“No” to the Olympic Boycott
There has been various factions calling for a boycott of the forthcoming Olympic Games. When asked about a possible boycott of the Olympic Games in China, the Dalai Lama did not support such an action:
“…Asked on NBC “Nightly News” whether he wanted the world to boycott the Olympics this summer, the Dalai Lama replied, “No.”
Asked if he wanted the United States and other world leaders to boycott the opening ceremony in support of Tibet, he replied, “That’s up to them.”"
link: Dalai Lama does not support Olympics boycott
The Dalai Lama is correct in not supporting such a boycott. It is political posturing and it simply has no long term benefits. It would deprive some athletes of a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Previous boycotts, such as the events surrounding the 1980 Summer Games in Moscow, have had very little or any significant political impact. It was a major news story for a few days and then relegated to sports history. The athletes suffered. It seems that, again, the lessons of history are not learned.
Let the athletes of all nations shine in China. Certainly the Games in China will have a nationalistic jingoism that is characteristic of all international competitions. And there will be political under-currents. However, there will be moments of achievement and personal glory that will transcend geo-political differences and ideologies. Those are the moments that, regardless of the national affiliation of the athletes, show how we as inhabitants of this small planet are so much alike. We need that reminder often.
Catherine Forsythe
Tags: athletes, boycott, China, Dalai Lama, Olympic Games
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