Comments on: I Won't Boycott The Olympic Games

By: Celine

Celine — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:48:48 +0000

I do not have the requisite knowledge of the political developments in the region to opine on, but I can say so much with certainty, if I have a chance to travel, I shall not lose that opportunity. Have a lovely trip, and enjoy your travels, you citizen of the world. I shall be leaving on holidays for a trip up to the Himalayas once again pretty soon.:) Celines last great read...Sploggers

By: CM-Chap

CM-Chap — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:10:17 +0000

Zhu... Sorry for late comments here. But here are my views... First of all... I'm not a supporter for boycott and also I hv sympathy towards my Chinese friends. Well I will tell u why sympathy.... Its all against Chinese Government. Dont u thnk they r acting so arrogant? So finally to bend them the only way seems to be Olympics. On the other hand, Tibet was a separate country... (Courtesy: Ancient History). Its another story whtr Tibet shd be independent again. But using violence against monks is not acceptable. Thats wat I feel the arrogancy of the Chinese govt play a big role. They simply refuse to talk to Tibetian leader in exile. As u knw, I'm from India. The land which is always known for "Against Violence". I have had interactions with Tibet ppl as well as Chinese. I simply feel both have a logical point. But it has to discussed. But unfortunately Chinese gvt belives it can be suppressed. That's somethg I dnt thnk will happen & shd happen. CM-Chaps last blog post..IPL & IGL

By: DianeCA

DianeCA — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 23:55:51 +0000

Thanks again for bringing this up! I think its important that the issue is problematized and everybody doesn’t just hop on the band wagon.

By: beaverboosh

beaverboosh — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:14:40 +0000

Well stated Zhu. A better understanding of other’s history in the context of one’s own will hopefully better promote understanding and humility. Many critics argue passionately, fact free, and from a point of historical ignornance. This is of no help to anyone.

By: RennyBA

RennyBA — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:13:51 +0000

Very interesting read Zhu and interesting to get the review from a person who actually have been there too. It’s always too easy to criticize without knowing and try to understand.
In global marketing, one always talk about cultural awareness, and how to understand the differences. Your post gives a great contribution!

I do agree: Boycott is not the answer! Participating means presence and focus and a way for athletes and others to show that sport can bring awareness.

Wishing you a great end to your week too

RennyBAs last blog post..Ski Museum Proves: Norwegians are born with skis on

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 16:02:21 +0000

It is sad to see a number of writers bring politics back into this; you may believe Tibet should be happy to be claimed as part of China, but the Olympics is not the place to be debating that.

If you do want to debate that subject I remind you that it is only a technicality that China is not in violation of the UN Charter & Resolution 1514; because it claimed Tibet before Dec/1960 when the members of the UN finally agreed on a definition of what a colony was (defined in 1541), and the obligation to allow a colony Self-determination without delay (defined in 1514).

I recall China objecting to Japan declaring China as part of its divine empire. It is sad that people will deny others the privilege of ‘rights’ which they accord themselves. None the less, the Olympics is not the place to debate this.

By: Sherxr

Sherxr — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:14:10 +0000

Finally someone is seeing it from the other side of the story. I am not 100% Chinese but I was brought up speaking Mandarin and I respect the 7000 years of Chinese history that no other civilization on earth can accomplish.

We are a proud race no matter where we are located on this tiny globe. Chinese voices have been suppressed by the West for ages. And when China is now becoming richer and more powerful, someone has to find ways to pick on this nation?

I’m not supporting any sides here. Not for Tibet nor for China. But I’ve long since questioned the intention of Dalai Lama has been travelling around and telling the outside world how much Tibet wanted freedom. Personally, I think this is against the fundamentals of Buddhism. It’s strange to hear this coming from a devout and sacred land of Buddhism.

So what’s next after Tibet is free? A “Free Taiwan” movement resulting in another round of violence?

I say, leave China alone to sort its internal affairs.

By: zunnur

zunnur — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:47:50 +0000

Hi Zhu, I'm with you. I think that the world should get together to support the Olympic Games. They should put aside the politics for at least this one time and let the games go on smoothly. Sometimes, we fail to look at our own problems but busy talking about others. Sometimes people tend to follow others blindly and then over react. As an Asian, I feel that its good to have China as a great power in this region to balance the great powers in the west. Hopefully the problem they're facing with Tibet will come to a good end soon. zunnurs last blog post..Determination worn out

By: Saskboy

Saskboy — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 05:17:51 +0000

The Olympics as an organization has big problems, the least of which is the venue they choose. I’m not for a full boycott, but protests I think are required. I have an uncle who explains the situation as you describe it though Zhu.

By: Shantanu

Shantanu — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:28:56 +0000

I am supposed to travel to Beijing next month and I already have a visa. But I have been advised of new 'procedures' for Indian residents that may prevent my travel. Hopefully, things should settle down again after the Olympics. Shantanus last blog post..More Venetian Indulgence