So That's Why They Care So Much

I can't believe I missed this Newsweek story the last week. For goodness' sakes it was the cover story last week.

Ever wonder why China has been so protective of its national identity? Ever wonder why hosting events like the Women's World Cup and the Olympic Games were such a big deal? Well, according to this Newsweek story (which I totally missed by the way) says that it's tied into their collective consciousness. In other words, China, as a whole, as an inferiority complex.

So, then, it's okay for China to have an awful human rights record? So, then, it's okay for China to crack down on any form of speech against its government? So, then, it's okay for China to block certain websites from reporters there to cover the Games?

I think not. Sure, China and the Chinese population may have a nationalistic bond that will be stronger than any other form of nationalism that we may ever see. Sure, the Chinese have felt slighted for over 100 years. But that doesn't mean we can let the Chinese government do all the horrible things that its doing.

But I do understand why the Chinese people and the Chinese government are so protective of themselves. They want their time in the sun. It's like when Bismarck and Wilhelm II wanted the Germans' to be respected in Europe. The same with the Japanese during World War II, but at a more global stage. The same here. But instead of war or aggression, the Chinese are doing it through the collective power of sport.

If you want examples in the world of sport, then look no further than its most popular game, football (soccer). Poland's considers Germany its most fiercest rival. The European Giant doesn't consider the Poles their rival. However, whenever the two sides play, it is a fierce competition, primarily because the Poles are looking for respect.

In North America, Mexico and the United States are natural rivals because of three reasons: 1) They have been the two countries to dominate CONCACAF since its inception, 2) the two nations touch each other, 3) Mexico has an inferiority complex with the Americans. But of course, who doesn't? Who wouldn't want to beat the United States in anything. But of course, when the Americans beat El Tri, who are the ones who is throwing a hissy fit?

So, after decades of humiliation, then China was to show that they deserve the respect of the global community. Fine, but we cannot forget their atrocities. We cannot forget their strikes against human rights.

For the Olympics to not be a forum for China's place in the world would be a waste. And just because China is trying to gain respectability in the world's eyes doesn't mean we can ignore that.