Let the Games Go On
By Joan Chen
Wednesday, April 9, 2008; A19
I was born in Shanghai in 1961 and grew up during the Cultural Revolution. During my childhood, I saw my family lose our house. My grandfather, who studied medicine in England, committed suicide after he was wrongly accused of being a counterrevolutionary and a foreign spy.
Those were the worst of times.
Since the Cultural Revolution ended in the late 1970s, however, I have witnessed unimaginable progress in China. Changes that few ever thought possible have occurred in a single generation. A communist government that had no ties to the West has evolved into a more open government eager to join the international community.
A state-controlled economy has morphed into a market economy, greatly raising people's standard of living. It's clear that the majority of the Chinese people enjoy much fuller, more abundant lives today than 30 years ago. Though much remains to be done, the Chinese government has made rapid progress in opening up and trying to be part of the international community.
Last month I went to China and spent four weeks visiting Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Chengdu. The people I met and spoke with are proud and excited about the Beijing Games. They believe that the Olympics are a wonderful opportunity to showcase modern China to the rest of the world. Like many Americans, most Chinese people are disturbed by the recent events in Tibet. But after watching the scenes of violence and arson by the rioters, the Chinese believe that the government is doing the right thing in cracking down to restore order.
The Olympic torch is in California and is to be carried through San Francisco today. In a resolution criticizing China, Chris Daly, a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, said that demonstrating against the torch relay would "provide the people of San Francisco with a lifetime opportunity to help 1.3 billion Chinese people gain more freedom and rights." To his credit, Mayor Gavin Newsom did not sign Daly's resolution.
This statement could not be further from reality. For one thing, the Chinese are a proud people. They want freedom and greater rights, but they know they must fight for them from within. They know that no one can grant them freedom and rights from afar. The stigma of Western imperialism and the Opium Wars also remains a strong reminder of the past, and Chinese people do not want their domestic policies to be dictated by outside powers. They also do not want the United States to boycott the opening ceremonies of the Games. The U.S. boycott of the 1980 Games in Moscow and the Soviet boycott of the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles accomplished nothing. A U.S. boycott of the opening ceremonies in Beijing would be counterproductive for relations between the two countries.
For decades, anti-China human rights groups in Washington have spent millions of dollars denouncing China. To many Chinese, it seems that this lobby is the only voice that's acceptable or newsworthy in the U.S. media and to the U.S. government. But times are changing. We need to be open-minded and farsighted. We need to make more friends than enemies. Remember what a little ping-pong game did for Sino-U.S. relations in the 1970s? Let's celebrate the Olympics for what the Games are meant to be -- a bridge for friendship, not a playground for politics.
The writer is an actress and director. She became a U.S. citizen in 1989.
- posted on 04/09/2008
I'm proud of 陈冲... Where is this artcile published ?
I was watching TV last night and see that Nancy Pelosy was giving a speech in congress about her visit to Dalai Lama and plan to pass a resolution about Tibet issues today. She encourages all congressmen to boycott the open ceremony in Beijing and praises those in San Fransico to raise the flags in Golden bridge...
I was angry though I understand this is U.S. I feel we need to talk to more americans, especially those senators and congressmen in your district to persuade them not to be too biased...
I'm going to vote for John McCain in general election... - Re: 陈冲:让奥运继续posted on 04/09/2008
I like Joan Chen's article very much too, and believe her voice speaks for many ordinary Chinese people. Her voice even is more appreciated considering from Hollywood where there is almost uniform voice on this issue. Hope Pelosi and Clinton can also hear it. - Re: 陈冲:让奥运继续posted on 04/09/2008
这是真为中国好的声音。中国首先是我们中国人的,不是政党的,政府的。我们都要为中国好。 - Re: 陈冲:让奥运继续posted on 04/09/2008
笨笨一点儿都不笨!:)
ben ben wrote:
这是真为中国好的声音。中国首先是我们中国人的,不是政党的,政府的。我们都要为中国好。 - posted on 04/09/2008
This statement could not be further from reality. For one thing, the Chinese are a proud people.
Non-sequitur.
They want freedom and greater rights, but they know they must fight for them from within. They know that no one can grant them freedom and rights from afar.
And so from outside we should acquiesce the violent suppression of dissent?
The stigma of Western imperialism and the Opium Wars also remains a strong reminder of the past, and Chinese people do not want their domestic policies to be dictated by outside powers.
Oh brother, not the old boxer mentality again! This tired act of blaming past victimhood on old imperialism to justify CCP's barbarism is getting old.
They also do not want the United States to boycott the opening ceremonies of the Games. The U.S. boycott of the 1980 Games in Moscow and the Soviet boycott of the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles accomplished nothing. A U.S. boycott of the opening ceremonies in Beijing would be counterproductive for relations between the two countries.
How about Hitler's Olympics? Too bad the CCP didn't call on her to make a propaganda movie. She'd make Leni Riefenstahl proud.
For decades, anti-China human rights groups in Washington have spent millions of dollars denouncing China. To many Chinese, it seems that this lobby is the only voice that's acceptable or newsworthy in the U.S. media and to the U.S. government.
When the same human rights groups were protesting against the US vis-a-vis the Iraqi civilian casualties, wonder if her blood also boiled over of this "anti-American fervor," since she is an American citizen instead of Chinese one, presumably.
The writer is an actress and director. She became a U.S. citizen in 1989.
- Re: 陈冲:让奥运继续posted on 04/09/2008
Thank you ben ben, for always speaking for me.
ben ben wrote:
这是真为中国好的声音。中国首先是我们中国人的,不是政党的,政府的。我们都要为中国好。 - posted on 04/09/2008
tar wrote:
Non-sequitur.
sequitur or Non-sequitur, does it really matter?
And so from outside we should acquiesce the violent surpression of dissent?
And so from outside we should allow the violent uprising of dissent?
Oh brother, not the old boxer mentality again! This tired act of blaming past victimhood on old imperialism to justify CCP's barbarism is getting old.
If you forgot too much and too quick, your decendent will suffer, due to your ignorance.
How about Hitler's Olymopics? Too bad the CCP didn't call on her to make a propaganda movie. She'd make Leni Riefenstahl proud.
If Hitler had won the WWII, you would have been taught that the evil's name is called Churchill.
When the same human rights groups were protesting against the US vis-a-vis the Iraqi civilian casualties, wonder if her blood also boiled over of this "anti-American fervor," since she is an American citizen instead of Chinese one, presumably.
Did the protest not make US even stronger and prouder? In the end it's a cosmetics, isn;t it?
- posted on 04/09/2008
You know I wish there is something intelligent in your post that I can rebut. ;-)
令胡冲 wrote:
tar wrote:sequitur or Non-sequitur, does it really matter?
Non-sequitur.
And so from outside we should acquiesce the violent surpression of dissent?And so from outside we should allow the violent uprising of dissent?
Oh brother, not the old boxer mentality again! This tired act of blaming past victimhood on old imperialism to justify CCP's barbarism is getting old.If you forgot too much and too quick, your decendent will suffer, due to your ignorance.
How about Hitler's Olymopics? Too bad the CCP didn't call on her to make a propaganda movie. She'd make Leni Riefenstahl proud.If Hitler had won the WWII, you would have been taught that the evil's name is called Churchill.
When the same human rights groups were protesting against the US vis-a-vis the Iraqi civilian casualties, wonder if her blood also boiled over of this "anti-American fervor," since she is an American citizen instead of Chinese one, presumably.Did the protest not make US even stronger and prouder? In the end it's a cosmetics, isn;t it?
- Re: 华盛顿邮报文章 - 陈冲:让奥运继续posted on 04/09/2008
tar wrote:
You know I wish there is something intelligent in your post that I can rebut. ;-)
Intelligence is simply a depth - how deep you can see is purely down to how much intelligence you got. :) - Re: 华盛顿邮报文章 - 陈冲:让奥运继续posted on 04/11/2008
Tar:
It seems that you know nothing about the author, or China. The author is a friend of Richard Gere, the big fan of Dalai, together they made a movie. She is more closer to the Dalai circle of friends than to the Chinese government.
Comparing China to Nazi Germany only shows your ignorence. Have you ever been to China?
- posted on 04/11/2008
That's original. As a friend of a friend of the Dalai Lama, it qualifies her an expert for what exactly?
And can you be more specific as to what am I being ignorant of?
Instead of asking me ever being to China (I will give you a hint: born and raised and educated in China), the more relevant question should be: have you ever been to Tibet?
pepper wrote:
Tar:
It seems that you know nothing about the author, or China. The author is a friend of Richard Gere, the big fan of Dalai, together they made a movie. She is more closer to the Dalai circle of friends than to the Chinese government.
Comparing China to Nazi Germany only shows your ignorence. Have you ever been to China?
- posted on 04/11/2008
tar:
Since you wrote in English, I thought you were an american.
In your original post, you suggested that the author should make a propagada movie for CPP. What made you think so? because she said the Bejing Olympics should continue?
And what relationship do you see between the Hilter's olympics and the Beijing one?
I have not been to Tibet. Too busy for that. Have you been there? How long? What did you see?
You mentioned the Boxers. Did you see similarity between the Tibet's riots and the Boxers?
Richard Gere is not simply a friend of Dalai. He is a leading supportor of him. - posted on 04/11/2008
pepper wrote:
tar:
Since you wrote in English, I thought you were an american.
A bit of advice if you don't mind. On Internet forums, don't presume anything.
In your original post, you suggested that the author should make a propagada movie for CPP. What made you think so? because she said the Bejing Olympics should continue?
If you don't know the Riefenstahl reference, just go google "movie Olympia."
And what relationship do you see between the Hilter's olympics and the Beijing one?
The Nazi regime used the Olympics to whitewash the horrendous crimes it committed against its own people, including Jews, Gypsies and the handicapped. CCP wants to use this Olympic Games to make people forget about the 6.4., the big famine, the ethnic oppression in Xinjiang and Tibet, and the support of the genocidal government of Sudan. And you don't see a parallel here?
I have not been to Tibet. Too busy for that.
I am sure. Although not too busy posting here pontificating about Tibet?
Have you been there? How long? What did you see?
You seem to think a person has to be physically in a place to offer any valid opinion of that place (from your previous question about whether I was ever in China and the above line of questioning). Sadly for you though, my answer is yes I have been to Tibet. Will that not disqualify you for offering any further opinion according to your own logic?
You mentioned the Boxers. Did you see similarity between the Tibet's riots and the Boxers?
Violent rioters should be brought to justice, in an open and fair trial, so should the people who gave order to indicriminately kill protesters, including peaceful ones. Given CCP's record, only an international investigation and tribunal can assuage the grief of the oppressed people. But of course you have no stomach for a impartial jury do you?
Richard Gere is not simply a friend of Dalai. He is a leading support of him.
What are you trying to argue? that Joan Chan is a great friend of the Dalai Lama by association because she made a movie (a pretty bad one at that) with Gere?
So now I have patiently answered all your questions, what about the answer to my simple question to you? What exactly am I being ignorant of?
- posted on 04/11/2008
tar wrote:
The Nazi regime used the Olympics to whitewash the horrendous crimes it committed against its own people, including Jews, Gypsies and the handicapped. CCP wants to use this Olympic Games to make people forget about the 6.4., the big famine, the ethnic oppression in Xinjiang and Tibet, and the support of the genocidal government of Sudan. And you don't see a parallel here?
My dear TAR friend,
You just lied.
The Nazi regime committed those horrendous crimes you mentioned AFTER they hosted the game. How can they whitewash something that had not even happened yet?
I also want to remind you: the 6.4., the big famine, and the much of the socalled "ethnic oppression in Xinjiang and Tibet" took place before the IOC voted Bejing as the host of the 2008 Game. The countries that voted "Yes" include MOST western countries. What are you going to say?
I have to agree with you on this: "the ethnic oppression in Xinjiang and Tibet". You are absolutely right! The Islamic and Tibetens killed so many Han people in Xinjiang and Tibet. You certainly can call it "ethnic oppression".
Speaking of the 6.4, my suggestion to you is: go to the hell! You are not the one who organized many students to participate in the anti-communist demonstration, you are not the one who risked being jailed by the government. I am. So you'd better shut your fxxx mouth. You are a sick little man with a big mouth.
by the way, Tar is not good for human health.
- Re: 华盛顿邮报文章 - 陈冲:让奥运继续posted on 04/11/2008
somebody talked about Nazi... come to think of it, the Dalai Lama is a personal friend with a Nazi
I think 陈冲 is very commendable to write this piece. She speaks for me. - posted on 04/11/2008
Arrg, it took three paragraphs for filth to ooze out of the corner of your mouth. For a mentally deranged retard, what took you so long?
And go learn a little history before you embarrass yourself again, will you? The Nazis started sending the "undesirables" to concentration camps since the Reichstag fire in 1933.
And don't make up stories about your fantastic heroics in 6.4. either. It is more likely that you are a henchman of the butchers of Beijing.
Corrections wrote:
tar wrote:My dear TAR friend,
The Nazi regime used the Olympics to whitewash the horrendous crimes it committed against its own people, including Jews, Gypsies and the handicapped. CCP wants to use this Olympic Games to make people forget about the 6.4., the big famine, the ethnic oppression in Xinjiang and Tibet, and the support of the genocidal government of Sudan. And you don't see a parallel here?
You just lied.
The Nazi regime committed those horrendous crimes you mentioned AFTER they hosted the game. How can they whitewash something that had not even happened yet?
I also want to remind you: the 6.4., the big famine, and the much of the socalled "ethnic oppression in Xinjiang and Tibet" took place before the IOC voted Bejing as the host of the 2008 Game. The countries that voted "Yes" include MOST western countries. What are you going to say?
I have to agree with you on this: "the ethnic oppression in Xinjiang and Tibet". You are absolutely right! The Islamic and Tibetens killed so many Han people in Xinjiang and Tibet. You certainly can call it "ethnic oppression".
Speaking of the 6.4, my suggestion to you is: go to the hell! You are not the one who organized many students to participate in the anti-communist demonstration, you are not the one who risked being jailed by the government. I am. So you'd better shut your fxxx mouth. You are a sick little man with a big mouth.
by the way, Tar is not good for human health.
- Re: 华盛顿邮报文章 - 陈冲:让奥运继续posted on 04/11/2008
Tar:
I don't know who you are. So I don't know exactly what you are aware and what you are ignorant. But I am sure that one thing you are ignorant. That is, a majority of Chinese support the Beijing Olympics. Is that someting too much for you to realize? Do you have any respect for that?
- posted on 04/11/2008
tar wrote:
Arrg, it took three paragraphs for filth to ooze out of the corner of your mouth. For a mentally deranged retard, what took you so long?
And go learn a little history before you embarrass yourself again, will you? The Nazis started sending the "undesirables" to concentration camps since the Reichstag fire in 1933.
Tar:
Please keep your month clear, if you don't expect others to return the abuse. I thought that you stay in US long enough to know this. - posted on 04/11/2008
I am not certain what's underneath the nose of this "tar" guy. With all due respect, I certainly will not call it "mouth".
lookout wrote:
tar wrote:Tar:
Arrg, it took three paragraphs for filth to ooze out of the corner of your mouth. For a mentally deranged retard, what took you so long?
And go learn a little history before you embarrass yourself again, will you? The Nazis started sending the "undesirables" to concentration camps since the Reichstag fire in 1933.
Please keep your month clear, if you don't expect others to return the abuse. I thought that you stay in US long enough to know this. - Re: 华盛顿邮报文章 - 陈冲:让奥运继续posted on 04/11/2008
wukong wrote:
I am not certain what's underneath the nose of this "tar" guy. With all due respect, I certainly will not call it "mouth".
What's that then? :) - posted on 04/11/2008
You were the one who accused me of "ignorance" were you not?
I am certainly aware of most Chinese support the Olympics, which I am not against by the way. I just think the protests of raising awareness of human rights abuse is proper and just.
When you ran out of reason to argue, this is what you have to resort to, mob justice? Have you ever heard of majority tyranny?
pepper wrote:
Tar:
I don't know who you are. So I don't know exactly what you are aware and what you are ignorant. But I am sure that one thing you are ignorant. That is, a majority of Chinese support the Beijing Olympics. Is that someting too much for you to realize? Do you have any respect for that?
- posted on 04/11/2008
Oh my mouth is plenty clear thank you very much.
I am just protraying a picture of a retard who can only spew out "fxxx" in his fit of rage.
lookout wrote:
tar wrote:Tar:
Arrg, it took three paragraphs for filth to ooze out of the corner of your mouth. For a mentally deranged retard, what took you so long?
And go learn a little history before you embarrass yourself again, will you? The Nazis started sending the "undesirables" to concentration camps since the Reichstag fire in 1933.
Please keep your month clear, if you don't expect others to return the abuse. I thought that you stay in US long enough to know this. - posted on 04/11/2008
You know, you are not the first nor the most articulate in dishing out invectives. I've encountered plenty already.
wukong wrote:
I am not certain what's underneath the nose of this "tar" guy. With all due respect, I certainly will not call it "mouth".
lookout wrote:
tar wrote:Tar:
Arrg, it took three paragraphs for filth to ooze out of the corner of your mouth. For a mentally deranged retard, what took you so long?
And go learn a little history before you embarrass yourself again, will you? The Nazis started sending the "undesirables" to concentration camps since the Reichstag fire in 1933.
Please keep your month clear, if you don't expect others to return the abuse. I thought that you stay in US long enough to know this. - Re: 华盛顿邮报文章 - 陈冲:让奥运继续posted on 04/11/2008
All right, guys, please stop this thread. Otherwise, I will delete it by end of day. - Re: 华盛顿邮报文章 - 陈冲:让奥运继续posted on 04/11/2008
July wrote:
All right, guys, please stop this thread. Otherwise, I will delete it by end of day.
ha ha ha ...
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