Senator Hillary Clinton urged President Bush today to boycott the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games because of China's policies in Tibet and Darfur, referring to the recent protests in Tibet and the Chinese government's lack of pressure on Sudan to end the violence in Darfur.
While this view is shared by some, Barack Obama isn't so sure about boycotting the opening ceremonies. He says that he thinks the events in Tibet are "a real problem," but is "hesitant to make the Olympics a site of political protest."
I'd have to agree with Obama on this one. Sure, not having the US at opening ceremonies would be a good sign of protest, but would it really make China change its policies? How effective do you think a boycott would be and is it worth it?
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20 comments:
First I would like to say that I got the first comment. Second, I think boycotting the Chinese Olympics would be a decent way of protest, but that's it. It most likely will not change China's policies, instead, it might turn for the worst as China might take it the wrong way, making it harder for U.S. and China relations. Only time will tell, I guess.
I agree with Allan that it would be an effective way to protest China's policies, but I believe that it would be pointless to just boycott the opening ceremonies. It's like saying "We kinda don't agree, but we really don't care." I think it would be a much stronger message to boycott the entire Olympics or don't boycott at all.
DARN!
I wanted mine to be the first comment. Anyways, back to the topic, I have to disagree with you, Allan Tao. I believe that we should boycott the opening ceremonies. I strongly believe that boycotting will change China's policies. Olympics is a big event that draws millions of people, and China probably would want to benefit economically from the attraction. Because of the possible economic downside, China would agree to change its policies in the end.
Well, talking about how we disapprove of their policies should send a message of dissaproval. It really shouldn't matter whether we boycott the opening ceremony or not. I guess it makes a bigger statement if we do, but I doubt it will make much of a difference in China's policy.
It's okay Allen, maybe next time. Anyway, you bring up a valid point that the Olympics is a large event, and that there are many people that will be watching / witnessing what is going on. However, I still don't believe that the boycott will harm China that much... unless the U.S. boycotts the whole thing, as Mr. Look stated, then it might make them look bad in front of the world which could possibly lead to hostile relations..(I mean, who likes to be embarrassed in front of the entire world??)
I agree with Mr. Tao, he brings up a valid point because nobody wants to look bad in front of the entire world, and seeing how the US is portrayed around the world right now, boycotting the Olympics would not be a very smart idea. I believe the world would see it as the US trying to intervene again where it is unwanted.
WHY ARE YOU GUYS GANGING UP ON ME?! WHAT DID I DOOOOO? Okay.. and replying to Mr. Tao's comment, I believe that a poor but rapidly growing nation such as China would want the attraction from the Olympic games even if it means getting humiliated worldwide. I believe that China's goal is to become one of the richest nations in the world and therefore needs an economic boost in order to carry out their goal more efficiently. If China does become one of the wealthiest nations in the world, I think it will be getting more respect rather than humiliation.
Noooooooooooo, you've got it the wrong way Allen Kim, we are not ganging up on you! The Olympic games for China should be a good thing for its economy and such and nothing bad (Although having incidents like Darfur and Tibet being publicized is bad for China's image)
Also, I think that if China wanted to become a really rich or powerful country, it wouldn't and shouldn't have to humiliate itself.
What's more humiliating...the way China's acting in Darfur and Tibet, or China admitting that they're wrong and basically giving in to everybody's will. I think that it's been proven in the past that if you want a powerful country, you're going to have to stand your own ground and not change your policies for anybody.
Mr. Look and Mr. Tao,
I think it is alright for China to change its policy from a boycott since China considers itself a Third World nation, a nation that is still in development. I believe that if/when China becomes a rich/powerful nation in the future, then China should not change its policies for anyone/anything. Because China considers itself a Third World nation, I think it is alright for them to change their policies, but not when they become a First World nation.
Also, in my second comment, I would like to clarify that China would want the economic boost, which means that it will listen to U.S. if U.S. boycotts the opening ceremonies.
Also, Mr. Tao, if you're going to keep on disagreeing with me on this issue, I do not believe we can go on as A^2.
Now.. Back to my research paper that is due in around 10 hours? :)
Well I must say Mr. Kim, you've made your argument loud and clear. I also must say that ALL great things must come to an end.
Good luck on your paper
Thank you, sir. It was great debating against you in such an interesting topic, thanks to Mr. Ngai. If you are still working on your research paper, good luck to you too.
:)
First of all, Clinton, Allen, Allan: thank you for a very entertaining set of comments.
Secondly, seeing as though the Olympics are a world wide event, it would be hard to get everyone to boycott and back up that boycott. Also, seeing as that most controversy is arising from how China takes care of their citizens. I think that the Olympics is such a great event that we can't have something one country does ruin it for the rest of us.
No problem Mr. Kim. Good luck to all of you on your paper.
I think boycotting the event would be kind of silly. I'm sure if a lot of countries boycotted it there might be some effect, but isn't the Olympics supposed to be a time where nations come together? It hardly seems like the time to start arguments and create hostilities with other countries. I would agree that a protest would be fine, but the Olympics doesn't seem like the best place for it.
I think boycotting the Olympics' opening ceremony would be the perfect thing to do. There are protests going on worldwide to spread awareness about China's stubborn rule over Tibet, including one in San Francisco tomorrow!
I bet NBC will get HELLA ratings for the Olympics - not because everyone wants to watch amazing athletes compete, but because everyone is waiting for something dramatic and disastrous to happen (yes I know i am repeating from the woody show this morning)
I think Keith is right because the Olympic games are supposed to be separated from the rest of the political world. They are for a time of unity rather than protest. Having said that, the Chinese actions cannot be ignored. What they are doing to the Tibetan people is simply wrong. The U.S. needs to find another way to express their protest.
I think protesting during the olympics would be a bad idea. The olympics is a time where great althletes from all over the world come to compete against each other. Protesting would take away from all the sports and turn it into a political show. I want to watch the games without hearing about politics.
The whole thing with Tibet affecting the olympics is stupid. I really think that half of the protesters don't really have all of their facts straight on the whole Tibet issue.. which makes their protest sort of pointless. Thousands of people hear "China abuses Tibet", and jump on the train to defend Tibet. It's good that they did the torch still even though we changed our path but seriously.. know your Tibeten info before you join the cause!
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