Performance for the Changemaker in you: 'Tank Man'

Next week marks the 21^st anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests. The people of China converged on the capital hoping to cleanse the party of corruption and encourage free speech. On June 5^th, 1989 the Chinese government cracked down on the Tiananmen Square protests with tanks and soldiers armed with semiautomatic weapons. After a day of brutal attacks on its people, one man decided to stand up and take extraordinary action.

The tank man was an ordinary person, probably on his way home from work, briefcase and groceries in hand. I imagine he was disgusted at what he had seen in the previous days. He had enough and stood in front of a column of tanks to stop them. He then climbed on top of the tank and he began to scream at the commander in the lead tank. It is clear at this point, that tank man is willing to risk his life.

Little is known about this mans identity. His lone act of defiance becomes an icon of freedom across the globe. He became an inspiration to millions and he changed lives forever. Since the day tank man made his heroic stand, his country has changed beyond recognition (enter capitalism). China will never be the same again.

What gave this ordinary man the will power to stand up, speak out and risk his life?

PBS Frontlines Report on Tank Man

by Daniel McCaffrey

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