Since the lighting of the Olympic torch in Greece on March 24, 2004, the Olympic Games have been fraught with controversy. Crowds including supporters and protesters swarmed the routes in every city, some shouting China-centric slogans, others brandishing signs as a reminder of Tibet's long struggle for freedom from the People's Republic of China. Reporters and public officials alike have expressed their concern over what the controversy meant for the 2008 Olympic Games.
This In the News shares some of the history of Tibet and China and the struggle of Tibetans for more freedom. It also discusses the issue of whether using an international sports event meant to bring people of the world together to focus on the human rights record of the host country is appropriate or not. Discussion questions are provided at the end for your group to ponder.