Tibet

The Olympics has never just been merely an athletic competition. Ancient Greeks viewed it as a religious ceremony with mythological origins. However, after the games were revived in 1896 in Athens, the Olympics has come to stand for varying concepts such as fame, corporate advertising, nationalism, and independence.

Through wars and turmoil, the games have gone on. However, this year's games have brought about more conflict than ever.

Idealists believed at first that hosting the Olympics in Beijing would bring about numerous changes to the China. The event would strengthen relations between Asia and the western world, promote democracy and human rights, and recognize a growing superpower.

Obviously there have been some benefits. The Chinese government has started a crackdown on Beijing's environmental policies and has poured in billions to clean up the crowded capital.

I was just in Beijing last year, and I remember our taxi-driver explaining to us a new trial concerning motor vehicles. Automobiles were prohibited from driving on specified days, depending on license plate numbers. I hope the air pollution has gotten better since, because it certainly was nothing to brag about back then.

Many also hoped that putting China on the international stage would pressure authorities to relax some of their stringent policies on civil and human rights.

Apparently, many Chinese citizens and activists had the same views.

Unfortunately, this was not the case. From the clashes in Tibet to the arrests of outspoken citizens, the government has not loosened its tight grip, despite international criticism. Outward protest has mounted, with protesters impeding the Olympic torch relay. The flame was extinguished several times and in some areas had to be transported by bus to protect it from demonstrators. Reuters

Now groups are calling for a complete boycott of the games. If the United States and other prominent nations actually refused to attend the games, it would be a slap in the face for the Chinese government. The message would certainly come across- we are condemning your blatant abuse of human rights. However, I fail to see a pragmatic reason in following this route.

No doubt relations between the East and the West would worsen- creating political, social, and economic problems. Also, there would be no further incentive for the Chinese government to improve- they might even crack down harder on Tibet and citizens to “punish” them for causing China’s embarrassment.

Furthermore, groups of Chinese citizens are now hosting “anti-Western” demonstrations in response to the protests against China. Though the government does not condone these actions, the situation is becoming increasingly fragile. Yahoo News Who knows what will crack if countries suddenly decide to boycott?

Some suggest giving China an ultimatum. This is an extremely perilous idea. It is certain that the government will take this in a demeaning way. Ultimately, even if there is change during the Olympics, long-term there is not much hope for stability.

There are ways to spread political messages while still attending the Olympics. For example, when the games were hosted in Nazi Germany, it was quite symbolic when, contrary to Hitler’s belief of a superior Aryan race, 14 medals were won by African-Americans and 13 were won by Jews.

Most importantly, attending the Olympics improves communication and good feelings. Only in this way can the United States ever hope to have an influence on the Chinese government in the future.

Regardless of what some may say, China is pressured to improve under the limelight of the Olympics. Change does not come quickly, especially after centuries of deep-rooted tradition. Certainly, however, things have changed drastically from the days of the Communist Revolution and later the Cultural Revolution. Hopefully, the Olympics will be the first step of many to improving the tensions between China and the West. Who knows? A better relationship will lead to an exchange of ideals and values…but only the future can tell.

The image above is from ChinaChineseInfo.com.