HOWEVER, there is another major event (one of many but only this one that doesn't include yours truly...yet) that has taken the world by storm. I am of course talking about the lack of lamb kabob vendors in the streets at night! Oh the horror you, my loyal worshippers, must have felt when I collapsed on the streets of murky Beijing at 1:03 am when I found out that my favorite intersection was completely devoid of the delicious scent of sheep-on-a-stick.
Sorry, I kid.
The big old Olympic Games; the something something Olympiads will be held in Beijing this summer of 2008. I admit I didn't realize at the time how significant this was to my country as I was an innocent kid still playing with his blow up anime girls at the time they announced the results, but I have been giddy ever since 3 months ago when I realized I'll actually be here when it starts. Imagine my surprise when I hopped off the plane at the new Beijing International Airport and was blasted by smothering heat and coma inducing pollution (a slight exaggeration).
But I digress, this thread isn't for me, this is for you, my fellow SRFers to describe how the Beijing Olympics have entered your thoughts. Has it only tickled you when you heard it in passing or has it consumed your every thought? Lets hear it, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Before you guys spam this thread silly, I would like to lay out some topics of interests that would possibly lead this thread through the pages and bring in inciteful and mature discusions, except for sirslayer because he likes men.
Tibetan independence and general human rights
There have been numerous protests along the torch relay route from human right groups because of China's poor human rights history and its death grip on Tibet and Taiwan. Criticism of Chinese government's support of Darfur and Myanmar has also mired the Beijing Olympics. Pro-Tibetan independence groups and human rights associations have called for boycotting this year's Olympics as well, and many high ranking officials including the heads of state of many countries have opted not to be present for the opening ceremonies. How has this news effected you? Were you personally effected by any of this? What is your opinion on Tibet and Taiwan and China's poor human rights?
Health risks
Beijing boasts one of the developed world's worst air polluted cities. There have been days in my short stay here where from my cozy office 25 floors up, I could not see the buildings across the street. Air pollution is a major concern for the participating athletes. 7 years ago, Beijing told the IOC in their bid for the Olympics that they would deal with the air pollution with a big ass banhammer. So far, the results from their cleansing have been disappointing. Thousands of cars have been taken off the road and the use of open air grills have been banned, along with other small things. What do you have to say about the poor air quality? How do you think this will effect the results of matches and competitions? A biggie would be the marathon and the 100m to 3000m races.
What about the food served to athletes? Many countries are bringing their own food and chefs along in fear that Chinese foods will give them rabies and aids. Many also believe that Chinese foods will contain so many chemicals in them that they will show up in drug tests. What are your thoughts pertaining to this food scare?
Shenanigans
As many of you believe, asian countries hold a general prejudice to other races. White people are always right, black people are scum etc. A rumor started that during the Olympics, bars are banned from serving black people. This of course sounds asinine, but many foreigners are led to believe this by faulty news reporting and general misunderstanding. I point to this link Here for clarification.
Another humorous incident is the slogans and leaflets being passed out across Beijing. They tell the residents to behave themselves, not get too personal with foreigners, DON'T PICK YOUR NOSE in front of foreigners etc. Another leaflet told how to single out terrorists with awkward points. What are your thoughts on the way the Chinese government is preparing its people for the onslaught of foreigners?
herro
