Throughout this thread, you've constantly implied that nationalism is some sort of negative, foolish idealism. There's nothing wrong with loving your people, loving your country, and self-determination.
I'm not familiar with effects of Tibet proclaiming independence on their people, but I assume if so many want it, they also thought about how they'd sustain themselves.
In your westernized mind, money overrides nationalism. It doesn't matter if you're somebody's bitch or if you're oppressed, as long as you have a sustainable economy, it's all gravy. Well, it's not the same for everybody. For some, pride and nationalism and integrity override that.