Spring Break
Face Off: Should the Olympics be tied to politics
Sean Reed
Issue date: 5/5/08 Section: Opinion
The recent string of protests against the Chinese government that has erupted surrounding the carrying of the Olympic Torch to its 2008 host city, Beijing, has led to much debate over the appropriateness of mixing the Olypic Games with politics.
Jessica Gu, a journalism graduate student and member of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association of CSU, took a few moments out of her day to let us know why students should support Beijing in hosting the games.
Q: Do you support the Olympic Committee's decision to host the Olympic Games in Beijing?
A: Yes, I 100% support [Beijing hosting the games].
Q: In light of perceived human rights abuses by the Chinese Government, some have called for the U.S. to boycott the games. Do you think this would be appropriate?
A: It is inappropriate.
There are two main reason for this: First, these people shouldn't judge if China should host the games or not just depending on several hot issues in China. That [would] be unfair and biased.
Chinese people are hoping for a chance for the world to clearly see modern China and to come to understand us [better].
Second, the goal of the Olympic games is to inspire and lead Sport with the Olympic ideal, thereby promoting and strengthening friendship between the sportsmen of all countries, which totally matches the goal of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Q: Do you think there are other, more appropriate ways to handle these concerns?
A: Yes. The U.S. may use other ways, such as peaceful dialogues and forums, to bring out these concerns.
Joe Howard, a freshmen double major in political science and international studies, explained to the Collegian why he thinks it would be impossible to separate the games from political atmosphere.
Q: Do you support the Olympic Committee's decision to host the Olympic Games in Beijing?
A: Yeah, I like the idea … I think it would be a good opportunity for China.
Q: One of the big concerns that has come up recently has been China's treatment of Tibet. How do you feel about this issue?
Jessica Gu, a journalism graduate student and member of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association of CSU, took a few moments out of her day to let us know why students should support Beijing in hosting the games.
Q: Do you support the Olympic Committee's decision to host the Olympic Games in Beijing?
A: Yes, I 100% support [Beijing hosting the games].
Q: In light of perceived human rights abuses by the Chinese Government, some have called for the U.S. to boycott the games. Do you think this would be appropriate?
A: It is inappropriate.
There are two main reason for this: First, these people shouldn't judge if China should host the games or not just depending on several hot issues in China. That [would] be unfair and biased.
Chinese people are hoping for a chance for the world to clearly see modern China and to come to understand us [better].
Second, the goal of the Olympic games is to inspire and lead Sport with the Olympic ideal, thereby promoting and strengthening friendship between the sportsmen of all countries, which totally matches the goal of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Q: Do you think there are other, more appropriate ways to handle these concerns?
A: Yes. The U.S. may use other ways, such as peaceful dialogues and forums, to bring out these concerns.
Joe Howard, a freshmen double major in political science and international studies, explained to the Collegian why he thinks it would be impossible to separate the games from political atmosphere.
Q: Do you support the Olympic Committee's decision to host the Olympic Games in Beijing?
A: Yeah, I like the idea … I think it would be a good opportunity for China.
Q: One of the big concerns that has come up recently has been China's treatment of Tibet. How do you feel about this issue?
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Craig Hawley
posted 5/05/08 @ 4:51 AM MST
Good article Sean.
Spencer WIlliams
posted 5/05/08 @ 7:16 PM MST
I have already given my thoughts on this issue on the article about CSSA's forum (which I may one day forgive myself for missing). I did want to point out that as Jessica Gu says, peaceful dialogues and forums are crucial. (Continued…)
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