http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/24/AR2008032400882.html
People have generally believed that Olympic games have a virtual message based on grouping people of different races ethnics and cultures under the cover of love and mutual relationships. Yet, since March 10th, China, the country which is going to host the games for 2008 is witnessing violent demonstrations and riots between Tibetans and Hans. Tibetans are known of leading peaceful marches to express their revolts and dissatisfactions, reported a journalist in Washington post. Ironically, the number of people killed in this case, (officers and civilians) is counted in hundreds.In light of the violent incidents in Lahasa- the Tibetan regions- more attention should be drawn to discuss the safety of the torch. Despite the fact that Chinese government imposes strict security policy everywhere, still, it is hard to trust the situation.
The Olympic games are not competitive events to just win medals. They are also an opportunity to gather numerous nations under a peaceful mutual atmosphere in order to enjoy the Olympic shows. Therefore, ceasing this athletic opportunity to raise ethnic riots and cultural demonstrations is a violation of the peaceful objectives that the Olympic games attempt to reach. The torch, according to a BBC article, seems to be really in danger. This type of boycott presents a threat which might deter the torch's journey to the world's highest peak.
Obviously, what is happening in China is absolutely frustrating for the athletes as well as for the millions of viewers who are going to follow the great event. I think it is high time nations all over the world collaborated with China to find a fast solution to this turmoil before the opening ceremony. The international fear and the regular calls for an urgent stable policy as expressed by many countries, such as Germany, France, and the United States, imply that the situation in China is not stable. Summer 2008 might not be safe in China!!! Really, how sorrowful is it to hear about similar violent incidents menacing one of the most honorable and peaceful humanitarian events for the mere greed of power. How embarrassing too to know that the majority of troublemakers are students- the elite, which is supposed to be too intelligent and reasonable to interfere in bloody agitations for mere ethnic motives.
(Image tken from www.msn.com on March 25, 2008.)
2 comments:
Hi Wafa! I strongly agree with you about how the torch is in danger. But just to be clear what is happening in Lahasa is not a boycott to the Olympics, this unrest began in this time of the year because in the same date many years ago, Tibetans decided to fight against China's suppression. The leader of the Tibetans, The Dalai Lama said "I always support (that) the Olympics should ... take place in Beijing ... so that more than 1 billion human beings, that means Chinese, they feel proud of it,". I also disagree that Tibetans are fighting because "mere ethnic motives" I think it goes durther than that.
Hi Wafa! I do agree with you that the " Boycott" of the Olympic Games will not resolve the situation at all. Whatever the circumstance is, people would better learn how to negotiate by talking each other instead of being violent. But what we also have to understand is sometimes we have to express and manifest our anger initially in order to be heard and to be taken seriously as the Tibetans did.
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