3 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

initiative of the rest of us to do the research and figure out just what the uproar is all about.

But beyond just making people slightly more aware, what is expected to come of all this? Unfortunately, it will likely all be forgotten once the games are complete, and China will continue to carry on in the same manner she has been. It is fine to use the games, and specifically the torch relay, as a platform to have our voices heard. Indeed, this is one of the freedoms the Chinese do not enjoy. But we can't expect any significant change to arise from some protests, and we absolutely cannot jeopardize the games to try to solve these issues.

The issues in China are serious. I do not want anyone to mistakenly think I am putting the Olympics on the same level of importance as some of the things China is accused of. Their suppression of individual freedoms, their attitude towards Darfur, and the situation in Tibet are all serious international concerns, and deserving of serious action. But the Olympic Games are simply not the place for this action. The games are about the athletes and the competition. Do some searching online and read articles about Iraqi athletes, forced to train in crumbling arenas, bribe their way through checkpoints to get to practice, and train with old, sometimes dangerous equipment. Find stories about the Olympic team from Sudan, which includes members of the tribes on both sides of the crisis there, and how those tribal differences mean nothing to the athletes who compete side by side. Or think back to the Asian Cup (you know you watched it), which saw Iraqis of every faction united for a brief period while their soccer team won the tournament for the first time.

It is easy in America, where we are blessed with such a huge sports culture, to shrug off the Olympics. It is perhaps due to round the clock coverage of the four major sports that the Olympics seem to have lost some of their luster here in recent years. But to people in most other nations, and to athletes here who aren't involved in the major sports, the Olympics are their Super Bowl; their chance to shine; their chance to compete against the world's best. If an athlete wanted to boycott the games, that I would support. It is their event, and their choice to use it as they choose. But for politics to interfere with something with the potential to be such a unifying source is to me, unthinkable.

I believe that something should be done to address the situation in China. But real change requires a real sacrifice; something that affects us, as well as them. Boycotting Chinese-made items would qualify, as would other forms of economic sanctions. If we truly care about what is going on there, we need to be willing to make the necessary changes in our own lives first. If we are not willing to make a similar sacrifice just yet, we can voice our distaste for what is happening there, as thankfully it is our right; but we should also show the Chinese people that we support them, and want to join with them for these two weeks during the summer to witness a spectacle that just maybe has the power to point this situation in a positive direction. Like it or not, China will be on display to the world come August. These games can serve as a time to condemn their government, or as a time to learn about and experience their culture and to show our support for the progress they have already made.

Learn more about this author, Dan Mason.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Using the Olympics to make political statements?
We want to hear your view. Write now!