The 2008 Beijing Olympics - Be A Good Sport |
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| Written by Terrah Smith |
| Thursday, 24 April 2008 19:00 |
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The accuracy of this statement is best left for pagan worshippers to debate. It is known that these games functioned both as a religious festival and a means of developing affinity between the Greek city-states. The nature of sport and competition was also praised by the ancient Greeks. As evidenced in art, they valued the rigorous conditioning of the human body to reach its most perfect form. They considered the upkeep of physical health a glorification of the gods and reflection of the individual’s contribution to the community. Not much has changed. The modern international Olympic Games, first initiated in 1859, continue to uphold the values of community and individual achievement. Minus the religious connection, the Olympics share the ancients’ desire to celebrate the human potential to achieve excellence. As the Olympic Charter outlines:
For a few weeks, the world is reminded of its humanity. While the Summer Olympics are admittedly ample entertainment during rerun season, they represent more than their leisure value. They stand for an ideal way of life that all people should strive to achieve.
In addition to these offences, China has recently garnered a great deal of unwanted attention over its occupation of Tibet. Originally part of the Chinese empire, Tibet proclaimed its independence in 1911 on the eve of the Qing dynasty’s downfall. Tibet existed as a de facto state for a brief period, but that changed when the lovely Mao Zedong came to power after the Chinese civil war. On October 1, 1949, he proclaimed While all foreign governments recognize Tibet as belonging to Chinese sovereignty, many are critical of China’s treatment of Tibetans. Hundreds of Tibetans have been incarcerated for peacefully expressing their political and religious beliefs. In prison these people have faced dismal conditions; some have been subject to degrading treatment, torture, sexual assault, and rape. The majority of Buddhist monasteries have been destroyed as well. Recent protests initiated by Tibetan monks have drawn attention to these issues. The week-long protest began with peaceful demonstrations on March 10, 2008 to mark the 49th anniversary of the failed 1959 Tibetan uprising. Protestors also demanded the release of three hundred monks who had been detained in the fall. The protest turned into a violent riot four days later. The Chinese government initially responded by imposing curfews but altered their plan of attack when the retaliation became more aggressive. Although media reports have been varied, it is known that numerous monks have been detained or killed. According to the Tibetan Government in Exile, more than 140 people died.
American President George W. Bush will not be one of them. While he welcomes discussion on China, he plans to attend the opening ceremony. He argues, “I don’t view the Olympics as a political event. I view it as a sporting event.” Fellow supporters of Bush’s opinion believe that political affairs should be handled according to diplomatic forums. They do not consider the Olympics an appropriate medium for partaking in foreign affairs. On the contrary, critics of Bush believe this is the best way to send China a powerful message. Jacques Rogge, head of the International Olympic Committee, also rejects the Olympic protests. He sees them as counterproductive to the purpose of the Olympics. As he explains: “we believe that the boycott doesn’t solve anything. On the contrary, it is penalizing innocent athletes and it is stopping the organization from something that definitely is worthwhile organizing.” Rogge raises two good points. He calls attention to the negative effects that the protests have on athletes who have devoted their lives to training for the competition. He also recognizes that these Olympics could be a positive force of change for China. As members of an interconnected global community and as human beings, it is important that we get involved in world affairs. I agree that protestors should educate people about China’s human rights violations and encourage action. It would be absurd if discussion about the 2008 Summer Olympics ignored these significant issues, especially because the Olympics represent unity and human excellence. Even so, I believe that an outright dismissal of the Olympics fails to consider other factors and even contradicts the protestors’ goals. The athletes and organizers deserve the chance to enjoy the rewards of their hard work. Moreover, so do the Chinese people. While allegations of China’s corrupt government are often merited, it is unfair to demonize its 1.3 billion citizens. China is great nation with a rich history of five thousand years that is worthy of recognition. Like past host countries, it has committed its share of human rights abuses. Nevertheless, previous experience has shown that the Olympics are an effective platform for addressing a country’s issues. China is currently in the limelight and wants to prove itself to the world. The international community should use its leverage to actively generate change, in keeping with the spirit of Olympics. More can be accomplished by working with China, rather than excluding it from participating in important international events. As the Olympics demonstrate, the best position to occupy is that of the team player.
© 2008 Terrah Smith; licensee (Cult)ure Magazine.
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The 2008 Beijing Olympics are quickly approaching with less than a 100 days to go before the opening ceremony. An unprecedented amount of backlash surrounds these summer games and threatens to prevent them from operating smoothly. Past commentators have voiced concerns regarding China’s ability to prepare for the grand event, but in recent news the popular issues have been the country’s human rights abuses and the occupation of Tibet. Just last week, thousands of protestors gathered at the torch relay to summon the international community to action. Given that the Olympics are founded on the principles of unity and equality, the question arises whether China meets these standards. Is the choice of Beijing as the host city reflective of the Olympic spirit? And if not, what is the moral responsibility of participating countries and athletes? The Olympics originated in the western part of Peloponnese some three thousand years ago. Popular myth attributes its founding to the construction of the Olympic Stadium by Hercules. The divine hero is said to have built the stadium to honor Zeus after having completed his twelve labours.
That being said, it is questionable whether China is committed to its “One world, one dream” slogan. According to the official Olympic website, the organizing committee chose this saying because it reflects the Olympic spirit and expresses a commitment to peace. Specifically, the aim of this year’s event is to promote harmonious and environmentally friendly development. It is appropriate that modernization has been exclusively recognized, given that most human rights violations are committed in the name of progress. In the global community, China has one of the poorest human rights records. The list reads like Kid Rock’s rap sheet. Common types of abuses include arbitrary detention (such as the lack of judicial independence and due process), torture and ill-treatment of prisoners (including the death penalty), severe restrictions on freedom of expression and association, and violations specific to women (to name a few: discrimination in education and employment, human trafficking, the family planning policy, and infanticide). We’re not talking about small stuff like keeping puppies in tiny jars – likely one of Michael Vick’s favourite pastimes – but widespread problems. 
China has viewed the Olympics as an opportunity to prove to the world that it is a progressive nation. The plan has not gone as smoothly as officials hoped. It is likely that the issues raised by the major worldwide boycotts will exceed any positive attention that China receives. The latest headache for Olympic coordinators has been the interruption of the torch’s 20-nation global path by activists. These protestors believe China’s human rights record renders it undeserving of hosting the prestigious Olympics. Many advocates have called for countries and even athletes to skip the opening ceremonies.
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