The Olympics and Protests

I feel people should be allowed to protest, but if they interfere with someone else's enjoyment of the torch relays in a serious way (such as trying to put out the flame, etc.) then they have gone too far. It is unfortunate that China, the Chinese government, and the Chinese people are linked closely together because the protests do hurt the Chinese people who really are working hard to have a good Olympics.

For example, China has never been known for its queuing, but for the Olympics, there have been public announcements that queuing is good. As a result, everyone in Beijing now queues for taxis, buses, the metro, and purchasing tickets. From my previous China experiences, that is amazing. I have had people on the train politely ask me if I was getting off the train, and if not, can they get past me to get off. Before I would have just received a fore-arm pushing me out of the way. It is not just the Beijingers either migrant workers are also doing it. If the Chinese people did not care, and it was only the government who cared, nobody would queue.

I found out that the government has also been trying to reduce spitting for the Olympics (and hopefully as a public health problem as well). I think it has worked somewhat. From when I first came in 1995 and later in 1998 and 2000, spitting is way down. People are making the effort. There will also be a smoking ban coming into effect in Beijing's restaurants, bars, and public areas.

I can only imagine if the Olympics were being held in the US right now. Our torch relay would certainly be receiving the same treatment for the Iraq War and other things, and our government and population would be just as indigant as the Chinese.

Luckily for me, most people here can separate me from the American government and don't blame me for everything they dislike about American foreign policy. Hopefully, people will be able to do the same with protests surrounding the Olympics.