All eyes will be on Beijing this August as it hosts the Games of the XXIX Olympiad. It is supposed to be China's time to excel on the world's biggest stage and prove it is one of the world's most powerful countries. However, their opportunity has been tainted.
Not since the 1980s has there been such political turmoil surrounding the games. In 1980, the U.S. led a boycott of the games in Moscow and the Soviets returned the favour as they led a boycott of the '84 Olympics in L.A.
Fast forward to this year and the political unrest involving China and Tibet. Riots and protests started on March 10th, the anniversary of Tibet's failed uprising of China's rule in 1959. Since the protests started just over a month ago, pro-Tibet activists have gained momentum and have shown support for Tibet around the world by trying to obstruct and disrupt the Olympic torch run. Have their antics brought positive attention and further support for Tibet? Shortly put, no.
Trying to stop the torch run is not the right way to go about gaining support. It only shows that pro-Tibet activists are ignorant, unreasonable, and uncivil. What is a better alternative? I'm not quite sure, but there has to be a smarter, more efficient, friendlier way to rally for peace and human rights.
Picture taken from The China Post
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