Saturday, April 12, 2008 6:26 PM
Apparently the Olympic Flame has been receiving more attention than any other non-living thing for the time being. Well, if you do not consider global rising food costs as attention-grabbing enough.
Perhaps it is due to the fact that it, being a symbol of international representation, capitalises the possibility of change such that extremists thought they could tap into its influence to push for their cause.
But I thought it amazing that something, representing international sportsmanship, brotherly love across the globe and a cause of celebration in every 4 years, had to bear the burdens of Tibet and Darfur.
So the poor thing had to take a diverted route in its attempt to avoid protesting extremists who perhaps aren't even Tibetans.
If protests and demonstrations are able to propel change, Myanmar would have advanced after last September bloody military uprising. The only tail hanging out from the incident is regional and international pressure to open talks with Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.
What made them think protesting halfway around the globe is going to make any difference?
I was quite proud to read of our PM's insights on the recent happenings revolving around the Torch. (
"Why torch protests are a bad move", ST, 12 Apr 08)
I felt he brought out 2 important points: culture differences which include languages differences, and the power of the emerging net. I felt the differences in upbringing in the East and the West have caused them to view issues like "freedom of expression" or "human rights" in different lights.
The East has always been more of a collaborative society; we were taught to respect community, family and society while the West centres more on individualism. Which explains the big outburst by the Chinese regarding the Olympic Torch as they view it as undermining their nationhood.
So they do what we like most: post their grievances and unhappiness on the Net. And it snowballs.
PM Lee brought up that if the Chines outbursts were in English and easily available to the Americans and British youths, perhaps they would be more aware of the implications of their actions.
Extremism unbalanced can be dangerous.
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