This is a recap of the very provocative article on ‘The Economist’ this past week: China’s Dash for Freedom.
It was very interesting because the article cuts through the facade and presents an interesting viewpoint; how China’s political and sustainability strategies recently have an underlying theme, quite contrasting to that of the Olympics. It makes one wonder to a certain extent that it is indeed ironic, that China is the host of Olympics this year.
To provide a flavor about the background of the Olympics, the official motto of the event is the quite inspiring ‘Citius, Altius Fortius". It means, ‘Faster, Higher and Stronger’ in Latin. The five interlocking Olympic rings (blue, black, red, yellow and green) represent the global communion of all the five continents in one place. The spirit of the event was originally suggested by De Coubertin, ‘The most important thing is not to win but take part’. The most famous musical theme of the Olympics is Burglar’s dream, originally composed by Leo Arnaud.
At the fundamental level, Olympics can be interpreted as using sport as a conduit, for the celebration of diversity and freedom of human spirit. Hence, human rights and providing a sustainable world for our posterity (i.e. sustainability) are two objectives at the fore front of the event. It is indeed very ironic, that China is the Olympics host this year, when some of its actions have not always been in conjunction with the theme of the event.
My intention is not to hold China culpable or criticize, for every country that has ever hosted the Olympics throughout history has had its golden and dark moments. My intention is to derive from ‘The Economist’ article … and merely present a case.
Objective: The predominant objective for China is to showcase to the world through this event that they are indeed ready to join the list of Developed countries. ‘One World, One Dream’ is their theme for this global event. But delving deeper … there is also a darker side to every story.
Human Rights: China’s stance of ‘Human Rights’ have been at best … flexible. The Government is still very ‘Authoritarian’, and more often that not intrudes very much into the human rights issues. Amnesty International
14 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
J. Michael Morris 11 months ago
The Economist is a very ironic publication itself. If they actualy wrote anything unbiased about "economics" instead of world politics, articles such as these might hold influence. China has become the western world's manufacturing base, of course pollution will be a problem. World economics demand this imbalance. Re-nationalizing Hong Kong has taught the ruling communist party the power of capitalism, they are simply implementing those principles as conservatively as possible. Russia is an excellent example of what happens with sudden unrestrained capitalism; massive corruption. Human rights is not an economic problem in this case, but a moral one.
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Long John Silver 11 months ago
yeah - i do the know the general feeling about the economist, but excellent article from them nonetheless
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Long John Silver 11 months ago
loved these 2 sentences Michael
World economics demand this imbalance
YES - indeed the externalities should also be attributed to consumption and not supply alone
Human rights is not an economic problem in this case, but a moral one.
Very True - cheers
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Dorothy Willis 11 months ago
Excellent recap. What a dilemma for sports fans. As long as there are only peaceful demonstrations. The Munich carnage did nothing to solve the World or Palestinian problems.
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Long John Silver 11 months ago
yeah ... could not agree more
it is very interesting that China indeed is hosting the Olym this year
Munich was a train wreck wasn't it ....
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Long John Silver 11 months ago
true Dorothy, and it seems like the Chinese govt, wont take any form of protests at all
did you know that one of the protest settings - is in front of a model white house in beijing
if one does not notice close, on TV it will look like those protesters are in front of the capitol hill
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Dorothy Willis 11 months ago
Thanks for the info--I had no idea about that. Wow, a model of the White House! I can't imagine it.
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Saraswathi Siriginia 11 months ago
China is caught between its capitalistic outlook and its communist history that is ingrained in its moral fiber. There is scallor, poverty and dissatisfaction in most of the Chinese that are far from the cities. They are buoyed by capitalism with the success of some companies and others taking over some companies (even American companies). While the rich always get richer, even in China. Mega Corporations get a lot of sops even from their Communist overlords. Corruption is high. Their human rights record has never been good, what with their Bamboo Gulags, Tinnamen Square Massacares, and the cracking down on Tibetans. But they hold on Tibet for economic reasons too.. for its mineral wealth and for startegic positioning in a battle.
The Munich Olympics though did not stop the Palestnian uprising lead to a change in dynamics with Israel getting the much needed justification to support its future brutality on the Palestinian people. The Munich Olympics massacare provided them the much needed ammunition. One of the bloodiest Olympics to date, something that never happened even in Hitler's time.
Tibetans are peaceful people, and only a few youngsters want to make this uprising violent protests and the Dalai Lama is not favoring it.
I'd hate to say this, but the Chinese leadership has curbed the uprising from the Tibetan people for now with sweet talk. We have to wait and watch what their plan is for the Olympics and after the Olympics.
Good article. A nice recap of "The Economist" article.
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Long John Silver 11 months ago
sure - these
They are buoyed by capitalism with the success of some companies and others taking over some companies (even American companies). While the rich always get richer, even in China. Mega Corporations get a lot of sops even from their Communist overlords. Corruption is high.
are typical signs of any growing country
I had the privilege of attending Dalai Lama's talk when he came to Ann Arbor - it was indeed very interesting - he himself is a master strategist
cheers - sarah, thanks
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aditi anshu 11 months ago
yeah agree with all of you this Olympics is really very controversial. many of the countries are opposing Olympics. china is really not caring about the human rights. but they are really trying very hard for the Olympics and they are trying their best for the successful event.
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aditi anshu 11 months ago
yeah agree with all of you this Olympics is really very controversial. many of the countries are opposing Olympics. china is really not caring about the human rights. but they are really trying very hard for the Olympics and they are trying their best for the successful event.
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Long John Silver 11 months ago
indeed it was - wasnt it ? the opening ceremony was breathtaking .... did you like it ?
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aditi anshu 11 months ago
yeah i liked the opening ceremony. it was fabulous to watch but i do agree that china had spent useless money on Olympics$40 billion dollar.
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Long John Silver 11 months ago
no - i actually wud have to differ on that
China made a statement in front of the world - that they are a next super power
the 40 B has its long term benefits that will surpass the cost am sure
cheers -
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