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Why the Olympic Games Are Not About China After Tonight

The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games is just a few hours away; Beijing’s sigh of relief will be a sigh heard around the world. I will also be sighing with relief; these perilous months leading up to the Olympics have been exhausting. I am tired of hearing Chinese people proclaim their hatred for those citizens who protested the torch and tried to bring human rights into the spotlight. I am tired of being subjected to nationalistic rants about why China deserved to host the Olympics. I am tired of being told that my country was somehow involved in the March Tibetan uprising in order to sabotage the Olympics. It has to stop; it is going to stop. After tomorrow night, the Olympics are no longer about China. Not in my mind at least. I am looking forward to seeing the runners, jumpers, swimmers, divers, weightlifters, and archers; just to name a few. I am excited about the chance to see the countries of the world come together and compete for fame and glory. I can hardly wait to witness the incredible display of athleticism that we are treated to every two years in the Olympic Games; the next 16 days will be full of joy and pain for the men and woman who come to represent their countries.

Many have said that they will ‘boycott’ the Olympics by refusing to watch the Games on television. I respect their right to do so. I am not, however, going to allow my bad feelings about China to ruin my enthusiasm for this truly unique world event. If I turn my television off, how am I changing anything in China? I plan to keep my television on so that I can cheer for my country’s athletes who have worked so hard to reach Beijing. I will not be cheering for China; no one should be cheering for the PRC. After all, the Olympics are not about China; they are about athleticism, friendship, and culture. I hope that as I watch the Games, I can forget about where they are being held. Beijing is just a venue for me; nothing more.

The Chinese people may forever talk about today as a sign of China’s growing power and prestige. That is fine; let them be proud of their country. For the rest of the world, however, tomorrow is simply the beginning of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. I am looking forward to seeing the gold, silver, and bronze metals being proudly worn by the athletes who shine during the next 16 days. Let the Games begin!

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