By Tahir imin Uyghurian
Recent years have witnessed a troubling phenomenon among the Uyghur diaspora: an increasing tendency to elevate non-Uyghurs while diminishing our own people. This self-deprecating mindset isn’t just harmful—it’s become a critical barrier to our community’s progress and self-determination.
As a Uyghur observer of this trend, I’ve watched with growing concern as members of our community rush to validate themselves through foreign approval, treating every non-Uyghur perspective as inherently superior to our own. This manifests in numerous ways: from dismissing Uyghur scholars in favor of foreign academics, to treating every Western activist as a savior while overlooking the tireless work of Uyghur advocates.
The pattern is painfully familiar. In our homeland, some viewed Chinese dominance as proof of superiority. Now in exile, we risk replacing one form of foreign worship with another—whether it’s Americans, Europeans, Arabs, Turks, or others. This mindset creates a dangerous narrative that Uyghurs are somehow less capable, less intelligent, or less worthy than others.
Let’s be clear: appreciating support from allies is not the same as self-deprecation. We can be grateful for international solidarity while maintaining our dignity and self-respect. When we internalize the belief that foreigners are inherently more competent, ethical, or hardworking than Uyghurs, we perpetuate our own marginalization.
This mentality has real consequences. Important decisions about Uyghur issues are increasingly made in spaces where Uyghur voices are absent or minimized. Our tendency to doubt each other while unquestioningly accepting foreign perspectives has led to a self-fulfilling prophecy of disunity and ineffectiveness.
The solution begins with recognition of our own worth. Yes, we face enormous challenges. Yes, we lack a state. But we are no less human, no less capable than any other people. Our current statelessness reflects historical and political circumstances, not inherent inferiority.
Some behaviors we must challenge include:
- Treating photos with foreigners as more valuable than actual advocacy work
- Measuring success solely through foreign recognition
- Dismissing Uyghur initiatives while eagerly supporting similar foreign-led efforts
- Accepting foreign perspectives about Uyghurs without question while doubting our own experiences
International solidarity is crucial for our cause, but it must be based on mutual respect, not subservience. Our allies are fellow humans—neither infallible gods nor superior beings. Their support is appreciated, but worship of foreigners belongs to a primitive era we must leave behind.
The path forward requires us to believe in ourselves first. How can we expect others to believe in our cause if we don’t believe in our own capabilities? How can we achieve liberation if we don’t trust our own judgment?
To be clear, this isn’t a call for isolation or rejection of international support. Rather, it’s a plea for balance and self-respect. We can engage with the world from a position of dignity rather than desperation. We can appreciate our allies while maintaining our independence of thought and action.
Our struggle for freedom and justice requires both international support and internal strength. But that strength must begin with self-belief. It’s time to recognize that being stateless doesn’t make us worthless, and being oppressed doesn’t make us inferior.
The future of our cause depends not just on international support, but on our ability to trust ourselves, work together, and lead our own liberation. Let’s start by believing in ourselves as much as we believe in others.