The Olympic Dilemma

Beijing Olympics is surely in news before the game event is ready to take off. We all know what's happening at the torch rallies in different countries. Anticipating something like that in India, India being a supporter of Tibet's autonomous rule.

Some countries are yet to decide whether to attend the opening ceremony to show their protest while some are committed, some invited guests decided to keep themselves away from the torch rallies while some decided to take part.

In your view, what's the right thing to do? Go with the spirit of the game or send the message to China by shunning the rally/opening ceremony/game for violating human rights towards the Tibetians.

Nice post Pradarshak👏

Coming back to the topic..

What is the stand of India in the affairs related to China?

India does not react if Arunachal Pradesh is slowly occupied...India does not act if Tibet is troubled....

The issue of Tibet is accepted as "internal affair" of China as "kashmir " is the internal affair of India.

How can we simply see sports and political isssues differenty ???

Since I am not ethnic Chinese or Tibetan, I only know of the conflict through third party accounts. I am not equipped to make a judgment of right or wrong on either side, there is no possible way I can fathom the emotional, cultural and personal significance as others.

However, I have to say that no matter what side you are on; violation of human rights, denying people their right to freedom, personal expression and persecution is wrong. Consequently, China is wrong in the way they have handled the issue and the treat Tibetan people everyday.

The Olympic games were meant to be symbols of sportsmanship. The entire Panhellenic region was in a state of Pax Deorum. Conquests and occupations were on hold, prisoners released to celebrate the ancient Olympics. The modern game was revived as a means to promote peace, co-existence and sportsmanship.

That presents an interesting Catch 22. To allow Olympics in a nation that refuses to enter a state of Pax Deorum is ironic. But then which modern nation would divest personal interest for peace. At the same time boycotting Olympics is like boycotting the legacy it symbolizes.

In my personal opinion to condemn the Olympics for where it is hosted, using disruptive means to hamper it is wrong and against the spirit. To use the Olympics to gain visibility and awareness of human rights concerns that affect our world is right.

Blowing out the torch, stopping the progress, physically interfering with ceremonies is wrong. Holding a protest sign, passing informational brochures, talking to people without disrupting proceedings is the right of expression.

The problem is in China people do not have the right of expression. Even holding a picket can result in violent reaction from police. This is the type of government that did not think twice about Tiananmen Square nor ever truly regretted it.

Tibetans have the right to peaceful protest, and even if we disagree with their desire we have to preserve their right. Those who violate the proceedings should be charged to the full extent of law based on the offense.

Each country has to make its choice, whether they want to support Tibet, China or be Neutral. No matter what a country chooses they should not disrupt the Olympic proceedings, pull out or use coercion strategies - but they have the right to use media coverage to express their opinion and use their athletes to carry their decision.

Originally posted by: Pradarshak

In your view, what's the right thing to do? Go with the spirit of the game or send the message to China by shunning the rally/opening ceremony/game for violating human rights towards the Tibetians.

Boycotting Olympic would not be feasible if not backed by international community...humare akele se kuchh nahin hoga. In any case we have more than any other nation for the Tibbetans friends.

I would love to see Sachin/Baichung etc running with the torch alongwith Tibbetan Flag. 😊 And I would also love to see our govt act boldly and with more courage when dealing with Chinese, bheegi billi ban jaate hain hum.

Originally posted by: SolidSnake

I would love to see Sachin/Baichung etc running with the torch alongwith Tibbetan Flag. 😊 And I would also love to see our govt act boldly and with more courage when dealing with Chinese, bheegi billi ban jaate hain hum.

That is an excellent suggestion. Wishful thinking, but it would be a courageous thing to do. I would really love to see more nations taking a stand like this. Carry the torch with the Tibetan flag. In the opening ceremony hoist the Tibetan colors along with national colors. Let your athletes wear an armband with Tibetan flag to make a point.

Majora Carter one of the torchbears in San Francisco decided to pull out a Tibet Flag when the torch was passed to her for her leg of the relay. Chinese officials and SF police wasted no time to releive her of the torchbearing duties. So much for freedom of expression and right to peaceful protest in USA.

The whole incident always reminds me of this famous image.

If one student could dare, what prevents a nation from taking a stand?

I think Tibet miss a Gandhi... 😳

Originally posted by: SolidSnake

I would love to see Sachin/Baichung etc running with the torch alongwith Tibbetan Flag. 😊 And I would also love to see our govt act boldly and with more courage when dealing with Chinese, bheegi billi ban jaate hain hum.

well put...i think the best idea would be to try and find some kind of a middle path, so that the political solidarity and the spirit of the olympics, neither is sacrificed at the cost of the other...whatsay?😊

Originally posted by: SolidSnake

I would love to see Sachin/Baichung etc running with the torch alongwith Tibbetan Flag. 😊 And I would also love to see our govt act boldly and with more courage when dealing with Chinese, bheegi billi ban jaate hain hum.

Yes that would be the best answer and good start. 😊 It is sad that the Olympic torch/flame gets more respect and protection then the Tibetians. 😕

Originally posted by: nandinidev

well put...i think the best idea would be to try and find some kind of a middle path, so that the political solidarity and the spirit of the olympics, neither is sacrificed at the cost of the other...whatsay?😊

Great idea.. !!! now lets hear the details.😉 most times middle is not in the middle, its way over on the either side. 😊

I say India should show strong protest. Refrain from participating and boycott the games. It will serve two purposes:

1. We stand up to the wrong-doing of China
2. We avoid the shame of coming back w/o a single medal 😆 😆

j/k on #2 😊

Originally posted by: lighthouse

Great idea.. !!! now lets hear the details.😉 most times middle is not in the middle, its way over on the either side. 😊

Simple, Abraham Lincoln once said "If half the people think you have done too much and half the people think you have done too little, then you have done just about right."

If the middle path is not visible choose the option that irks both sides.