Olympic Protests

[Demon_MX5]

Could someone please tell me what the whole idea about the Olympic Protests? Why are people protesting the Olympics? Is it just certain countries, or what?

[ragtop girl]

People are protesting China's human rights policies, or lack thereof.

[Demon_MX5]

but why the Olympics? Why chose the torch run and what not to protest? I just don't understand where the Olympics fits into all of this

[ragtop girl]

The Summer Olympics are being held in Beijing, China.

[swivel]

Because the Olympics are being held in China this time around, symbolizing China's ascension into the modern world and their role as an up and coming world leader. People are protesting the Olympics to try to send the message to China/the world that their particular brand of human rights have no place in the modern world. It's a huge symbolic thing that China gets to host this year, and as such it's a good place to protest if you think they don't deserve it.

[Demon_MX5]

hmmm....i still don't quite understand but ok

[hobie237]

Personally I don't think it's a good idea. Just as the OP is confused, I think th protesters are confusing their goal and their target. Protesting in china when the press is there for the Olympics, and using the spotlight on China to bring issues to the forefront, IMO, isn't a bad thing. however, targeting the torch run, and the Olympics as an event, is a poor idea, since their beef is with the host country, not the events. Oh well...