The Eyes of the World Will be Upon Them

Ever since Beijing won the right to host this year's Summer Games, controversy and protest have shrouded the Olympic banner, flame and any symbol surrounding the Games.

This year's Torch relay saw thousands protest in the West. There have been protests around the world about China's policies concerning human rights and Tibet. And it seemed that Chinese officials were not going to let any sort of protests happen. And even though there will be designated areas in Beijing for protesters to gather, it probably won't be seen, won't be significant and won't be of note when the opening ceremonies take place on August 8.

But it's a step, right? It's a step towards breaking down the authoritarian government imposed in China. It's a step towards allowing freedom of thought. It's a step and even though protesters won't like all the regulations and red tape they have to go through to protest at the Games, they (theoretically) get to protest at the Games.

Now I'm not trying to defend China here. What they're doing is like what the South did after the Civil War. Sure the slaves were freed, but they really weren't.

And anyway, athletes aren't allowed to protest or show any sign of a political agenda, as mandated by the IOC. That is where the most effective forms of civil protests would be able to take place. Like Tommie Smith and John Carlos' Black Power Salute in the 1968 Games, the only way to make a statement is for the athletes to do so, because the cameras and attention and the eyes of the world will be on them and not necessarily on a group of protesters in some park in Beijing.

The Germans are taking a huge step (article found via Rings). Just imagine the power of a athletes walking into Beijing National Stadium with those tshirts the Germans are handing out, or with Save Darfur banners and the like. That would send a message more powerful than any single protest outside the stadium.

The IOC needs to review its policies.

As I wrote in April, the Olympics can be a tool for global discussion, which is what this world needs right now.