Sports Boycotts as Political Statements

Political activists often use the threat of sports boycott as a way to pressure the host country into changing some controversial policies. Through the years, we have had several Olympic boycotts. In the run-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, there were talks of a possible Olympic boycott. In the end, the movement lost momentum and the Games went on without a hitch.

Recent reports indicate that the human rights' situation in China is as grave as ever. In retrospect, should Western nations have boycotted the event?

VOICES AROUND THE WORLD:

Adam from the U.S. writes:

"The operative word here is 'dialogue'. As much as we may decry China's human rights record, its treatment of dissidents, and its failure to put pressure on the Sudanese to end the war in Darfur etc, I personally believe that the only way to bring influence is through interaction."

Paradigm from Sweden writes:

"I think the concept of 'constructive dialogue' is a euphemism for 'money talks'. A complete boycott would have been the best way to make a difference. That way they'd know that their economic power has its limits. And it would also boost the moral among dissidents within the country."

A friend from China writes:

"I am not at all surprised that people have strong opinions with regards to human rights' problems in China. I know you Westerners all want to stand up for human rights everywhere. You feel you could not turn your back on those who are being persecuted. But

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A lot of my friends keep asking this question: "Why do Westerners see us like that and hate us like that?" You probably think that we Chinese are blinded by our government. You probably also think Tibet is being oppressed by China. You blame our supporting of the Sudanese government for the genocide that is taking place there. Most of you believe in God and have read the Bible since childhood. You believe that life is given by God, so abortion is unforgivable. But we don't; most of us don't believe in your God and have never read the Bible.

No one can force us into believing in anything. What we know is that we have a population of 1.3 billion. If we don't adopt the birth control policy, there may be 2 or 3 billion or more people. The environment will then be worsened even more; a lot more children will die of starvation. THEN EVERY ONE OF YOU FEELS SATISFIED BECAUSE YOU'VE DEDICATED YOURSELF IN PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE ENVIROMENT."

A friend from the U.S. writes:

"I've always hated Olympic boycotts because they are so unfair to the athletes who have trained so long and hard for the chance to participate. And for many it's their last or only chance. On the other hand, I hate doing anything that seems to grant some sort of recognition, honor, or special attention to the Chinese government. Being awarded the games was a huge political coup for them, and I've never understood why they were awarded the games in the first place."