Email This Story

Olympic boycott harms athletes, not governments

April 25, 2008

This world is defined by diversity. With nearly 200 countries, around 6,800 languages and thousands more cultures and societies, it's hard to imagine something that connects all the dots of humanity.

But once every four years, we see it happen.

During the triumphant opening ceremony of the summer Olympic Games, the world's problems seem to melt away. As the flags and peoples of different nationalities march proudly around the stadium, a medley of cultures is paraded for all to see.

It seems as though each ceremony tries to top the previous one, often resulting in some of the most beautifully innovative performances of our time. Even if you're watching the spectacular night on television, it's still a fascinating experience. Who knew that souls could be so intoxicated by such sights, sounds and feelings?

Then, for a couple of weeks the world lives in harmony, as nations come to compete, not to fight. Hate is replaced with the spirit of athleticism, and the incredible talent represented enthralls us all.

Granted, the Olympics is never free from controversy. But it's the closest this world has ever come to gathering peacefully. It's a much-needed pause from reality, one that turns the spotlight on healthy competition rather than hopeless disparities. It's a time to connect, to admire and to revere the variety this world has to offer.

But this year is different. Still four months away, the Beijing Olympics have already been stamped with objection.

Instead of shining its symbolic light to welcoming audiences around the world, the Olympic flame has been greeted with protests and attacks. This summer will be marked by more boycotts and condemning statements, rather than the excited anticipation that usually amplifies in the months leading up to the Games.

Talk about a downer.

On the one hand, it's admirable that some world leaders and a few athletes care enough about human rights to pass on such a historic event. I'd say that's a pretty selfless and respectable move.

On the other hand, is that really going to help anything?

It's like refusing to go to an art show because the gallery owner partakes in some shady deals with business partners. Sure, the owner will be short the money he put in for the show, but the artists are the one who are truly affected. They're the ones who've worked passionately and fervently, only to have their talent ignored.

Boycotts hurt athletes and the spirit of the Olympics, not the host country. While I wish the Chinese government would allow more freedom for its people and cut its deals with Sudan, I don't think causing commotion over the Games (an event the nation has spent billions in preparation for) is going to influence China to change anything. There are other, more diplomatic ways to handle this.

On a side note, thousands of journalists will be flooding Chinese streets this summer. In a country where the domestic press faces harsh restrictions, here is a chance for the foreign media to expose some of China's hidden secrets. But if no one goes to the Olympics, journalists have less incentive, and probably less freedom, to investigate.

Call me an idealist Olympoholic, but this is a crucial time for the world to come together and appreciate our cultural mosaic rather than bicker over who has a better human rights record. I hate to see this momentous occasion ruined by the telling signs of our world's problems.

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm passionate about this world being a better place. However, as Paul McCartney sings, there will be an answer. And I don't think that answer is to boycott an event shared by all nations.

Just let it be.

Ashley Killough is a junior international studies and journalism major from Plano.

More News ...