This photo depicts the running of the Olympic flame to its home this year in Beijing, China. Of course we already know that every time an Olympic event is held the flame is always paraded in hopes of inspiring unity and hope in all that see it. It’s an especially great honor to be one of the runners selected. However, it also brings a great responsibility, not so much to the carrier, to make sure that the flame makes its trip unharmed. As you may know, the games this year have brought up an amazing amount of controversy due to the fact that they are being held in a “communist” country. Due to this newfound controversy additional guards must run alongside the main torch bearer so that he may be able to run unhindered and without fear of being attacked by a random protester.This brings me to my question for you. Provided with this knowledge, the knowledge you already have, this photo, and the abundance of info sitting at the keys your fingers are laying upon; what are your feelings about the games and their meaning being held in a country where the people there have very little freedom? Do you think that this may help with the “melting” of China’s communist grip? Or do you think that this is something that is only being done to pacify the inhabitants to prevent future uprisings?
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The Olympic Games are being held in China this year. Many people have an issue with the Games being held in China because it is a Communist country. An extended amount of security is being implemented due to the rising controversy. Should a country’s system of government prohibit them from hosting the Olympic Games? If they cannot host the Games, should they be allowed to compete? I do not think a country’s government system should be given any consideration when making decisions about the Olympic Games. Whether we allow them to compete and host the games has nothing to do with their government. This controversy is just another way for Americans to push our system of government on other countries. Having the Olympic games in China will not help ‘melt’ away the communism. The Games are not about politics, but about bringing countries around the world together to compete and share culture. I do not think having the games held in China has anything to do with communism and wanting to end. Every country should have a fair opportunity in hosting the Olympic Games, not just the countries with democratic governments.
The controversy around the Olympic Games is kind of puzzling to me. Did everyone not know years ago that it was going to be held in Beijing? Why is everyone mad about it now? And another thing is who thought that Beijing would be a good place for the Olympics to be anyway. Beijing has no regulations on the burning of oil and other resources resulting in the worst air in the world. These games are not going to be fair unless you are used to competing in such awful environments. China has done nothing to resolve this problem other than moving there huge industrial plants "down wind" of where the games are going to be held. This whole situation just doesn't make since to me.
It seems like recently, this topic has grown into a hot button issue around the world. Support for the banning of these Olympic games has also grown and grown. The most practical realization I have come to, is that the Olympics have stood the test of time, and this year is no different. Recent protests have shown a little muscle, but in all reality, it doesn't matter. It seems amazing to me that these protests continue even when we all know, that they will change nothing. Sure these protests may raise awareness, but that is all. The Olympic games have withstood hundreds of wars. Knowing this, I have no idea how these protesters think they are going to really influence these games. The only relative point the protesters have, is that it does go a long way in raising awareness. This however, is not a great enough reason to cause physical violence.
It doesn’t really matter if the country is communist or democratic or what as long as it is a safe place. If a country is participating in the Olympics then it should be allowed to host the event. If the city or country that it is being held in is a dangerous place then obviously it shouldn’t be able to have the event because it puts the athletes as well as the visitors in danger. Hopefully it will help China and its views about communism. Having China host the event isn’t something being done to pacify the inhabitants. Every country should have the opportunity if wanted to host the Olympics.
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