The RKUF insisted that this campaign is not anti-China, but pro-human rights. Come on, you cannot have your cake and eat it too.
By referring directly to the Beijing Olympics and choosing these pictures, the campaign is obviously pointing a finger at China. If the RKUF's intention was to stimulate a debate on human rights issues around the globe, would not it be more appropriate to use a wider range of photographs, including images, for example, of the abuse of Guantanamo Bay prisoners?
I am the first to admit that human rights records, along with many other issues in China, need to be addressed and improved further. However, the irresponsible and ignorant approach that the RKUF took is only going to dampen the efforts. There has been a wave of unprecedented patriotism from the Chinese all over the world, condemning Western-biased views of China and its policies.
The Chinese are asking the question: "Why the hatred?" People marching down San Francisco's streets chanting "free Tibet" cannot even point out where Tibet is on a world map; the Olympics' torch protection squad sent by Beijing and authorized by the IOC were labeled "thugs" by the chairman of the London organizing committee for the Olympic Games - I didn't hear anyone calling the French "thugs" when they showed up in their military uniforms during last year's Tour de France for the same peacekeeping purposes?
Why the hatred? Why are so many people in the West, the Chinese ask, so eager to jump on this moral bandwagon and punch China in the face without the basic understanding of the country, its culture or its people?
I admire people's desire to do something for a good cause, and to have a belief, but ask yourself how much you know about the matter first: educate yourselves before lecturing other people.
(China Daily August 9, 2008)
