How to Protest the Beijing Olympics
As the Olympic Torch Relay makes its way around the world, it is being met by significant human rights protests. To those who wish to protest, I would like to offer some suggestions.
1. Do Not Protest Against "China"
Do not protest against the Chinese people or against "China." Instead, do protest against the policies of the Chinese Communist Party.
China is a repressive dictatorship run by a single political party, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Only 5% of China's citizens are members of the CCP; 95% of Chinese are not. From the point of view of the Chinese Communist Party, the purpose of hosting the Olympics is to prove to the subjects of their rule that the rest of the world accepts the CCP as the legitimate leaders of the Chinese people. The Chinese Communists want the citizens of China to think that international criticism of the policies of the Communist government are attacks on the Chinese people as a whole.
Apologists for the Chinese Communists try to convince us that the Chinese people are angered by foreign criticism of China's human rights policies. For all the talk one hears about the spread of the Internet in China, it is worth keeping in mind that 85% of the Chinese population does not use the Internet. The vast majority of Chinese get all of their news from government-controlled television and other media, and they have little, if any, exposure to opposing points of view. To those of us outside of China, Chinese Communist Party speeches and press releases about the Dalai Lama and the "Dalai Clique" orchestrating the violent confrontations in Tibet seem, at best, ridiculous, as does Chinese TV's assertion that the Torch Relay disruptions have been caused by "a handful of Tibetan separatists." Yet most Chinese probably believe these accusations to be true because this is the only version they ever hear.
To protest against "China" is to play into the hands of the CCP, allowing its leaders to make the case that the protests are anti-Chinese rather than anti-Chinese Communist Party.
2. Do Not Protest Against the Olympics
Do not protest against the Olympics or against the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The IOC made a mistake by choosing Beijing to host the 2008 Olympics. With 125 democracies in the world, there was no excuse for awarding the Games to one of the 70 or so countries still ruled by a dictatorship. But the vote (56-49) was hardly unanimous, and almost half of the members of the IOC feel as badly about the choice as do demonstrators. The 10,000+ athletes of the world who will qualify to compete in the Olympics deserve to do so. They also deserve the right to express their political opinions if they so desire. When demonstrators attack the Olympics, they weaken the message of the protests.
3. Do Not Attack the Relay Runners or the Torch Itself
Whatever one thinks of the Olympics, the Torch Relay has come to symbolize the peaceful joining together of the peoples of the world. Four years ago, prior to the Athens Olympics, the Olympic Flame was taken all over the world and there were no problems. To attack it is to give fuel to the arguments of those who support the Chinese Communist Party. A more effective means of protest is to non-violently slow the progress of the Relay from a run to a walk.
4. Use Bilingual Signs
To hold up signs and banners in English is fine if you want to influence other Westerners, but if your goal is to show the Chinese people that the rest of the world wants to make contact, translate your message into Mandarin. You never know what images will seep through the notorious Great Firewall of China. Why not try something like a Mandarin translation of "The Chinese Communist Party does not speak for the Chinese people."
5. Do Not Commit Acts of Violence
Violent acts of protest are just the sort of images the Chinese Communist leaders want to use for their portrayal of pro-Tibetan or pro-democracy protestors. Don't allow yourself to become a prop in a Chinese Communist propaganda campaign.
6. Look Beyond the Olympics
Protests and demonstrations surrounding the Beijing Olympics are not enough to bring independence to Tibet, democracy to China or allow the Chinese people to finally practice freedom of speech and freedom of religion. The Chinese Communists may make superficial gestures to appease the IOC, but once the Olympics are over, the leaders of the CCP will return to their repressive ways. The only pressure to which the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party will ultimately respond is economic pressure. Because the West is now dependent on Chinese labor, Chinese customers and Chinese loans, it will require long-term strategies to force the Chinese Communist Party to open up more than its economy. In the meantime, why not ask some of the Olympic sponsors what they think about human rights issues in China? Why not ask Coca-Cola, GE, Johnson & Johnson, Kodak, McDonalds, Panasonic, Samsung or VISA?
Please treat your concern about Tibet, Darfur or China as a lasting concern rather than as a passing fad.
David Wallechinsky is the author of The Complete Book of the Summer Olympics and Tyrants: The World's 20 Worst Living Dictators. He is the Vice-President of the International Society of Olympic Historians.
Loading comments…
Want to reply to a comment? Hint: Click "Reply" at the bottom of the comment; after being approved your comment will appear directly underneath the comment you replied to
I thought I heard David Wallechinsky say, on NPR, that no U.S. President had ever gone to the opening ceremonies. If I heard that correctly, then how did this idea get so out of hand. If Bush does go, being the first President to do so, then what will THAT mean?
Why use the Olympic games as a means of protest at all? It seems to me that the US has been condoning the worst of human rights abuses in exchange for economic purposes. Who invented the Banana Republic? Which country supports the undemocratic country of Saudi Arabia? Which country has used the CIA to stir up trouble and overthrow other democratically-elected governments?
The answer is not China but the United States. Tibet will never be a free country within Asia anymore than Iraq will be a free country within Western Asia nor Palestine a free zone. We should not have scheduled the Olympics in China in the first place. Unless we are looking for a repeat of the incidents at Munich in 1971, why don't we give it a rest so that the athletes are not caught in the middle of something unpleasant? After all, isn't the Olympics about them? Tell Richard Gere and the other Hollywood phonies to lay off the ego trips and head trips. I love many things in Tibet but this is not the way to show support for human rights.
"Why use the Olympic games as a means of protest at all?"
Because china's sole interest in the games is their propaganda value. If we don't; they will, and their message is toxic.
The 95% of Chnese who are not CCP members are complicit in the tyrannical practices of the 5% by virtue of their implied consent.
Yes, just like Americans with the Bush crimes around the world. Complicit. It is still not too late to impeach him. If only we had some Democrats who would rise to the challenge.
PS Is this Wallechinsky dude the same guy who helped Republicans create the free speech zones that go a long way in neutering peace marches and allowing network news to ignore them?
Point by point rebuttal for those slamming this guy:
1. Do Not Protest Against "China"
- Anybody here want to get grouped in with the Bush administration? Or give them ammo when they get dragged before Congress?
2. Do Not Protest Against the Olympics
I have to say that this is his weakest point. I think the IOC needs a wake up call. We all want to support what it purportedly stands for... but jeesh, c'mon.
3. Do Not Attack the Relay Runners or the Torch Itself
Why is this not self apparent? What are people trying to accomplish here? You want to be seen on the 24/7 news? Ok, that makes sense. You want to get a message across? No... you prob didn't do that unless the message was "I support the Chinese Comm party in cracking down on CRAZIES in Tibet - and elsewhere! "
4. Use Bilingual Signs
Sigh, really? Here is a link... http://www.mandarintools.com/worddict.html. It's annoying because you can't type more than word at a time and hope for good results. However, explore the possibilities!
I am constantly amazed when the 24/7 focuses in on a country that is far, far away and they are holding up signs that have their own language in BIG BOLD LETTERS, and yet, they are savvy enough to print their comments in English as well for us, one language Americans.
Who OWN the cameras. Get it?
6. Look Beyond the Olympics
Read his post.
Ok... I think you guys are missing something fundamental here..
What this author is trying to do, if I read it right, is to help you understand what is effective. This isn't about how the Chinese Communist Party feels about Americans and our righteous outrage. Or about the IOC - c'mon really?
It's about trying to genuinely help Tibet.
I will never tolerate a bad word spoken about Jesse Owens - when I see the film footage showing him outrunning the Aryan in '36, it is possibly the only time in my life I want to stand up and yell "USA-USA". Actually - I know it's the only time I want to do that.
However, another person at that specific games better exemplifies what we are dealing with here. His name was Sohn Kee-chung. Not only did he win gold, he beat all Olympic times recorded thus far. He was a Korean who was forced to run under the Japanese flag during the marathon. Furthermore, his NAME had been translated and submitted as Japanese in origin, Son Kitei.
Now, watch the video below. Please pay attention to his head angle when they are playing the anthems.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbJdiT6TPN0
To the Japanese, and other Asian observers this was as flamboyant as if someone put the tallest finger in your face. Or burned a flag.
It's all about nuance, that which specifically directs the condemnation, which is what I think Mr. Wallechinsky is trying to convey.
FRANCE ROCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D STEP-IT-UP SAN FRANCISCO!!!!
San Francisco People have now the power TO NEVER LET THIS TORCH pass alone and peaceful.
They are changing the route and not making public!!! Doesn't matter.
Where there's a will, there's a way!
Find the way, with a 100 % pressure on that torch!!
Show these Chinese tyrants what America is all about....
Throw the torch in the bay just like at the Boston Tea Party!
Go SF !!! Protest in groups avoid arrest stay on the move. You are the Heroes of the free world!!!!
Hello there NoMoreHawks.
Your post was more than slightly horrifying. I composed a looooong rebuttal to it. I'm worried that it will get buried so I will post it separately.
BanjoHarry
There is an old saying in Chess, which applies perfectly to nearly any endeavor:
Threat is stronger than execution.
I admire Hillary's bold call for boycott -- shows backbone and conviction.
I know fellow Obama supporters will point to her lack of history in this particular fight, and claim that this is all politically motivated, and what have you...
I try to keep an open mind -- check my cynasism with a modest level of healthy respect.
I saw a Clinton supporter calling for Obama to treat this as a 3am moment, and make a hastey decision. I doubt Hillary would agree. It would not be presidential to make speedy judgements on matters, merely to demonstrate lightening round skills.
Senator Obama has time to consider options -- not all may yet be known -- and should use that time in weighing what specific conditions (rather than vague "progress") must be met to assure our participation, which would achieve some meaningful, achievable improvement.
I really do admire Senator Clinton for standing firm on her conviction (which I share), which has been something I had found lacking in her at times. Here we have a rare win-win scenario: Senator Clinton wins by showing strong convictions, Senator Obama obtains the opportunity to specify a dliberated -- best case: Presidential -- set of conditions. The compliment strengthens our hand.
New politics is finding "win-win" scenarios, and dispelling McCain's contention that no good cause was advanced without sacrifice.
There should be no boycotting of the Olympics. It makes little common sense and would be counter productive against the background of progress that we've all witnessed over the past few decades in China. It would also be the result of confused principles.......
http://pacificgatepost.blogspot.com/2008/04/china-and-its-conflicted-markets.html
It makes plenty of sense from here.
The chinese government is spending billions of these games, not for the love of atheticism, but for their propaganda value.
And no one spends billions to influence those whose opinions they don't care about. Therefore, it is obvious that the Chinese government cares--deeply--about world opinion of them.
Boycotting the genocide games gives China a choice. They can continue their present policies, OR they can have international prestige. They can't have both.
One way to use the Olympic torch parades to protest the repression of Tibetan people would be to toss Chinese currency at the feat of the police and Chinese escorts. (paper, not metal unless you trust your aim not to hit anyone). Trampling Chinese currency might be a nice symbolic gesture toward the Chinese commies who are, like the Russian, enriching themselves from our shopping.
This would be easier than making signs printed in both Chinese and English.
To me, this sounds too much like the rules we were taught in business on how to interact with the newly anointed super Power, Japan back in the 80's. Learn how to bow; learn the etiquette of gifts; learn how they approach a negotiation; learn how to be Japanese, in other words, and forget how to be an American.
Tell you what---If we truly live in a global economy and business is now international, then how about we go with the behaviors that got us here--English, plain speaking, and a high regard for personal freedom. Now I'm not saying that our Government is the paradigm of virtue on those issues. but when I do business, or make a political statement, I do it as an individual, a person with certain rights AND expectations. Don't tell us yet again what the rules are this time around. The PRC needs to improve its human rights, and if their lack in that arena bothers us, then we should speak out in our own voice, and in our own way.
In other words, "Sit down, shut up, eat your popcorn, and wave your flag." Got it.
Regarding your #2, Do Not Protest Against the Olympics.
There is still a part of me that idealizes the Olympics, that wants the games to celebrate athletes and not nations, and encourage camaraderie independent of nationalism. I remember reading a story about how a German long jumper gave Jesse Owens some advice that enabled Jesse to win the gold medal in the 1936 Olymnpics. Sadly, this story also brings me back to reality - as much as I wish it were not so, a host country will always exploit the Olympic Games to their advantage.
I agree with your #2. On the other hand, I think that if a country decides to protest against the Olynpics, they should boycott it entirely. Skipping the opening ceremonies is an act that lacks spine. If the Games go on, will anyone remember who attended the opening ceremonies?
All in or all out I say! Sidney or the bush!
FINALLY! Someone who makes sense out of all this. The protests witnessed on TV are put into perspective. These, albeit well meaning, protests do nothing to change the minds of the Chinese government. The same can be said about boycots, as all they do is hurt the average citizen and never the people or governments they are directed against.
The 1936 Berlin Olympics are a good example. Hitler tried to use the games to showcase the superiority of the German masterrace, only to fall flat on his face when a black man of all won 4 gold medals, the first athlete to ever do so in a single olympics. Maybe the Beijing games will see another "Buckeye Bullet", (James Cleveland Owens' nickname) and put the whole olympic spirit into perspective.
Protesting the Olympics is absolutely the right way forward.
It was obvious from the start that China's interest in hosting the olympics was both political and an exercise in propaganda, so the IOC is in no position to claim the games shouldn't be 'politicised'. The Beijing games cannot be unpoliticised. The IOC went ahead with their eyes open and in full knowlege of the use that China intended to put the games to.
The IOC's decision to climb into bed with China wasn't an error in judgement, it was a deliberate act undertaken in profound indifference to its political significance.
Furthermore, the IOC in in the business of selling goodwill. Corporations spend millions for the right associate themselves with the games not out of an excess of love for amateur sport, but because it allows them to reap some of the goodwill the games generate.
But no company spends million for the right to wrap itself in a stench, and that's what the IOC has done to its brand with its Chinese debacle. Expect to see consumer boycotts of each and every Olympic sponsor this time out.
Thanks for this insightful article. By and large the Chinese people still like and admire Americans.
You must be logged in to comment. Log in or connect with
