali Ayub (10:59): "We have two kinds of books at home. Red books are revolutionary, and yellow books are anti-revolutionary. All Uyghur books were yellow books, kept in a secret box."
• Sean Roberts (12:23): "Hu Yaobang was interested in opening up the political space, almost like a Chinese version of glasnost and perestroika."
• Abduvali Ayub (13:30): "We had the golden age from 1985 till 1997, almost 10 years."
• Sean Roberts (21:08): "The Chinese Communist Party started to view its relationship with minority-inhabited regions differently."
• Abduvali Ayub (33:11): "A Chinese girl asked if I was Osama Bin Laden because I looked different. It was a reflection of the post-9/11 mindset where Uyghurs were increasingly associated with terrorism."
• Rob Schmitz (46:34): "Inside the facilities, Uyghur prisoners were forced to perform propaganda songs and were subjected to deceptive practices aimed at masking the true nature of the camps."
• Abduvali Ayub (51:52): "I chose this path to protect our language and culture, but it's unfair to my sisters and brothers who have never chosen this way."
• Rund Abdelfatah (52:14): "The erasure of entire groups threatens the very fabric of humanity, making it a global concern."
• Sean Roberts (53:57): "It's not inevitable. The Chinese state could have chosen to enfranchise the Uyghurs as part of their national fabric while respecting their unique cultural identity."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and personal accounts presented in the episode "Five Fingers Crush The Land." It provides an in-depth understanding of the historical and contemporary challenges faced by the Uyghur people, highlighting the urgent need for global recognition and intervention.