I've heard so many viewpoints of the upcoming Olympics that my head is liable to explode. I can't think of another time in my recent memory that I've had the pleasure to experience such a wide range of views on the topic. It's quite refreshing. I'm referring to the particular talk of whether China deserves to hold the Olympics.
All of the Chinese people I've crossed paths with are highly positive about the World event with expressions ranging from a prideful smile to bursting excitement from head to toe. One such man had a Beijing 2008 logo tattoo. Now that's about as far as I think someone can go. Everyone is talking and no one mentions anything remotely negative.
It wasn't until a friend mentioned some time last fall about some grumblings over human rights in China that it even occurred to me that there might be a controversy a brewing. Sure, the pollution is unbelievable as referenced in the recent refusal of the World Record Holder for the men's marathon to come to the Olympics. He suffers from asthma and isn't willing to risk his health for the gold. For a while, the only negativity I heard on the news was just other countries concerned about whether the Chinese government was making enough progress with the environment and transportation issues.
Then came the riots in Tibet. But no one really wants to talk about because it makes China bad. I don't blame them. My students, as I am an English teacher in Henan province, will barely put forth an opinion. One has to understand the concept in China of "saving face." It's the biggest single guiding social principle I've perceived. China expected the Olympics and the unveilings of preparations until August 8th to be their time to shine. They hoped to bask in the glory of having all eyes on them.
But now all eyes are on Tibet. I'm not going to go into the case of the Tibetans today. Stay tuned. My point is that China is furious that the riots are making them look bad to World at a time when they expected praise. Some countries, like to US, are urging China to address its human rights abuses and work things out. Others seem to be equally furious that there might be attempts to thwart the success of the Olympics. Some are playing the Tibetans off as terrorists that are using the Olympics to cause fear.
I dunno. All I know is that the mess is enough to make me not want to go to the Olympics. You won't find me in Beijing, but I hope I'll still be allowed to go into Tibet while I'm on this side of the World.
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