POV Season 7 Episode 10 Escape From China

Escape From China is the tenth episode of the seventh season of POV, a documentary series that provides a unique and varied perspective on contemporary life in America. In this episode, viewers are taken on a journey through the eyes of a Chinese activist named Chen Guangcheng, who was arrested and imprisoned after speaking out against China's abusive one-child policy.

Chen Guangcheng's story is one of bravery and determination. Despite being blind, he has fought tirelessly to bring attention to the human rights abuses in China. Through interviews with Chen's family, friends, and supporters, viewers are able to gain a personal and intimate understanding of his journey.

The episode begins with an overview of China's one-child policy, which was implemented in 1979 in an effort to curb population growth. The policy has been wildly controversial, with many activists claiming it is a gross violation of human rights.

Viewers are then introduced to Chen Guangcheng, who grew up in a rural village in China and was blinded at a young age. Despite his disability, Chen was determined to receive an education and eventually attended law school, where he began to speak out against the one-child policy.

In 2005, Chen first gained international attention when he exposed the Chinese government's violence against women who had violated the one-child policy. He was subsequently arrested and imprisoned for more than four years, during which time he suffered beatings and other forms of abuse.

Despite this, Chen remained committed to his cause, and in 2012 he was able to escape from house arrest and seek asylum at the US embassy in Beijing. The episode follows his journey to safety, highlighting the obstacles he faced along the way and the support he received from other activists and supporters.

Throughout the episode, viewers are able to see firsthand the human toll of China's one-child policy. Chen's family members describe the pressures they faced to have only one child, and the government's harsh punishments for those who violated the policy. The episode also features interviews with other activists who have been arrested and imprisoned for speaking out against the Chinese government's human rights abuses.

Ultimately, Escape From China is a powerful and moving tribute to Chen Guangcheng and the many other activists who have fought against China's oppressive government policies. Through their stories, viewers are reminded of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of great danger and adversity.