Former Washington-based columnist for The Hong Kong Standard, The New York Sun, and Insight on the News, an online weekly published by The Washington Times. Covered economic and political relations between the United States and East Asia, with an emphasis on China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Former chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists' Association. Currently a business executive at a Chinese-language newspaper in Hong Kong.
Close.
Kin-ming Liu
Hong Kong
Former Washington-based columnist for The Hong Kong Standard, The New York Sun, and Insight on the News, an online weekly published by The Washington Times.
more »
First, let me qualify my question and my subsequent comments by the admission that I am NOT in favor of “globalism.” I think that the concept is VERY dangerous to the health and welfare to the citizens of the United States of America.
That being said, I am infuriated by the daily reports of China’s shipping of poisonous food and food-related products into the U.S. China has inundated us with poisonous products including pet foods, fruits and juices, vegetables, meat products, seafood, toothpaste, and God knows what else.
Many of our elected officials, who could not care less about our health, permit this travesty in the name of “open-trade” and “globalism.”
• So, what can we do to protect ourselves from China’s poisonous products?
• What are YOU doing to protect yourself?
• What suggestions do you have for the rest of us?
How can you (China) feel like you HONESTLY
won the Gold Medal when you used
the TAO sacred Chi Energy to push
a young woman off the Balance Beam
and to cause another young woman
to fall backwards during her floor event?
That form of power is black, not White!
You think I cannot SEE? Oh YES, I SEE
very well with my C6, or sixth energy vortex,
or Chakra Center! I have the ability to make
the clouds come and go but I would not conflict in these Sacred Games of Oneness!
A Gangster-turned-Christian apparently is trying to convert another Gangster, here is their dialogue:
Christian: You gangster are doing all bad things no good! You got to convert in order to save your soul.
Gangster: What you are saying about me isn’t entirely true. More truth will come out.
Christian: The whole world believes what I say.
Gangster: That’s because you control the world. However, even if what you are saying about me were true, you still can't preach to me like this.
Christian: Why not?
Gangster: You were worse regarding what you did to that red Indian girl and that black African boy. You were a white colonist and a slave owner.
Christian: That doesn’t count. It was only in the past.
Gangster: But the descendants of that red Indian girl are still going out to protest on your birthday -- every July 4th.
Christain: Precisely! They are free to protest! Freedom! Democracy! Do you have those?! Do you! Do you!
Gangster: You seem very forgetful, and shamelessly self-forgiving and self-congraduating. Well, however, you are still doing the same, see what you are doing to that Iraqi girl. You are an invader and a war profiteer.
Christian: That is different. It isn’t about me, it is about you, you!
Gangster: That seems very indifferent of you.
Christian: No! I am full of passion, My heart aches when I think of that poor Tibetan boy! I hate any injustice! It is my duty to do justice to this world!
Gangster: But that Hindi guy took Miss Sikk Kim too…
Christian: You shut up, I don’t know who Miss Kim is, the Tibetan boy aches my heart whenever I think of him! Behides, that Hindi guy is basically a good man but you are such a bad person!
Gangster: What!?... Why?
Christian: Because that Hindi guy is a democracy and you are not. Democrasy is good. No democracy no good, period!
Gangster: All democracies must be good?
Christian: Yes.
Gangster: How so?
Christian: Because they are like me.
Gangster: Man… I am almost wordless. So far, I must say that you are unreasonably self-centered and self-righteous.
Christian: Shut up! I know the Truth, God speaks to me! You don’t do what I say, I am going to boycott your f**king Olympics!
Gangster: ……Wait a minute……Gosh! Be respectful for yourself! The Olympics is yours! It is your tradition, I am hosting it for you to spread your culture. YOUR culture!
Christian: Mine is universal! Serving my universals is your honor! Failing it is your shame!
Gangster: So if a westerner hosting a Chinese New Year Parade, for whatever reason a Chinese guy doesn't like that westerner and pulls the westerner's pants off in public, you think it is the westerner's shame?
Christian: Yes, because he is embarrassed.
Gangster: It is the westerner's embarrassment indeed, but it is the Chinese guy's shame. For sure, that poor westerner is not going to do the Chinese New Year Parade again. Whose loss is it? Making the Olympics Ugly, yes, my embarrassement, yet your shame! Don't you get that?
Christian: It is your shame! your shame! I insist!
Gangster: ONLY CONFUSED,RUDE,NON-INTELLIGENT AND FUNDAMENTALLY UN-CULTURED PEOPLE WOULD THINK AND ACT THAT WAY. I used to worry how I could catch your guys up, but if this is the character and quality of your men, I am no more worried. Your men are no match of my men! You are no match of me!
Christian: Shut up! You are just such a bad person. And you are stubborn!
Gangster: You are a hypocrite!
Christian: I condemn you!
Gangster (angrily): I contempt you!
Christian: The contempt is mutual!
Gangster: Let it be!
(A moment of silence)
Gangster: Maybe I don’t need that stupid Olympics any more. I am going to cancell it. You will see whose loss it is.
Christian: Wait! You can’t do that either.
Gangster: … … How come? Don’t you want to stop it anyway?
Christian: I still need it to make money in you.
Gangster: Money!? I thought your concern was the Tibetan boy…
Christian: Yes, I still love that poor boy, my heart aches whenever I think of that poor boy, but we can talk about him some other time. It is about me this time.
Gangster: But… but…earlier you just said that it is all about me! The bad person…me?
Christian: It is about me now.
Gangster: So confussing… When will it be about me again?
Christian: I will remind you when I need you the bad person again.
Yet the one slogan you never hear at the Olympics is that with dreams come responsibilities. Offering an Olympic blessing to Adolf Hitler's Berlin in 1936 is a curse the International Olympic Committee has yet to shake off. And in the global neighborhood, any city's treatment of its local problems is suddenly a matter of everyone's concern. So evicting roughly 3 million of the capital's residents, as Beijing has done, while spending perhaps $200 billion on reconstructing the city (more than 300 times as much as it spent on rural health care for the entire nation in 2006) raises terrible questions about what costs are legitimate in the pursuit of social and sporting acknowledgment. Beijing even invited Albert Speer, the son of Hitler's architect, to help design a major axis.
As long as I can remember politics and unreasonable displays of nationalism have always played a role in the Olympics. From the racism and Hitlerian fantasies of Aryan superiority, rigged ice skating competitions, and of course murder of 11 atheletes at the Munich Games in 1972, the Olympics have not always been fun.
It's never been clear to me why long ago the world didn't choose a permanent location for these games, a neutral country if you wish where world athletes could compete in athletic games minus the rangor of the location decision process, the excessive spending by the host company,the often tacky extravagandas and endless displays of nationalistic pomposity.
Personally, I would build a permanent stadium in Greece where it all started, invite all countries to participate provided they help fund and organize the games, and have the concessions and revenues from the games sunk back into creating athletic competitions for the youth of the world. I bet it would cost less and wouldn't create the turmoil of the current situation.
Yeah, I know it's just a dream but since when did we all have to stop dreaming? I personally enjoy world class athletic competitions and there is much to enjoy in the games but in truth the best athletics is back in your own home town with your friends and neighbors. Somehow I don't think the Olympics inspires much of that no matter where it's located.
Mr Liu, the 29th Olympic Games HAS NOT STARTED YET.
You wait no time to declare the Games as
"no fun"
"unsuccessful"
"dull"
Deep inside your heart you want to see a failure of the games in Beijing, haven't you?
You might not know what you are doing right now. However, I smell blood in the air from 80s' born youngsters in China. They are different breed from President HU's generation.
Let's wait and see how smart the west was, in 10 years time.
U.S.-China relations may have improved a bit, thanks to the students of the marching band of Londonderry High School in New Hampshire.
The students' expression of condolence for China's devastating May 12 earthquake and their $2008 offer to the quake victims have earned much appreciation from the Chinese government of President Hu Jintao.
Thanking the students for their gesture, Hu wrote back, saying he read their letter carefully and was moved by their expressions of kind feelings, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported Friday.
"I hope the young friends of China and the United States will strengthen exchanges, learn from each other, increase friendship and make greater contribution to promoting the friendly relations between China and the United States and to creating an even better tomorrow for the world," Hu said.
Besides their letter of sorrow over the earthquake, the 345-member U.S. high school band also performed in China from June 20-27 to show support for the Beijing Summer Olympic Games, which open Aug. 8.
You are making me laugh. "Such is the hypocrisy and double standard, people'd rather turn a blind eye on China"? It's the first time that I heard people are turning a blind eye on China.
KBurchfiel, it is not paranoia but the reality you refuse to see through rosy glasses.
Now everybody is a sucker for China, why?, that's where the money and big business are, however, most people are quick to condemn Cuba and advocate for a never-ending embargo. Last time I checked both China and Cuba were still totalitarian communist regimes.....did you know that KBurchfiel?, It is amazing how willing we are to overlook this fact in favor of a so called "free market" approach.
Such is the hypocrisy and double standard, people'd rather turn a blind eye on China than having a few spoilers like me ruin their olimpic fest with very inconvenient truths. Even the Chinese seems to be content to have money to spend despite living with an iron grip on their necks, which proves my point about free markets, democracy and freedom being just a bunch of BS. What really matters here is MONEY, that solves and justifies anything.
Where do you live and how do you live? I have never had a taxi driver try to overcharge me in the way you described. Nor has any boat tour operator tried to cheat me. Perhaps it depends on how you approach people??
As to hawkers, you should get out more, they are the same the world over. I tell them I don't want any, thanks, and smile, and they often smile back, but never really bother me. Perhaps if you acknowledged them as human beings????
As far as "the obvious swindlings", I got a great deal on a computer. Paid an amazing price for my camera body, then overpaid for the lenses. This is pretty much par for the course in a system of free for all bargaining.
If you want to do it right, you have to learn the ropes. (smile).
I have seen foreigners haggle to death over a two cent discount, and wondered why. Two cents, buy the sellers kid another bowl of rice. Don't sweat the small stuff.
People in China (just as in the US, and I suspect everywhere else), react to how you treat them. Some people have arrogrant "cheat me, I despise you" notices written on their faces. Some people (who do better than I do), treat everyone as a new friend, and find out that things work out okay in the balance.
I rarely get swindled (about as often as in the US (never take a check for $40 from a grandfatherly type even if he has id)).
The other side?? The streetside bicycle repairperson who refused my money to add air to my tires (about 3 cents), a small amount to me, quite a bit to them (multiplied, and the going rate). The guy who sold me beer when I got home late at night, who offered to share his breakfast with me, because I was always leaving so early he thought I wasn't eating (he was right). The security guards who fixed my flat tires, and never said anything. The many many people who step in to help me if I am lost or confused, and do so with great manners and impeccable hospitality.
A guy I knew came here, could speak no Chinese, needed an electronic part. Somehow found his way to a store, they didn't have it. Where? A stranger took him to the right place on the bus and helped him buy what he needed. This kind of thing happens a lot in Beijing.
Maybe it doesn't happen in the expat SanLiTun bar district, but all of us don't live there (or spend any time there).
Yeah, I do watch CCTV, and sometimes read China Daily, and also read WAPO and the NYTIMES and a whole buncha other things. So what.
(For the uninitiated, CCTV probably refers to CCTV9, the government English language channel (is available in parts of America, if you are open minded, you should watch it and see what you think for yourself). Young pseudo hip elitist foreign snobs (well, they want to be snobs, not sure what but their own bloated self conceit makes them superior) take particular pains to never ever watch it. They think this makes them "independent" in some way. But they will watch FOX TV, go figure).
Hey, it's raining, I spent the day at DaShanZi (why don't we read much about this in the WAPO?? instead of endless bar stories???) and am tired......
It's raining hard, the air will clear up, and some of us will have a great Olympics!!
CHINA'S IRON GRIP on the Internet won't be relaxed for journalists covering the Summer Olympics, as it has reneged on its earlier promises to the International Olympics Committee (IOC).
Sun Weide, spokestyrant for the Beijing Olympics organising committee, has announced that reporters will not have unrestricted Internet access during the Games, since many web sites regarded as "sensitive" by China's ruling hierarchy will remain censored even to the press.
He said: "During the Olympic Games we will provide sufficient access to the Internet for reporters." However, what China's government regards as " sufficient" doesn't match the total forebearance of web censorship that China had promised the IOC in making its bid.
Sun specifically mentioned that web sites related to the banned Chinese Christian spiritual movement Falungong would be off-limits to journalists.
--People's Republic of China where the native tongue is Cantonese--
LOL. chinese goverment killed a culture and language of Tang people that already? congrad.. now Cantonese are a part of "great" Han-chinese ethnic.. I will bet that in 20 years all Cantonese will be bow in Confucius way and talk only Madarin. (or be beaten in buddhist way and talking Cantonese only inside of "ethnic safari")
"This is the beginning of my seventh year in Beijing. I have flown in and out of the country numerous times, and have never experienced anything like Catherine Sutterfield claims to. If her airport story is true, she should talk to Northwest airlines about it, her complaint is with them, not China. I have never heard a story like this, but then my luggage is never overweight.
I flew back to America in July, my seatmate was part of a larger tour group who were all excited about what a great time they had in China. So, Ms. Sutterfield doesn't like Chinese food. Or street hawkers (they have never bothered me, but I don't know where she went or what she did). (As to the food, I wish it was less delicious (ruefully examining my ever expanding waistline).)
Other people may have different experiences."
I've been in China for several ( 5 )years as well and I can absolutely confirm the duplicity of the tourguide/translators, the peskyness and downright criminal prices that the hawkers try to get from foreigners and the numerous other scams that take place everyday in China ( taxi drivers charging 50 times the regular price, boat tour operators that have tickets for chinese and others for non chinese, text message scams to name a few). Apparently Patrick watches too much CCTV and has a subscription to the China Daily.
How you could turn a blind eye to such obvious swindelling is disturbing.
There is an inherent racist attitude that is so widespread in the country that the mere notion that people from other countries should be treated in the same way as Chinese prompts screwed up faces and jibes. It's hard to blame them though after so many years of closed door policy and isolationsm. Look forward to hearing more stories like Catherine's in the coming weeks.
For all of those China haters, stop insulting, shouting, screaming, and preaching. We are getting sick and tired of you. Don't come. Don't watch. No one invites you. Nobody cares. No one gives it a damn.
Don't pretend you have high moral ground. You don't. Don't be ridiculous. Clear up your own house first.
This is the beginning of my seventh year in Beijing. I have flown in and out of the country numerous times, and have never experienced anything like Catherine Sutterfield claims to. If her airport story is true, she should talk to Northwest airlines about it, her complaint is with them, not China. I have never heard a story like this, but then my luggage is never overweight.
I flew back to America in July, my seatmate was part of a larger tour group who were all excited about what a great time they had in China. So, Ms. Sutterfield doesn't like Chinese food. Or street hawkers (they have never bothered me, but I don't know where she went or what she did). (As to the food, I wish it was less delicious (ruefully examining my ever expanding waistline).)
Other people may have different experiences.
About the article. I gather that Kin-ming Liu hates China. Got it. Very clear. Message received. So, he writes a whole buncha insults. How unenlightening.
Of course Mr. Kin-ming Liu is affiliated with the Washington Times, and extremely right wing newspaper published by the Reverend Moon cult. I am surprised the WAPO gives anyone associated with them much credibility, but well....
The Olympics for many people will be a sporting event full of chances to see an emerging developing country that they know little about. It will contain many dramatic stories about sports and athletes, and lots of human interests stories as well.
For those who hate China but don't know much about it (quite a number apparently), they can boycott their tvs or watch reruns.
Those of us here, will be having a great time! (except for some MSM types who won't be happy unless they have things to complain about!).
Apparently you have never set foot on China. I suggest you to watch Ted Koppel's China series on Discovery channel. China has implemented one of the most aggressive capitalist economic reform for decades. In fact according to the business owners Ted interviewed, China has more economic freedom than the US in terms of the pro-growth, pro-capitalist economic policies.
Go to China and have some fun. That will open your eyes. Don't believe everything Washington Post tells you. American MSM is baised corporate propaganda machine.
Can the author define FUN? Which standard does the author think FUN comply to? Which whom does the author think should have FUN?
********************************
Ahem, well, let's try this:
"China is cool! They have the best food, and the coolest bars and the nicest people! I had a blast! No hassles, just a good time. I can't wait to come again!"
Now for the opposite:
"China sucked. You can't breathe the air, everything was expensive, the cops were on our a$$es 24/7, and nobody wanted to talk to us. I'll never go back!"
Which of these statements not only translates into "fun", but also "profit"?
Man, don't tell me the Chinese are becoming like Americans, as in DUMB.
Maybe they should just stick to buying the silence of parents who lost their kids in the earthquake; they seem to be excelling at that.
Why is anyone surprised that a police state will act this way? The olympics will remind the west to be wary of china-the exact opposite of why china wanted the games. The Communists can't help themselves, they do what they do becuase they are communists.
Since when the Olympics becomes the greatest show on earth for political protest? If you can't have fun watching top athletes compete, then sports is not a fun thing for you. So step aside.
I had a lot of fun watching the super bowl, NBA final, Tiger Woods. But I have never tuned in a political rally for Iraq war and etc. There is nothing fun about it.
Liu misses the point completely. The Olympics is not for 'foreign' consumption, but for domestic consumption. It is akin to the Berlin Olympics, to showcase the Chinese regime and to consolidate nationalistic fervour.
China has won over the youth population with the Games. The more the West attacks the Beijing Olympics with snide remarks and criticisms on the regime, the stronger the popular support for the regime.
As to those pesky sub-valued foreigners? China never cared for them and couldn't care less if they rant about human rights outside of China. Bus, Sarko, and all the CEO's and their representatives from the top Fortune global 500 companies will be in town to pay tribute to the Beijing kings - and this is what counts.
The author seems to suggest there should be widespread political protests in order for the Olympics in China to be successful and "fun." Yet political and religious propaganda are banned in Olympic venues, regardless of the nation hosting the games. Protests were only allowed in designated areas during the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and most recent Summer Olympics in Athens.
Were the Olympics this year in the United States, there would undoubtedly be very stringent security. Highly unlikely would the United States government tolerate protests without a permit in major public locales in Washington DC or any important city. Most Americans and many in the media would regard such protests by foreigners as showing poor manners by guests in our country.
Yet a small minority of foreigners going to China in August may believe they have the right to protest wherever they want. Chinese authorities will probably be subject to strong criticism by many in the foreign media and certain governments, if they do not tolerate such protests, thereby arguably holding China to a higher standard than the United States and perhaps many European nations would adhere to under similar circumstances in their countries. This mentality may, to some extent, be a vestige of the century of humilation whereby foreigners believed they had the right to behave as they wanted in China.
The Olympics are already tainted, regardless of where they are played. Rampant commercialism, professionalism undermining, historical amateur ideals and excessive nationalistic coverage by the media in certain countries are bad enough. In addition, a small minority seek to interject politics into the games. The ancient Greeks were hardly a paragon of virtue in their Olympics, but they were more mature than many in the contemporary era.
I know that China promised that the Press would be able to report freely when the IOC gave China the '08 Olympics. Now China represses dissent and reporting more than ever. In turn, I'm going to boycott any viewing of China's Olympics.
It's a no fun Olympics because too many people, the author and the Chinese included, takes it too seriously and too politically. I don't think IOC gave 2008 to China based on the assumption that it would become a democracy by 2008. They thought a country with over 1/4 of the world population should get a chance. The Chinese government can't stand to lose face. At the same time, the Chinese-bashers can't wait to see them do just that. It's all these people who have made this game such a joke. Congratulations Mr Liu, mission accomplished!
It has already been a success in that if China doesn't feel completely embarassed by all the stories about pollution, then they never will be convinced to do something about their (and our) use of carbon fuels. I don't care if there are no protests, everybody knows China's record on human rights, but if people can't see the venues during the day time that will do more good than any protest, and giving them the games will have been worth it. Who would have guessed?
I don't see the need to act differently from previous Olympics, which for me, is to simply watch a little on TV when I have time and ignore it most of the time. After all, who has that much time to sit in front of the TV?
My not watching the Olympics will not send any message to China's repressive government and if I do watch, it does not mean I support them. We simply want to know who won what events on a given day.
I think a(nother) protest march to your local Chinese embassy or consulate during the Olympics will be more effective or at least cathartic in terms of sending a message of disapproval to the Chinese Communist regime. Anyone know of one scheduled in the Washington DC area at that time?
Jorge: Your comment gives off a sense of paranoia. If you don't want Chinese posters mislabeling and skewing your posts, I'd suggest you abstain from doing the same to them.
Those in the Olympic committee who agreed to give the 2008 games to Beijing back in the early 90s have gotten a big surprise: China, which they hoped to be a democrtic country by 2008, is still undemocratic. Even knowing that, I still think it was a good idea. This type of engagement will serve China well for improvements in that direction.
It so easy to spot comments posted by Chinese agents.....I mean, nationals, they really hate the west so much that their nicknames are even more anglo than anybody's.
By the way, Cathy Sutterfield's comment is quite revealing, something chinese web prowlers don't want to see in the open.
I would not recommend that American tourists travel to the Olympics, unless they speak perfect Mandarin, and are familiar with the realities of Chinese society, 2008. The athletes are going to have a hard enough time as it is. And, as you wrote, it is not going to be a "fun time."
We are ex-pats, just returned to the U.S., having lived in Singapore for the past 20 years. We speak some Mandarin Chinese. We know Asia, or at least we thought we did. We are experienced travelers who don't follow the usual "Hilton Hotel" route, and we have had great experiences in Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. We went to Beijing for the first time last year and stayed for three weeks in a highly-rated Chinese hotel. We couldn't wait to leave. For the most part, the people were rude, the food was terrible, and our "translator" insisted on taking us to places we did not want to visit--such as a Chinese herbalist--where we were pressured to buy nostrums we did not want to buy. Street hawkers bothered us and with one exception, most shops tried to gouge us with absurd prices on such items as bottled water and yoghurt. Upon leaving,
uniformed guards at the Northwest Airlines desk extorted money from us, all the cash we had--$180--claiming that our bags were overweight. They were not. I still have the luggage tags. The Northwest employees on the ground pretended that nothing unusual was happening. When our plane took off and we were finally airbound, a cheer broke out from many of the passengers who were obviously as relieved as we were to be leaving. A Northwest Flight attendant on the plane told us that these airport shakedowns occur frequently and gave us a bottle of expensive Champagne to "partially compensate us for our loss." It was very kind of her to do this. The whole experience had been so awful that I burst into tears. But knowing that the flight crew understood what we had been through helped us make it to Tokyo and then home. All of the Americans in our area of the plane had a horror story to tell. Seeing the difference between the facade and the reality of life in China, not to mention the contempt for non-Chinese we all sensed, was more than most of us could bear.
The article states: "The main obsession of the Chinese government, shared by a lot of the Chinese people, is to wipe out, once and for all, the humiliation imposed on the Middle Kingdom by the West in the last two hundred years."
It should be noted that the Manchu were not exactly from the Middle Kingdom and the rule of Kangxi (1661-1722)ended with a steady decline of the Qing Emporors that had little to do with Western incursions. In fact, the Manchus from the Manchurian plains in 1644 occupied Beijing in a manner that was copied almost exactly by various detachments of western troops in 1900. The Manchus did not seem to bring 'humiliation' as the Westerners did in the 1900s, but China's problems had began well before the western military came.
Does the "main obsession" of the Beijing people mean that they do not want to ever see the decline of Chinese society or that they really are merely xenophobic about those who are not Beijing people?
Just to be fair, the biggest humiliation of the middle kingdom in the last century didn't come from "the west" but China's island neighbor to the east.
Second, resentment/dislike of the Japanese by the the Chinese doesn't mean there's some hatred of the rest of the world. For example, the Scots tend not to care much for the English, but that doesn't mean there's a dislike of every other country on the face of the earth.
"Who represents the international news ? Just English news? Probably not. These days, news are also diversified. English news don't dominate the world anymore."
It doesn't really matter what language the news is in. What matters is whether the reporting organization is free to report on anything it wants. Which, of course, the Chinese media is not.
Chinese pride in hosting the games should not displace what should be Chinese shame for tolerating its repressive government.
Billy: what really scares me is that members of your own country are being tortured in government prisons. What really scares me is that your "One Child" law is going to lead to a massive demographic imbalance by 2030 that could lead to mass poverty.
I don't fear for myself. When it comes to China, I fear for citizens like you who must endure a government that's even worse than ours.
"Who represents the international news ? Just English news? Probably not. These days, news are also diversified. English news don't dominate the world anymore."
I agree entirely. But will the non-English news media be covering different events both on and off the athletic fields? Will non-English speaking athletes and guests have substantially different experiences than English speaking participants and guests? Next to a natural domestic tilt or being a reporter in a totalitarian society how is the coverage going to be substantially different from English speaking coverage?
Even if I still had cable, I still wouldn't watch the 2008 Olympics, in all it's morally and ecologically corrupt glory.
The only reason the Olympics were allowed to be held there is because half the planet owes China boatloads of money, and hey, how is America to pay for all its wars?
What matters here, I think, is that the world's spotlight is going to be focused on China for a good three weeks. This could easily lead to protests, deaths and increased animosity between the major world powers. (Some of us, myself included, seem to want it to be that way.) Nevertheless, I think this will end up being a spotlight that proves constructive, not destructive in the long run. China will soon learn that its police force and army are not quite big enough to drown out the cries of activists, both domestic and international. 1.3 billion citizens will have the chance to learn about the human rights failures of its own country, just like we in the states have (Guantanamo, for example). The country will emerge from the Olympics with its propaganda revealed to be sheep's clothing, but this can only be a good thing.
I am not a blindsided Westerner who sees only bad in the country. In fact, I have great respect for the billion-strong populace, whose very souls have been tested against one oppressive regime after another. They deserve their Olympics. Nevertheless, I have far less sympathy for the government, just as I lack respect for the Bush administration. If this Olympics can shed some light on ALL of our deficiencies and encourage us to seek a better planet, all the better.
I live in Beijing. I'm predicting a protest-free Olympics as well. All the would-be-protestors going to Beijing will be shut down, slammed hard, by ordinary Chinese people, because guess what, they've got principles and pride too. That closes the door on your un-democratic argument. The thing that scares Westerners the most is that a different race of people can disagree with them, and back that up with real power.
Who represents the international news ? Just English news? Probably not. These days, news are also diversified. English news don't dominate the world anymore.
China is in for a bumpy ride that will likely lead to a lot of figure pointing and anger directed at much of the international community. No matter what the PRC does at this point they can't control the opinions of the foreign athletes or the international news coverage. Because of that China will likely loose face. I can't imagine a situation were that doesn't happen unless there is, unfortunately, a damaging terrorist event. Otherwise let your imagination flow to the multiple issues and story lines the media will focus on after reporting on the actual events: an unwelcoming people and environment, low foreign attendance, repressive security, no night life, multiple xenophobic events both at the venues and away, pollution, traffic congestion and that is just what I have heard about in the last week. I just don't see how contrived media events and photo op's will overcome the obvious problems facing this event that will be and have already been reported in the international media.
Hey, Kin-Ming Liu, why didn't you publish this article in Hong Kong Chinese newspapers? What are you afraid of? Chinese people in Hong Kong will be mad at you? I doubt it. I think they are very fair-minded. Maybe you are the one who hides something.
All Comments (65)
First, let me qualify my question and my subsequent comments by the admission that I am NOT in favor of “globalism.” I think that the concept is VERY dangerous to the health and welfare to the citizens of the United States of America.
That being said, I am infuriated by the daily reports of China’s shipping of poisonous food and food-related products into the U.S. China has inundated us with poisonous products including pet foods, fruits and juices, vegetables, meat products, seafood, toothpaste, and God knows what else.
Many of our elected officials, who could not care less about our health, permit this travesty in the name of “open-trade” and “globalism.”
• So, what can we do to protect ourselves from China’s poisonous products?
• What are YOU doing to protect yourself?
• What suggestions do you have for the rest of us?
August 13, 2008 3:39 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 13, 2008 15:39
How can you (China) feel like you HONESTLY
won the Gold Medal when you used
the TAO sacred Chi Energy to push
a young woman off the Balance Beam
and to cause another young woman
to fall backwards during her floor event?
That form of power is black, not White!
You think I cannot SEE? Oh YES, I SEE
very well with my C6, or sixth energy vortex,
or Chakra Center! I have the ability to make
the clouds come and go but I would not conflict in these Sacred Games of Oneness!
August 13, 2008 10:36 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 13, 2008 10:36
你呢個契弟簡直系我地香港人恥辱﹗有本事同我只抽﹗
August 8, 2008 2:48 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 8, 2008 02:48
最賤中國人金牌非劉先生莫屬。
August 7, 2008 1:38 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 7, 2008 01:38
For those of you who would like to attend the Olympics and are let in, use this map:
www.massacremap.com
August 6, 2008 3:29 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 6, 2008 15:29
今有逐臭之夫
昔聞逐臭夫
其妻腋下抱
此事太離奇
當時信不了
今有殖民後
相似頗不少
華廈多香室
其唯愛廁澡
伸頭馬桶內
吸氣恐不飽
復指主人面
汝家臭不好﹗
問其何不去
謀生賴此道
搜臭在祖國
賣臭在他土
他國性如此
其民有此好
我為其擔心
我為其煩惱﹕
有日天下香
臭業能不倒﹖
August 5, 2008 5:58 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 5, 2008 05:58
有的人就是一副奴才相。
August 5, 2008 2:13 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 5, 2008 02:13
A Gangster-turned-Christian apparently is trying to convert another Gangster, here is their dialogue:
Christian: You gangster are doing all bad things no good! You got to convert in order to save your soul.
Gangster: What you are saying about me isn’t entirely true. More truth will come out.
Christian: The whole world believes what I say.
Gangster: That’s because you control the world. However, even if what you are saying about me were true, you still can't preach to me like this.
Christian: Why not?
Gangster: You were worse regarding what you did to that red Indian girl and that black African boy. You were a white colonist and a slave owner.
Christian: That doesn’t count. It was only in the past.
Gangster: But the descendants of that red Indian girl are still going out to protest on your birthday -- every July 4th.
Christain: Precisely! They are free to protest! Freedom! Democracy! Do you have those?! Do you! Do you!
Gangster: You seem very forgetful, and shamelessly self-forgiving and self-congraduating. Well, however, you are still doing the same, see what you are doing to that Iraqi girl. You are an invader and a war profiteer.
Christian: That is different. It isn’t about me, it is about you, you!
Gangster: That seems very indifferent of you.
Christian: No! I am full of passion, My heart aches when I think of that poor Tibetan boy! I hate any injustice! It is my duty to do justice to this world!
Gangster: But that Hindi guy took Miss Sikk Kim too…
Christian: You shut up, I don’t know who Miss Kim is, the Tibetan boy aches my heart whenever I think of him! Behides, that Hindi guy is basically a good man but you are such a bad person!
Gangster: What!?... Why?
Christian: Because that Hindi guy is a democracy and you are not. Democrasy is good. No democracy no good, period!
Gangster: All democracies must be good?
Christian: Yes.
Gangster: How so?
Christian: Because they are like me.
Gangster: Man… I am almost wordless. So far, I must say that you are unreasonably self-centered and self-righteous.
Christian: Shut up! I know the Truth, God speaks to me! You don’t do what I say, I am going to boycott your f**king Olympics!
Gangster: ……Wait a minute……Gosh! Be respectful for yourself! The Olympics is yours! It is your tradition, I am hosting it for you to spread your culture. YOUR culture!
Christian: Mine is universal! Serving my universals is your honor! Failing it is your shame!
Gangster: So if a westerner hosting a Chinese New Year Parade, for whatever reason a Chinese guy doesn't like that westerner and pulls the westerner's pants off in public, you think it is the westerner's shame?
Christian: Yes, because he is embarrassed.
Gangster: It is the westerner's embarrassment indeed, but it is the Chinese guy's shame. For sure, that poor westerner is not going to do the Chinese New Year Parade again. Whose loss is it? Making the Olympics Ugly, yes, my embarrassement, yet your shame! Don't you get that?
Christian: It is your shame! your shame! I insist!
Gangster: ONLY CONFUSED,RUDE,NON-INTELLIGENT AND FUNDAMENTALLY UN-CULTURED PEOPLE WOULD THINK AND ACT THAT WAY. I used to worry how I could catch your guys up, but if this is the character and quality of your men, I am no more worried. Your men are no match of my men! You are no match of me!
Christian: Shut up! You are just such a bad person. And you are stubborn!
Gangster: You are a hypocrite!
Christian: I condemn you!
Gangster (angrily): I contempt you!
Christian: The contempt is mutual!
Gangster: Let it be!
(A moment of silence)
Gangster: Maybe I don’t need that stupid Olympics any more. I am going to cancell it. You will see whose loss it is.
Christian: Wait! You can’t do that either.
Gangster: … … How come? Don’t you want to stop it anyway?
Christian: I still need it to make money in you.
Gangster: Money!? I thought your concern was the Tibetan boy…
Christian: Yes, I still love that poor boy, my heart aches whenever I think of that poor boy, but we can talk about him some other time. It is about me this time.
Gangster: But… but…earlier you just said that it is all about me! The bad person…me?
Christian: It is about me now.
Gangster: So confussing… When will it be about me again?
Christian: I will remind you when I need you the bad person again.
Gangster: You are such a Moral Paper Tiger !
(The End)
August 5, 2008 1:29 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 5, 2008 01:29
http://burmadigest.info/2008/08/02/chinas-triumph-of-the-will/
August 4, 2008 12:40 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 4, 2008 00:40
Yet the one slogan you never hear at the Olympics is that with dreams come responsibilities. Offering an Olympic blessing to Adolf Hitler's Berlin in 1936 is a curse the International Olympic Committee has yet to shake off. And in the global neighborhood, any city's treatment of its local problems is suddenly a matter of everyone's concern. So evicting roughly 3 million of the capital's residents, as Beijing has done, while spending perhaps $200 billion on reconstructing the city (more than 300 times as much as it spent on rural health care for the entire nation in 2006) raises terrible questions about what costs are legitimate in the pursuit of social and sporting acknowledgment. Beijing even invited Albert Speer, the son of Hitler's architect, to help design a major axis.
August 4, 2008 12:40 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 4, 2008 00:40
As long as I can remember politics and unreasonable displays of nationalism have always played a role in the Olympics. From the racism and Hitlerian fantasies of Aryan superiority, rigged ice skating competitions, and of course murder of 11 atheletes at the Munich Games in 1972, the Olympics have not always been fun.
It's never been clear to me why long ago the world didn't choose a permanent location for these games, a neutral country if you wish where world athletes could compete in athletic games minus the rangor of the location decision process, the excessive spending by the host company,the often tacky extravagandas and endless displays of nationalistic pomposity.
Personally, I would build a permanent stadium in Greece where it all started, invite all countries to participate provided they help fund and organize the games, and have the concessions and revenues from the games sunk back into creating athletic competitions for the youth of the world. I bet it would cost less and wouldn't create the turmoil of the current situation.
Yeah, I know it's just a dream but since when did we all have to stop dreaming? I personally enjoy world class athletic competitions and there is much to enjoy in the games but in truth the best athletics is back in your own home town with your friends and neighbors. Somehow I don't think the Olympics inspires much of that no matter where it's located.
August 3, 2008 10:40 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 3, 2008 22:40
The Post Global's anti-China resident has spoken. Olympics is no fun.
August 2, 2008 3:23 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 2, 2008 15:23
Mr Liu, the 29th Olympic Games HAS NOT STARTED YET.
You wait no time to declare the Games as
"no fun"
"unsuccessful"
"dull"
Deep inside your heart you want to see a failure of the games in Beijing, haven't you?
You might not know what you are doing right now. However, I smell blood in the air from 80s' born youngsters in China. They are different breed from President HU's generation.
Let's wait and see how smart the west was, in 10 years time.
August 1, 2008 11:14 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 1, 2008 23:14
Re: It is not about fun
I see your point that the Olympic is going to be a "no-fun Olympics." But you have to see a Big Picture--instead of only focusing on a “small” issue.
The Beijing Olympic is not about fun: It is about global economy.
Fly high then you will see.
August 1, 2008 9:02 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 1, 2008 09:02
U.S.-China relations may have improved a bit, thanks to the students of the marching band of Londonderry High School in New Hampshire.
The students' expression of condolence for China's devastating May 12 earthquake and their $2008 offer to the quake victims have earned much appreciation from the Chinese government of President Hu Jintao.
Thanking the students for their gesture, Hu wrote back, saying he read their letter carefully and was moved by their expressions of kind feelings, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported Friday.
"I hope the young friends of China and the United States will strengthen exchanges, learn from each other, increase friendship and make greater contribution to promoting the friendly relations between China and the United States and to creating an even better tomorrow for the world," Hu said.
Besides their letter of sorrow over the earthquake, the 345-member U.S. high school band also performed in China from June 20-27 to show support for the Beijing Summer Olympic Games, which open Aug. 8.
August 1, 2008 3:43 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 1, 2008 03:43
Sam, sam
You should be better than that, kid.
July 31, 2008 1:22 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 31, 2008 13:22
JORGE,
You are making me laugh. "Such is the hypocrisy and double standard, people'd rather turn a blind eye on China"? It's the first time that I heard people are turning a blind eye on China.
July 31, 2008 1:09 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 31, 2008 13:09
KBurchfiel, it is not paranoia but the reality you refuse to see through rosy glasses.
Now everybody is a sucker for China, why?, that's where the money and big business are, however, most people are quick to condemn Cuba and advocate for a never-ending embargo. Last time I checked both China and Cuba were still totalitarian communist regimes.....did you know that KBurchfiel?, It is amazing how willing we are to overlook this fact in favor of a so called "free market" approach.
Such is the hypocrisy and double standard, people'd rather turn a blind eye on China than having a few spoilers like me ruin their olimpic fest with very inconvenient truths. Even the Chinese seems to be content to have money to spend despite living with an iron grip on their necks, which proves my point about free markets, democracy and freedom being just a bunch of BS. What really matters here is MONEY, that solves and justifies anything.
July 31, 2008 12:04 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 31, 2008 12:04
Kudos to PatrickInBeijing. Well said. I can't agree more.
Be open minded.
Don't rush to generalize.
Treat the people the way you want to be treated.
...
July 31, 2008 10:36 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 31, 2008 10:36
Dear anonymous,
Where do you live and how do you live? I have never had a taxi driver try to overcharge me in the way you described. Nor has any boat tour operator tried to cheat me. Perhaps it depends on how you approach people??
As to hawkers, you should get out more, they are the same the world over. I tell them I don't want any, thanks, and smile, and they often smile back, but never really bother me. Perhaps if you acknowledged them as human beings????
As far as "the obvious swindlings", I got a great deal on a computer. Paid an amazing price for my camera body, then overpaid for the lenses. This is pretty much par for the course in a system of free for all bargaining.
If you want to do it right, you have to learn the ropes. (smile).
I have seen foreigners haggle to death over a two cent discount, and wondered why. Two cents, buy the sellers kid another bowl of rice. Don't sweat the small stuff.
People in China (just as in the US, and I suspect everywhere else), react to how you treat them. Some people have arrogrant "cheat me, I despise you" notices written on their faces. Some people (who do better than I do), treat everyone as a new friend, and find out that things work out okay in the balance.
I rarely get swindled (about as often as in the US (never take a check for $40 from a grandfatherly type even if he has id)).
The other side?? The streetside bicycle repairperson who refused my money to add air to my tires (about 3 cents), a small amount to me, quite a bit to them (multiplied, and the going rate). The guy who sold me beer when I got home late at night, who offered to share his breakfast with me, because I was always leaving so early he thought I wasn't eating (he was right). The security guards who fixed my flat tires, and never said anything. The many many people who step in to help me if I am lost or confused, and do so with great manners and impeccable hospitality.
A guy I knew came here, could speak no Chinese, needed an electronic part. Somehow found his way to a store, they didn't have it. Where? A stranger took him to the right place on the bus and helped him buy what he needed. This kind of thing happens a lot in Beijing.
Maybe it doesn't happen in the expat SanLiTun bar district, but all of us don't live there (or spend any time there).
Yeah, I do watch CCTV, and sometimes read China Daily, and also read WAPO and the NYTIMES and a whole buncha other things. So what.
(For the uninitiated, CCTV probably refers to CCTV9, the government English language channel (is available in parts of America, if you are open minded, you should watch it and see what you think for yourself). Young pseudo hip elitist foreign snobs (well, they want to be snobs, not sure what but their own bloated self conceit makes them superior) take particular pains to never ever watch it. They think this makes them "independent" in some way. But they will watch FOX TV, go figure).
Hey, it's raining, I spent the day at DaShanZi (why don't we read much about this in the WAPO?? instead of endless bar stories???) and am tired......
It's raining hard, the air will clear up, and some of us will have a great Olympics!!
July 31, 2008 10:02 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 31, 2008 10:02
CHINA'S IRON GRIP on the Internet won't be relaxed for journalists covering the Summer Olympics, as it has reneged on its earlier promises to the International Olympics Committee (IOC).
Sun Weide, spokestyrant for the Beijing Olympics organising committee, has announced that reporters will not have unrestricted Internet access during the Games, since many web sites regarded as "sensitive" by China's ruling hierarchy will remain censored even to the press.
He said: "During the Olympic Games we will provide sufficient access to the Internet for reporters." However, what China's government regards as " sufficient" doesn't match the total forebearance of web censorship that China had promised the IOC in making its bid.
Sun specifically mentioned that web sites related to the banned Chinese Christian spiritual movement Falungong would be off-limits to journalists.
http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/07/31/china-censor-journalists
July 31, 2008 5:46 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 31, 2008 05:46
--People's Republic of China where the native tongue is Cantonese--
LOL. chinese goverment killed a culture and language of Tang people that already? congrad.. now Cantonese are a part of "great" Han-chinese ethnic.. I will bet that in 20 years all Cantonese will be bow in Confucius way and talk only Madarin. (or be beaten in buddhist way and talking Cantonese only inside of "ethnic safari")
July 31, 2008 4:35 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 31, 2008 04:35
"This is the beginning of my seventh year in Beijing. I have flown in and out of the country numerous times, and have never experienced anything like Catherine Sutterfield claims to. If her airport story is true, she should talk to Northwest airlines about it, her complaint is with them, not China. I have never heard a story like this, but then my luggage is never overweight.
I flew back to America in July, my seatmate was part of a larger tour group who were all excited about what a great time they had in China. So, Ms. Sutterfield doesn't like Chinese food. Or street hawkers (they have never bothered me, but I don't know where she went or what she did). (As to the food, I wish it was less delicious (ruefully examining my ever expanding waistline).)
Other people may have different experiences."
I've been in China for several ( 5 )years as well and I can absolutely confirm the duplicity of the tourguide/translators, the peskyness and downright criminal prices that the hawkers try to get from foreigners and the numerous other scams that take place everyday in China ( taxi drivers charging 50 times the regular price, boat tour operators that have tickets for chinese and others for non chinese, text message scams to name a few). Apparently Patrick watches too much CCTV and has a subscription to the China Daily.
How you could turn a blind eye to such obvious swindelling is disturbing.
There is an inherent racist attitude that is so widespread in the country that the mere notion that people from other countries should be treated in the same way as Chinese prompts screwed up faces and jibes. It's hard to blame them though after so many years of closed door policy and isolationsm. Look forward to hearing more stories like Catherine's in the coming weeks.
July 31, 2008 1:22 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 31, 2008 01:22
For Kin-ming Liu, The definition of "FUN" is: hard drugs + prostitutes + bombings + murders.
For that, I'll say long live the No-FUN Games! Go back to your home to have those "FUNS".
July 30, 2008 10:21 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 22:21
For all of those China haters, stop insulting, shouting, screaming, and preaching. We are getting sick and tired of you. Don't come. Don't watch. No one invites you. Nobody cares. No one gives it a damn.
Don't pretend you have high moral ground. You don't. Don't be ridiculous. Clear up your own house first.
Just go away!
July 30, 2008 9:55 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 21:55
Kin-ming Liu does not seem like a fun guy to be with.
July 30, 2008 7:06 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 19:06
To be fair, it probably wasn't very easy for athletes at the Salt Lake Winter Games to get drunk, either.
July 30, 2008 6:41 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 18:41
This is the beginning of my seventh year in Beijing. I have flown in and out of the country numerous times, and have never experienced anything like Catherine Sutterfield claims to. If her airport story is true, she should talk to Northwest airlines about it, her complaint is with them, not China. I have never heard a story like this, but then my luggage is never overweight.
I flew back to America in July, my seatmate was part of a larger tour group who were all excited about what a great time they had in China. So, Ms. Sutterfield doesn't like Chinese food. Or street hawkers (they have never bothered me, but I don't know where she went or what she did). (As to the food, I wish it was less delicious (ruefully examining my ever expanding waistline).)
Other people may have different experiences.
About the article. I gather that Kin-ming Liu hates China. Got it. Very clear. Message received. So, he writes a whole buncha insults. How unenlightening.
Of course Mr. Kin-ming Liu is affiliated with the Washington Times, and extremely right wing newspaper published by the Reverend Moon cult. I am surprised the WAPO gives anyone associated with them much credibility, but well....
The Olympics for many people will be a sporting event full of chances to see an emerging developing country that they know little about. It will contain many dramatic stories about sports and athletes, and lots of human interests stories as well.
For those who hate China but don't know much about it (quite a number apparently), they can boycott their tvs or watch reruns.
Those of us here, will be having a great time! (except for some MSM types who won't be happy unless they have things to complain about!).
July 30, 2008 6:37 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 18:37
Pat,
Apparently you have never set foot on China. I suggest you to watch Ted Koppel's China series on Discovery channel. China has implemented one of the most aggressive capitalist economic reform for decades. In fact according to the business owners Ted interviewed, China has more economic freedom than the US in terms of the pro-growth, pro-capitalist economic policies.
Go to China and have some fun. That will open your eyes. Don't believe everything Washington Post tells you. American MSM is baised corporate propaganda machine.
July 30, 2008 5:11 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 17:11
Can the author define FUN? Which standard does the author think FUN comply to? Which whom does the author think should have FUN?
********************************
Ahem, well, let's try this:
"China is cool! They have the best food, and the coolest bars and the nicest people! I had a blast! No hassles, just a good time. I can't wait to come again!"
Now for the opposite:
"China sucked. You can't breathe the air, everything was expensive, the cops were on our a$$es 24/7, and nobody wanted to talk to us. I'll never go back!"
Which of these statements not only translates into "fun", but also "profit"?
Man, don't tell me the Chinese are becoming like Americans, as in DUMB.
Maybe they should just stick to buying the silence of parents who lost their kids in the earthquake; they seem to be excelling at that.
July 30, 2008 4:53 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 16:53
Why is anyone surprised that a police state will act this way? The olympics will remind the west to be wary of china-the exact opposite of why china wanted the games. The Communists can't help themselves, they do what they do becuase they are communists.
July 30, 2008 4:49 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 16:49
Since when the Olympics becomes the greatest show on earth for political protest? If you can't have fun watching top athletes compete, then sports is not a fun thing for you. So step aside.
I had a lot of fun watching the super bowl, NBA final, Tiger Woods. But I have never tuned in a political rally for Iraq war and etc. There is nothing fun about it.
July 30, 2008 4:39 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 16:39
Liu misses the point completely. The Olympics is not for 'foreign' consumption, but for domestic consumption. It is akin to the Berlin Olympics, to showcase the Chinese regime and to consolidate nationalistic fervour.
China has won over the youth population with the Games. The more the West attacks the Beijing Olympics with snide remarks and criticisms on the regime, the stronger the popular support for the regime.
As to those pesky sub-valued foreigners? China never cared for them and couldn't care less if they rant about human rights outside of China. Bus, Sarko, and all the CEO's and their representatives from the top Fortune global 500 companies will be in town to pay tribute to the Beijing kings - and this is what counts.
July 30, 2008 4:35 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 16:35
Dear Comrade Liu Kin-Ming
Please immediately observe the correct attitude on the glorious Olympic games.
We know where you live!
July 30, 2008 4:29 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 16:29
The author seems to suggest there should be widespread political protests in order for the Olympics in China to be successful and "fun." Yet political and religious propaganda are banned in Olympic venues, regardless of the nation hosting the games. Protests were only allowed in designated areas during the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and most recent Summer Olympics in Athens.
Were the Olympics this year in the United States, there would undoubtedly be very stringent security. Highly unlikely would the United States government tolerate protests without a permit in major public locales in Washington DC or any important city. Most Americans and many in the media would regard such protests by foreigners as showing poor manners by guests in our country.
Yet a small minority of foreigners going to China in August may believe they have the right to protest wherever they want. Chinese authorities will probably be subject to strong criticism by many in the foreign media and certain governments, if they do not tolerate such protests, thereby arguably holding China to a higher standard than the United States and perhaps many European nations would adhere to under similar circumstances in their countries. This mentality may, to some extent, be a vestige of the century of humilation whereby foreigners believed they had the right to behave as they wanted in China.
The Olympics are already tainted, regardless of where they are played. Rampant commercialism, professionalism undermining, historical amateur ideals and excessive nationalistic coverage by the media in certain countries are bad enough. In addition, a small minority seek to interject politics into the games. The ancient Greeks were hardly a paragon of virtue in their Olympics, but they were more mature than many in the contemporary era.
July 30, 2008 4:07 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 16:07
I know that China promised that the Press would be able to report freely when the IOC gave China the '08 Olympics. Now China represses dissent and reporting more than ever. In turn, I'm going to boycott any viewing of China's Olympics.
July 30, 2008 3:51 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 15:51
I can't wait for the 1936, I mean 2008 olympics...
July 30, 2008 3:40 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 15:40
It's a no fun Olympics because too many people, the author and the Chinese included, takes it too seriously and too politically. I don't think IOC gave 2008 to China based on the assumption that it would become a democracy by 2008. They thought a country with over 1/4 of the world population should get a chance. The Chinese government can't stand to lose face. At the same time, the Chinese-bashers can't wait to see them do just that. It's all these people who have made this game such a joke. Congratulations Mr Liu, mission accomplished!
July 30, 2008 3:32 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 15:32
It has already been a success in that if China doesn't feel completely embarassed by all the stories about pollution, then they never will be convinced to do something about their (and our) use of carbon fuels. I don't care if there are no protests, everybody knows China's record on human rights, but if people can't see the venues during the day time that will do more good than any protest, and giving them the games will have been worth it. Who would have guessed?
July 30, 2008 3:29 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 15:29
I don't see the need to act differently from previous Olympics, which for me, is to simply watch a little on TV when I have time and ignore it most of the time. After all, who has that much time to sit in front of the TV?
My not watching the Olympics will not send any message to China's repressive government and if I do watch, it does not mean I support them. We simply want to know who won what events on a given day.
I think a(nother) protest march to your local Chinese embassy or consulate during the Olympics will be more effective or at least cathartic in terms of sending a message of disapproval to the Chinese Communist regime. Anyone know of one scheduled in the Washington DC area at that time?
July 30, 2008 3:23 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 15:23
Jorge: Your comment gives off a sense of paranoia. If you don't want Chinese posters mislabeling and skewing your posts, I'd suggest you abstain from doing the same to them.
July 30, 2008 3:09 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 15:09
Those in the Olympic committee who agreed to give the 2008 games to Beijing back in the early 90s have gotten a big surprise: China, which they hoped to be a democrtic country by 2008, is still undemocratic. Even knowing that, I still think it was a good idea. This type of engagement will serve China well for improvements in that direction.
July 30, 2008 2:41 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 14:41
It so easy to spot comments posted by Chinese agents.....I mean, nationals, they really hate the west so much that their nicknames are even more anglo than anybody's.
By the way, Cathy Sutterfield's comment is quite revealing, something chinese web prowlers don't want to see in the open.
July 30, 2008 2:35 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 14:35
I would not recommend that American tourists travel to the Olympics, unless they speak perfect Mandarin, and are familiar with the realities of Chinese society, 2008. The athletes are going to have a hard enough time as it is. And, as you wrote, it is not going to be a "fun time."
We are ex-pats, just returned to the U.S., having lived in Singapore for the past 20 years. We speak some Mandarin Chinese. We know Asia, or at least we thought we did. We are experienced travelers who don't follow the usual "Hilton Hotel" route, and we have had great experiences in Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. We went to Beijing for the first time last year and stayed for three weeks in a highly-rated Chinese hotel. We couldn't wait to leave. For the most part, the people were rude, the food was terrible, and our "translator" insisted on taking us to places we did not want to visit--such as a Chinese herbalist--where we were pressured to buy nostrums we did not want to buy. Street hawkers bothered us and with one exception, most shops tried to gouge us with absurd prices on such items as bottled water and yoghurt. Upon leaving,
uniformed guards at the Northwest Airlines desk extorted money from us, all the cash we had--$180--claiming that our bags were overweight. They were not. I still have the luggage tags. The Northwest employees on the ground pretended that nothing unusual was happening. When our plane took off and we were finally airbound, a cheer broke out from many of the passengers who were obviously as relieved as we were to be leaving. A Northwest Flight attendant on the plane told us that these airport shakedowns occur frequently and gave us a bottle of expensive Champagne to "partially compensate us for our loss." It was very kind of her to do this. The whole experience had been so awful that I burst into tears. But knowing that the flight crew understood what we had been through helped us make it to Tokyo and then home. All of the Americans in our area of the plane had a horror story to tell. Seeing the difference between the facade and the reality of life in China, not to mention the contempt for non-Chinese we all sensed, was more than most of us could bear.
July 30, 2008 2:12 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 14:12
The article states: "The main obsession of the Chinese government, shared by a lot of the Chinese people, is to wipe out, once and for all, the humiliation imposed on the Middle Kingdom by the West in the last two hundred years."
It should be noted that the Manchu were not exactly from the Middle Kingdom and the rule of Kangxi (1661-1722)ended with a steady decline of the Qing Emporors that had little to do with Western incursions. In fact, the Manchus from the Manchurian plains in 1644 occupied Beijing in a manner that was copied almost exactly by various detachments of western troops in 1900. The Manchus did not seem to bring 'humiliation' as the Westerners did in the 1900s, but China's problems had began well before the western military came.
Does the "main obsession" of the Beijing people mean that they do not want to ever see the decline of Chinese society or that they really are merely xenophobic about those who are not Beijing people?
July 30, 2008 2:02 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 14:02
Anything can happen with regard to the outcome of the Olympics. Don't be too confident from all sides.
July 30, 2008 1:44 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 13:44
Can the author define FUN? Which standard does the author think FUN comply to? Which whom does the author think should have FUN?
July 30, 2008 1:37 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 13:37
Welcome back to the Berlin Olympics!
July 30, 2008 1:36 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 13:36
Who cares? Nobody knows what will happen in next ten years or twenty years. This game doesn't change anything.
July 30, 2008 1:28 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 13:28
"Setting up three designated protest zones, far away from the main stadiums, is a joke."
"I believe security will be strong enough to prevent protesters from making any scene."
"warned activists not to cause trouble"
-- how very American.
As political systems converge, drawing contrasts becomes more difficult.
July 30, 2008 1:23 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 13:23
Billy wrote: "The thing that scares Westerners the most is that a different race of people can disagree with them, and back that up with real power."
-------------------------------------------------
Billy, the chinese will only enjoy "real power" as long as Americans continue to shop at Wal-Mart.
When "Westerners" stop importing shoddy chinese products and poisoned foods, the chinese economy (or "power" as you call it), will evaporate.
July 30, 2008 1:19 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 13:19
Just to be fair, the biggest humiliation of the middle kingdom in the last century didn't come from "the west" but China's island neighbor to the east.
Second, resentment/dislike of the Japanese by the the Chinese doesn't mean there's some hatred of the rest of the world. For example, the Scots tend not to care much for the English, but that doesn't mean there's a dislike of every other country on the face of the earth.
July 30, 2008 1:16 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 13:16
"No-fun Olympics" is a no-fun topic to discuss.
July 30, 2008 1:13 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 13:13
"Who represents the international news ? Just English news? Probably not. These days, news are also diversified. English news don't dominate the world anymore."
It doesn't really matter what language the news is in. What matters is whether the reporting organization is free to report on anything it wants. Which, of course, the Chinese media is not.
Chinese pride in hosting the games should not displace what should be Chinese shame for tolerating its repressive government.
July 30, 2008 1:06 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 13:06
Billy: what really scares me is that members of your own country are being tortured in government prisons. What really scares me is that your "One Child" law is going to lead to a massive demographic imbalance by 2030 that could lead to mass poverty.
I don't fear for myself. When it comes to China, I fear for citizens like you who must endure a government that's even worse than ours.
July 30, 2008 1:01 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 13:01
"Who represents the international news ? Just English news? Probably not. These days, news are also diversified. English news don't dominate the world anymore."
I agree entirely. But will the non-English news media be covering different events both on and off the athletic fields? Will non-English speaking athletes and guests have substantially different experiences than English speaking participants and guests? Next to a natural domestic tilt or being a reporter in a totalitarian society how is the coverage going to be substantially different from English speaking coverage?
July 30, 2008 1:00 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 13:00
Even if I still had cable, I still wouldn't watch the 2008 Olympics, in all it's morally and ecologically corrupt glory.
The only reason the Olympics were allowed to be held there is because half the planet owes China boatloads of money, and hey, how is America to pay for all its wars?
July 30, 2008 12:58 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 12:58
What matters here, I think, is that the world's spotlight is going to be focused on China for a good three weeks. This could easily lead to protests, deaths and increased animosity between the major world powers. (Some of us, myself included, seem to want it to be that way.) Nevertheless, I think this will end up being a spotlight that proves constructive, not destructive in the long run. China will soon learn that its police force and army are not quite big enough to drown out the cries of activists, both domestic and international. 1.3 billion citizens will have the chance to learn about the human rights failures of its own country, just like we in the states have (Guantanamo, for example). The country will emerge from the Olympics with its propaganda revealed to be sheep's clothing, but this can only be a good thing.
I am not a blindsided Westerner who sees only bad in the country. In fact, I have great respect for the billion-strong populace, whose very souls have been tested against one oppressive regime after another. They deserve their Olympics. Nevertheless, I have far less sympathy for the government, just as I lack respect for the Bush administration. If this Olympics can shed some light on ALL of our deficiencies and encourage us to seek a better planet, all the better.
July 30, 2008 12:58 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 12:58
I live in Beijing. I'm predicting a protest-free Olympics as well. All the would-be-protestors going to Beijing will be shut down, slammed hard, by ordinary Chinese people, because guess what, they've got principles and pride too. That closes the door on your un-democratic argument. The thing that scares Westerners the most is that a different race of people can disagree with them, and back that up with real power.
July 30, 2008 12:57 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 12:57
Who represents the international news ? Just English news? Probably not. These days, news are also diversified. English news don't dominate the world anymore.
July 30, 2008 12:47 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 12:47
These Olympics will be both impressive and the most jingoistic in recent history.
July 30, 2008 12:44 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 12:44
China is in for a bumpy ride that will likely lead to a lot of figure pointing and anger directed at much of the international community. No matter what the PRC does at this point they can't control the opinions of the foreign athletes or the international news coverage. Because of that China will likely loose face. I can't imagine a situation were that doesn't happen unless there is, unfortunately, a damaging terrorist event. Otherwise let your imagination flow to the multiple issues and story lines the media will focus on after reporting on the actual events: an unwelcoming people and environment, low foreign attendance, repressive security, no night life, multiple xenophobic events both at the venues and away, pollution, traffic congestion and that is just what I have heard about in the last week. I just don't see how contrived media events and photo op's will overcome the obvious problems facing this event that will be and have already been reported in the international media.
July 30, 2008 12:32 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 12:32
Hey, Kin-Ming Liu, why didn't you publish this article in Hong Kong Chinese newspapers? What are you afraid of? Chinese people in Hong Kong will be mad at you? I doubt it. I think they are very fair-minded. Maybe you are the one who hides something.
Just be fair to your own soul.
July 30, 2008 12:06 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 12:06
We've heard that before
July 30, 2008 11:48 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 11:48
Look on the bright side. If it is dull, maybe it will get lousy TV ratings.
July 30, 2008 6:54 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 30, 2008 06:54