Olympics 2008 - Harmony or Divergence?

China has been placed in the international spotlight after being criticized because of its role in Tibet and also that of Darfur, as I posted about previously. The U.S. and other countries have called on China to provide civil rights and freedoms to those in Tibet and to enter peaceful discussions aimed at resolving the crisis there, as well as in the continual genocide occurring in Darfur. Since China is the host of the Olympic Games this summer, protestors have been using the games as collateral for their demonstrations. Today in Paris, these demonstrations interrupted the movement of the Olympic torch relay. The demonstrations forced authorities to have to extinguish the flame of the torch on two different occasions, and eventually place it on a bus, according to the Associated Press. It has been reported that the relay has now resumed the carrying of the torch but there still remains some confrontations between the protestors and authorities. It has also been reported that the police have taken protestors away from the scene and even have resorted to tear gas on those demonstrators who were purposely blocking the route of the Olympic torch. The scene around the Olympic torch bearers have been described of being encircled by several hundred police officers, some in vehicles and on motorcycles, others on rollerblades and on foot. Even the mayor of Paris ordered a banner to be displayed over City Hall that says "Paris City of Human Rights." These demonstrations today come after yesterday’s demonstrations in London, where several arrests were made against the protestors. One demonstrator even attempted to snatch the torch away from the torch bearer. Although it seemed as though it was a day filled of riot against the Olympics, it was reported that thousands also came out to welcome the torch and support the Olympics.

My concern with this is the two sides of the argument that are both reasonable and imperative. At one end of the spectrum, dignity is being stripped away from the athletes of the world by turning the games into nothing more than a political statement. The Olympic Games are about world unity and peace between countries, so to bring the outside fragmented political world into these peaceful games would degrade the entire foundation of what the Olympics is built upon. Yes, China does have a poor history when it comes to human rights and action should be taken against them to pressure them to change that. But to attack the torch is the same as attacking the athletes who carry it and the very Olympic ideal, not China’s human rights record. If politics enters these Olympic Games, they may never be the same, as these games will allow for use of political matters in future Olympic Games as well. And on the other end, this might be the most important method of reaching the Chinese government in taking action to alleviate the distress within Tibet and Darfur. While it is difficult to outweigh the pros of leaving politics out of the games altogether, many believe that doing so in the face of controversy will ignite hotter flames in the eyes of China, ultimately forcing them to move in the direction of peace for Tibet and Darfur.

What do I think? I think people should seize this opportunity to let China know that the world is outraged. Do not let China get away with such political apathy of its responsibilities while the spotlight is on them, but do not go as far as to completely usurp the very honor and respect of other global athletes and their countries. Speak out and speak loud against China, but be careful and gentle to the idealism behind the Olympic Games.