Apr 09 2008
Boycott Olympic Opening Ceremonies?
What’s your thoughts on the protests following the Olympic torch around the world? Should countries or leaders boycott the opening ceremonies of the Olympics or even the Olympics themselves over the Chinese policies against Taiwan and its treatment of its own people and consistent violation of human rights?
3 Responses to “Boycott Olympic Opening Ceremonies?”
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I thought the general disgust was the Chinese having invaded and imposing martial law in Tibet (not Taiwan).
I have two opinions on this one…
#1. - I don’t feel that China’s un-opposed invasion of Tibet 50 years ago was just - it had to do with the deep roted hatred between China and India and was a political and military muscle China flexed while the world looked away (due to other reasons at the time). Tibet has through relatively peaceful means made a point they want the Chinese to leave. This I understand and support.
#2 - I understand and support people adding their voice to Tibet’s struggle. The Olympics are a perfect stage to raise a global call for action. However, I feel it is very unfair to all the athletes who have spent most of their lives training for the chance to compete in a sporting event to have that chance taken away on political grounds. I don’t support the torch bearers being attacked by protesters. And I think the idea of purposely running the torch through Tibet is a “slap-in-the face” to put it mildly.
I don’t have a good solution to the issue.. Going to be interesting to see what if anything happens…
I haven’t been following this closely, but it seems to me that if the world didn’t think China deserved the Games b/c of human rights issues, they shouldn’t have been given the games. But now they have the games, so it does seem unfair to punish the athletes, especially considering what a lifetime achievement and honor to represent their country this is to most of them (I think in the U.S. we have become bored with the Olympics b/c we can see ice twirling on ESPN12 if we choose, but for many from smaller places, to even make the finals in your sport makes you your country’s most famous representative). Attacking people who just want to participate in a symbolic moment with the torch seems symbolic in a pointless way–unlikely to make much difference to the actual issue.
I agree that China didn’t deserve the games in the first place, but given that fait accompli, I don’t believe disallowing our athletes to take part would be right. As Mike said, we shouldn’t punish the athletes on political grounds. The punishment should have come by not giving China the Olympics in the first place. I think the protests surrounding the torch are great because it gets covered by the media and raises awareness about China’s human rights problems and the Tibet issue. However, I don’t think the torch itself should be flat out assaulted, but protests along the route are a good way to go. Should Bush attend the opening ceremonies? I think that remains to be seen as far as China’s behavior in the next few months.