Mr. Spielberg is citing reasons of conscience, saying that China has not done enough to stop the suffering in Darfur.
Well, good. I'm glad to see somebody famous say so -- maybe the media will actually listen for a second or two. One news story wonders if now, with Spielberg's decision, other people will pull out of the Games. At least let people talk openly about China's misdeeds! (Though apparently it helps if you're a celebrity!)
Libertas notes that actress Mia Farrow had been advocating this also. More here.
As for the Beijing Games, Spielberg's departure as artistic adviser is said to be a rather a large setback.
FINE. If Beijing wants to use the Games as a chance to throw propaganda at the world and whitewash its behavior, then let others use the chance to talk some truth about China. Turnabout is fair play.
5 comments:
Mia Farrow is out of her mind.
After so many years of inaction and indifference by the West, we suddenly want to blame China for Darfur? There are many countries involved, starting with our support of the SPLA and John Garang 10 years ago.
China is simply a scapegoat.
For the most part, Hollywood celebrities are a goofy lot.
Even so, this time around, I have to say that China's behavior on Darfur has not been admirable in the least, and if Hollywood nuts want to say so, then let them do it.
Goodness knows nobody cares if ordinary people complain that China is basically condoning Darfur. I'm not saying China caused it. I'm saying it's not doing much to stop it, and it has those lucrative business interests in Sudan.
PS: if inaction by the Western powers on Darfur is reprehensible (and it is), is not inaction by the Eastern powers also reprehensible? Let's be fair now. China likely has more pull in Sudan anyway because of the money thing.
I'm shocked that Spielberg ever accepted the job in the first place.
It's weird he would be upset about Darfur. What about the fact that China is communist and limits freedom, etc? Isn't that enough to protest?
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