Questioned Not Shot: The New Improved China from the Korean War to the Cultural Revolution to the Tiananmen Square Masacre to the Invasion of Tibet to the Beijing Olympics
Wednesday 10 September 2008
So here’s how it got started. A few girls from Columbia wanted to share their political persuasions with the world at the Bird’s Nest. They had made signs with a political agenda that we typically see on bumper stickers in America (particularly in California and Santa Barbara) supporting a region that has
Unfortunately, the demands from the Chinese authorities were made during my 10k race, so immediately after I was done swimming, my family had to frantically hurry away from the venue to follow the orders.
The ordeal that my family endured opened my eyes a bit. I suppose I was under the presumption that criticism is essentially a human right. A few weeks ago, when I mused about the seemingly silly blogging laws during the Olympics, I believed that the Chinese warnings were more about posturing than anything else. It seemed to me that the Chinese authorities wanted everyone to have a positive Olympic experience without a bunch of bickering about cultural differences. The reality, however, is quite different. There are real consequences behind the threats of obedience, and both foreigners and natives are subject to punishment for disobedience.
Sadly, I lost a bit of my enthusiasm for China. When I first arrived here 2 weeks ago it seemed like the culture was firm but pleasant. For instances, instead of using the word “No” the Chinese people use the phrase, “I’m sorry” constantly, and it seemed like a very polite way of communicating. I now realize that, “I’m sorry,” actually means, “You’ll be sorry.” No one in the group was deported and they all got to experience the rest of the Olympic Games, but it did put a damper on the festivities.
In other news:
The Olympics ended yesterday. The Closing Ceremonies were fun, I didn’t feel nearly as hot as I did at the Opening Ceremonies (thanks to a more manageable parade uniform) and there was plenty of room to sit down on the field and enjoy the show from a more relaxed setting.
In the days after my race I got to watch a few sports (beach volleyball and water polo significantly) and got to eat everything that I’ve been preventing myself from enjoying for the past few months. At the USA House, an exclusive location for American athletes and their family members, I had 3 pieces of cheesecake at one sitting. I also became an avid user of the Beijing mass transit system and got to enjoy the swap meet that ensues at the Olympic Village (athletes trade pins, T-shirts, warm-up jackets and whatnot with each other).
I’ve had some nice moments with my family as we reflect on the significance of the moment, and reminisce about the journey that brought us here.
I’m going to end rather abruptly because I need a bit more time to process how I feel about the experience, and I also have to go to the Silk Market – a truly bizarre shopping experience. My family leaves Beijing to go back to America this morning, but Diana and I are going to stay in China for a little longer to see some famous spots. Thanks for reading all the posts. It’s been a pleasure writing them and receiving your responses.
mwd
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