Will It Really Make a Difference?
China expected the Olympic torch relay across the globe to be a symbol of China's enterence into the world as a major power player. However, it has proven to be quite the opposite. Police in Paris, France had to put the torch on a bus to keep the relayers from harm, and the torch from being extinguished. Protesters in San Fransico, California climbed the supports of the Golden Gate Bridge and hung Tibetan flags and banners for all to see.
The question remains: Will any of the demonstrations effect Chinese policy concerning Tibet and the restrictions on personal expressions. Chinese officials have supressed Tibet monk's speech in opposition to oppression by Beijing. Photographers and Western journalist were forced out of Tibet and censored by what they could publish. Hundreds of Tibets have been arrested in their protests of atrocities by the Chinese government. With this international exposure and negative attention, one would think that China would be influenced in some manner.
China wanted the torch relay to be a positive event, yet, they have not changed the policies that have have ensighted so much opposition. But, does it really matter? It appears that it doesn't. The only way, this author believes, to influence the outcome of the games is for the major countries to boycott the entire olympic games, not just the opening ceremony. But then again, that may only hurt the international sponsors of the games. China does not appear that it will change any of its policies any time soon. I understand the "One China" program and how it affects Taiwan since Taiwan is made up of Chinese Nationals. However, Tibet was annexed by military force, much like Poland by the German Reich. That does not make it a natural portion of the country.
The games will go on. Western media outlets will complain and offer dialogue about the Tibet-China relationship. And through all of this, the Chinese will go on with business as ususal, and with the population censored from outside sources of information and a scripted message being presented to the masses will change nothing. Protest if you will, but China is not listening.
The question remains: Will any of the demonstrations effect Chinese policy concerning Tibet and the restrictions on personal expressions. Chinese officials have supressed Tibet monk's speech in opposition to oppression by Beijing. Photographers and Western journalist were forced out of Tibet and censored by what they could publish. Hundreds of Tibets have been arrested in their protests of atrocities by the Chinese government. With this international exposure and negative attention, one would think that China would be influenced in some manner.
China wanted the torch relay to be a positive event, yet, they have not changed the policies that have have ensighted so much opposition. But, does it really matter? It appears that it doesn't. The only way, this author believes, to influence the outcome of the games is for the major countries to boycott the entire olympic games, not just the opening ceremony. But then again, that may only hurt the international sponsors of the games. China does not appear that it will change any of its policies any time soon. I understand the "One China" program and how it affects Taiwan since Taiwan is made up of Chinese Nationals. However, Tibet was annexed by military force, much like Poland by the German Reich. That does not make it a natural portion of the country.
The games will go on. Western media outlets will complain and offer dialogue about the Tibet-China relationship. And through all of this, the Chinese will go on with business as ususal, and with the population censored from outside sources of information and a scripted message being presented to the masses will change nothing. Protest if you will, but China is not listening.
posted by Michael W. at 10:15 AM
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