The Olympic Games represents some lofty ideals: striving for excellence; unity and peace among nations; a celebration of diversity and fair play to name a few. I am finding it difficult to reconcile the spirit of these Games with the harsh reality of the human rights violations and other atrocities that are occuring on the other side of the sporting arena.
China has occupied the peaceful nation of Tibet since 1969. The occupation is accompanied by many restrictions for the Tibetan people. Government has been overthrown; speaking of the native language is not allowed; and the practise of religious and traditional ceremonies, likewise is outlawed. People have been imprisoned without trial, tortured and even murdered. The Dalai Lama has fled, fearing for his safety and is living in exile in India.
Child labour and abuses including child slavery and sweated labour for children as young as 7 years of age is rampant in China. Regimented training of children of very young ages in competitve sport is prevalent, also. Strict and demanding training schedules and a high degree of pressure to succeed is common place for these children.
Unfair wages for workers in China mean that many are not paid enough to pay their rent and buy food.
The problem of pollution has been well documented. Chinese efforts to clean up has failed and the air remains choked with smog. Beijing is one of the dirtiest cities in the world and it is often two or three times the maximum allowed by the World Health Organisation.
The issue of censorship hasn't gone away either. International media remains under the thumb of the Chinese Communist Party. The onset of the Games has meant that tighter controls have been imposed.
Spectacular as the Opening Ceremony may have been, I remain unimpressed, somehow.
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