New Books in East Asian Studies
Forgotten Ummah--Muslims in China
Aug 2, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Darren Blyer, a sociocultural anthropologist, delves into his book on Uyghur Muslims and the interplay of Islamophobia and capitalism in East Turkestan. He highlights the historical struggles of Uyghurs, emphasizing the severe human rights violations they face. The conversation explores state narratives labeling Uyghurs as terrorists while drawing parallels to global patterns of marginalization. Blyer also discusses the importance of solidarity and friendship within the Uyghur community as a form of resistance against ongoing violence.
01:02:25
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The systematic dispossession of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, driven by capitalism and state policies, heightens income inequality and marginalizes their community.
- Friendship and solidarity within the Uyghur community and with supportive Han individuals act as vital forms of resistance against oppressive state narratives.
Deep dives
The Socioeconomic Context of Uyghurs
Xinjiang, the Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, is rich in resources but has faced systematic dispossession over the last few decades. As China's economy opened up, state policies facilitated the influx of Han settlers, leading to a colonial-like dynamic where Uyghurs were marginalized and deprived of their resources. These settlers have driven up living costs for the local population, exacerbating income inequality and forcing many Uyghurs into cities where they face discrimination in employment and social access. This colonial process has contributed to rising tensions, resentment, and ultimately resulted in mass internment and forced labor of Uyghurs, depicting their plight as a significant crime against humanity.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
