Posted by
David Smith on Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:19:42 PM
OK, I have to admit--I've kind of had a change of heart. I am not the biggest fan of China hosting the Olympics for all of the 1936, Hitler and World War II reasons. But if the Chinese insist on doing things their way, then perhaps we are tossing a 'golden' opportunity right out the window.
See, the International community is having an impact on China. Even now, in the middle of their pushing down the Tibetans and their paramilitary forces becoming...um, *physical* while accompanying the Olympic flame Internationally, the pressure of International groups and protesters is being felt. This will only continue to 'heat up' until the Olympics in Beijing later this year.
I say we should kick it up another notch!
It is well known that the Chinese are a very prideful people, not unlike pre-WW II Japan. And with great pride comes a great fall, as the Japanese found out. Although I do not advocate a physical or military approach to this issue, perhaps television, solidarity amongst the International community and history are presenting us with the perfect opportunity to slap a little bit of 'egg drop soup' on the collective Chinese face.
Hearken back to the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. I will say only two words and they should provide all the argument necessary for my point: Black Gloves!
American runners Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their black-gloved fists as a sign of solidarity and protest for the plight of blacks in America in the Civil Rights and Vietnam era. The message was not well-received at home, which is exactly my point.
China needs a two-week, International display of its terrible record on human rights. And if the entire International delegation shows up wearing black gloves as a sign of support for Tibet and as a call for China to get serious about its record on human rights, how is China to respond?
The arrogance of the Chinese is legendary. Their policies, both foreign and domestic, fly in the face of the world's best interests. Yet they continue unchecked.
And while I will certainly not make myself out to be an expert on Tibetan politics or the Chinese abuses of Tibetans, I am sure that others will be happy to pick up here on this topic and supply details.
What could the Chinese response possibly be? If every Olympic athlete in the opening and closing ceremonies shows up with black gloves on, will they all be expelled?
If every medalist raises their black-gloved fist as a sign of political support for Tibetan freedom, will China restrict the broadcast of such images? They can't! They knew what they were doing when they sought the Olympics, and now I say it is time for the International community to give it to them!
Jesse Owens, the Black American sprinter, entered Berlin in 1936 almost as a conquering Roman general and left with 4 Olympic track and field gold medals, having completely humbled the German ideal of Aryan superiority. And today the International community can deliver a certain message to China...put up or shut up! If you want to be considered amongst the elite Internationally, then act like it.
And what better forum to deliver this message than the Olympics?
And who better to deliver it than the entire International delegation?
And what better symbol to deliver it than the black glove of history?