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Why the Olympics?
China provides arms and financial support for the Sudanese government, which is currently carrying out a genocidal civil war in the region of Darfur. China maintains this relationship in the interest of Oil. With the Olypmics in Beijing this year, China is now in the spotlight, asking for the world to come to Beijing, celebrate athleticism together, and spend a lot of money in China. In the midst of this, we must recognize that ultimately some of that money will be responsible for genocide, and have a moral obligation to do something about it.
Why the sponsor?
China is not going to sever its relationship with Sudan (and Sudanese oil) overnight, but we can send a message to the corporate sponsors, who’s only goal is to get some attention associated with their brand. The sponsors are spending millions upon millions for their prized spots and we need to hold them and their brand accountable.
Not a boycott of the games
This is not a boycott of the games, for many reasons. One is that we want to recognize all the positives associated with the Olympics wherever it is held. That unlike warfare, this is a good way for countries to compete with one another. Also, that a boycott of the games would have disastrous effects on the athletes. Boycotting the ceremony means we miss the spectacle, but mostly only hurts the sponsors, and not the athletes at all.
Other resources.
Last year Mia Farrow wrote and article criticizing Spielberg’s involvement in the opening ceremonies, and shortly afterward he withdrew. This proves this type of public criticism can work.
For more information, Mia Farrow’s organization, Dream for Darfur is a great place to start.
