As an ex Phys Ed teacher & rabid sport lover the Olympics have always been a highlight in my calendar.
I understand that there is much to deplore in China’s human rights record and that they may be masking it all for the next two weeks. I know some have decided not to watch as an issue of conscience. I respect that decision, but by the same token I will be watching. I am yet to be convinced of the value of a viewing boycott.
Of course I doubt we will see the real Beijing, but I am intrigued to see what is depicted as modern day China.
As Andrew has noted, the way the media are ‘gooing and ga-ing’ over the city is somewhat ridiculous, but all the same it is interesting to chew thru what is going on there.
China makes us very wealthy so it stands to reason that when affluence is a primary western value we will kiss their butts to keep their money coming our way.
I’m sure there will be plenty to vomit about in the coming days, but I am looking forward to some great moments also.
hey mate,
I too will be watching (if I can find a TV we don’t have one connected in community) but these are interesting issues for Christians.
Here’s an article that’s created a stir on Jim Wallis’ blog that I wrote:
http://blog.beliefnet.com/godspolitics/2008/08/the-olympics-human-rights-and.html
I agree. Those who play the sport have put in a great deal of effort. Through sport we connect with differnt nations. I am looking forward to the games.
I prefer to stand smugly in self-righteous indignation.
Not having a TV connected makes it easier to do so.
I will pray for your mortal souls.
😉
I am doing the boycott thing, but it feels more like a fast than a protest. (a fast in which I am now telling everyone in the world that I am doing so I look just like a pharisee!) But I feel strongly about it, not sure I am up for street protests, so I will deny myself an experience which I have enjoyed in the past in order to help myself be more prayerfully aware of the issues surrounding the human rights issues there. Others will do similar and even more effective things by attending the games, by writing articles, by protesting on the streets and so on.
I don’t care that they put in a lot of effort, big deal- a lot more people on this planet put in a lot more effort trying to survive on $2:00.
If the AIS doesn’t get any more money from the tax payer – it means we will get less gold, our reputation will be dented, England will get more gold than us!!! I would rather be known as a generous nation that a gold winning nation.
My boycott is not just because of China and human rights, well Australia has a little problem on human rights, as well, if human rights is the standard to boycott then Sydney should of been black listed as well. No my reasons are more varied than that.
BRING BACK EDDIE THE EAGLE!!!!
I doubt that my choice not to watch is going to have much of an impact. Besides, the television news will cover most of the details so it’s not as though I’ll be out of touch, there’s always the internet too and it’s hardly going to be prime time TV in Europe. Time zones are all wrong.
What would have an impact on the games would be to stop buying products from the main sponsors.
An interesting aside though. I caught a short news report by John Simpson about a pastor of an underground church in China. The pastor had moved away from his home to hide out in a village (think he had been moved there by the government), as soon as TV news turned up he was held by the police.
Maybe the Olympics are going to allow the world to see more of what life in China is really like.