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Revisited: Two poems, four years in detention: the Chinese dissident who smuggled his writing out of prison
Dec 13, 2024
Liao Yiwu, a renowned Chinese dissident and writer, shares his profound experiences of smuggling poetry from prison. He discusses how his verses emerged from the anger of Tiananmen Square and the fear of cultural amnesia. The conversation delves into the silent resistance among political prisoners, who crafted words with limited resources to battle oppression. Liao reflects on the psychological toll of censorship and the struggle to maintain a voice in exile. Ultimately, he highlights the fragile power of literature against authoritarianism and the enduring quest for freedom of expression.
32:07
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Quick takeaways
- Liao Yiwu's experience illustrates the relentless struggle against censorship, highlighting the importance of preserving historical memory within oppressive regimes.
- The podcast emphasizes the role of digital technologies in enhancing state control and surveillance, which severely impacts freedom of expression.
Deep dives
Impact of Digital Technologies on Borders
Digital technologies significantly reshape the dynamics of borders, enhancing governmental control over information flow. This transformation leads to intensified censorship and surveillance, particularly impacting marginalized communities. The discussions surrounding border conditions often overlook these pressing issues of freedom of expression and the consequences of surveillance technologies on societal discourse. Activists emphasize the need for awareness regarding how technology can reinforce state power and impede the dissemination of ideas.
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