As I have said before, another time, and yet again, there is much more to the world than sports. Sports are a fun thing. They provide many great moments to fans, tons of memories to kids and even adults, and jobs to many people. Even if you don't get paid to have an involvement in sports (like me), you can still voice your opinions (like me). This is all great, but when something more than sports comes up, it deserves more attention. Something like what is going on in Darfur, Sudan. Or what is happening in Tibet. I have some opinions on this, and I am going to share them with you.
Do you see that? It is not from a movie. It is not a drawing. That is a picture taken in Darfur. I won't go into it, because I think you can see what it is without my help. But I will give you some background information on what is happening. The conflict in Darfur began in 2003. The Janjaweed tribe is a millita on one side of the conflict. The other side has multiple parts to it, which I won't go into. Basically, the Janjawed are causing destruction everywhere. They have gone around killing many and displacing many more. So far, the estimates have been that over 400,000 people have died and more than 2.5 million people have been displaced and more than 1,000 villages have been burned. The government of Sudan has backed the Janjaweed, and have supplied them with artillery, they have participated in attacks against their own people, and they have killed many witnesses in order to try and cover up what is going on. To see for yourself, you can go to www.savedarfur.org and check it out.
The United States has done a few things to help out. But that is from no thanks to the government. Now, this doesn't matter if you are a Democrat or a Republican. The government has classified it as a genocide. They have sent some supplies. But most of this comes from organizations, and through Americans who work for this. Celebrities, athletes, politicians; they've all gotten involved. But compared to what the United States government can do, and what they have done, it is ridiculous.
So how does this tie into athletics right now? The Olympics are starting soon, and they are taking place in China. China has gotten oil from Sudan and been involved with the conflict. By involved, they have backed the Janjaweed and the government of Sudan by supplying them. So when athletes who are participating in the Olympic Games started to speak about this, it caused some attention, as it should have. Last year, Cleveland Cavalier Ira Newble wrote a letter about this. He encouraged his teammates to sign it, and all but two of them did. Those two were Damon Jones, and LeBron James. Funny how nobody remembers than Damon Jones didn't sign it either. Anyway, LeBron did not sign it, citing that he wanted to learn more about the issue before he takes a stand on it.
That is a perfectly reasonable thing to say. LeBron knew it was important and that it was a very big deal, so he wanted to gather more information on it. Was this the best decision under those circumstances? No. But was it an acceptable decision? Yes. So, what happens? LeBron is ripped by everyone. The media, the fans, everybody. He's selfish, he doesn't care about others, he doesn't care about making a difference, he just wants money. Well, LeBron James later came out and spoke about it, and he spoke about it in a big way.
"At the end of the day, we're talking about human rights. And people should understand that human rights and people's lives are in jeopardy. We're not talking about contracts here. We're not talking about money. We're talking about people's lives being lost and that means a lot more to me than money or a contract". That is what LeBron James said about it all. Now, how can you not respect that? This guy didn't sign the letter, but he came back to say something like this. You can say that 'Oh well, that's not true' or that 'LeBron doesn't actually care about lives' or that 'LeBron is all about the money'. Is LeBron James my favorite athlete? No, I am not on the multi-million person, worldwide bandwagon. He isn't my favorite player, and I don't think he is the next Michael Jordan. But I am now a fan of his. Not because of his ability to dominate basketball games, but because of the fact that he knows there is more to life than sports.
Now, here is where I am annoyed with the United States, and where the title of this blog comes in. LeBron James spoke out about what is going on in Darfur. Kobe Bryant spoke out about it, and you can watch that. Steve Nash, Grant Hill, Ira Newble, Derek Fisher and many others have spoken about this. But I am foucusing on Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
With Kobe, you can love him or hate him. Many people love him, and even more love to hate him. From what happened in Colorado, to him talking about his teammates, to his problems with his teammates, Kobe doesn't exactly have the best reputation. But more than love or hate, you have to respect the guy. It's not just respect as a basketball player, because I do have a lot of respect for him as a player; the guy is amazing. But I can't help but to respect him for speaking out about this.
And what happens? The next time they were asked about it, they weren't talking about it. "We're not politicians. We're not government officials" said Kobe. "We're here to play basketball" said LeBron. What?!?! What happened to what they were saying before? Well, obviously something happened. And I'm going to guess that the USA Basketball Committee had something to do with it. Why else would they suddenly stop talking? What probably happened was that some of the guys who call the shots sat down with Kobe and LeBron and said something to the extent of "We want to win a Gold Medal. We need to win Gold at these Olympics. So don't talk about other things anymore, alright?". That might not be the situation, but it has to be something with the USA Basketball Committee talking to them. Why?
Let's face it; Darfur is a huge problem. People are dying everyday, and something needs to be done. LeBron speaking about it would be a huge help. This guy is the most marketable athlete in the world. He is a superstar who is still young. He is well liked. He's got deals from Nike, Coca-Cola and other big name, worldwide companies. They made a shirt that says "WITNESS", and they made a ton through it. When LeBron talks, people listen. When LeBron does something, people follow. So you better believe that is LeBron is making a big deal out of this, other people would make a big deal about it.
This isn't a small stage, either. The Olympics are one of the biggest events in the world. It isn't through the United States, North America, or even more. This is a worldwide event. It would be seen and heard by millions. People in South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, everybody would know about it. It could turn out to be one of the biggest things in the world this year. Instead, it will probably turn out to be nothing. Why? Who knows? But why is this happening like this? What is wrong with the United States of America?
"What they say is entirely up to them" says Jerry Colangelo. Yeah? For every Deron Williams assist, someone is going to die. For every Chris Paul steal, someone is going to die. For every Dwight Howard dunk, someone is going to die. Coach Mike Kryzweski is a great coach, and he may lead Team USA to a Gold Medal, but he certaintly won't be leading an outspoken group of athletes.
As the picture says, "WE ARE ALL WITNESSES". What we are witnessing is something much bigger than LeBron James. It is much bigger than basketball. It is much bigger than sports. Things happened, and more things happened to change the course. The Olympics are happening, and I can bet that somehow, something will be made of this. We need to make something happen, because if not, it defnitely will be regretted. Regretted by how many? I don't know; but it will be regretted by many. So if actions are not taken, we will be witnessing much more than a worldwide superstar growing up. We will be witnessing the wrongful death of numerous more people.
Melissa Haro
Damaris Lewis
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Well written, and I agree. People said "never again" after the Holocaust. Instead, it's been "again and again". At some point, politics needs to be set aside.
thehemogoblin
The University Of, OR
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Well written, and I agree. People said "never again" after the Holocaust. Instead, it's been "again and again". At some point, politics needs to be set aside.
thehemogoblin: 3.1415926535 | 08/05/08, 02:12 PM
My sentiments exactly.
Roberts#1: ROLL…
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Hemo, there's something you should know.
People are liars.
Lifer: Metallica…
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Great blog, 0x. Thanks for sharing about this.
Lifer, you hit the nail on the head.
G.O.A.T. is back?
Scranton, PA
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Great blog Ox. Glad you wrote about it.
Lebron is in an amazing position. A position of power. And while I could never expect him to do this, I hope he at least contemplated it:
As arguably the best basketball player in the world (again, arguably), Lebron leads a team that is favored to win the gold. He is the marquee talent in these Olympic games, and possibly the most marketable athlete involved with any of the sports that take place at the games.
And thats why if he were to personally boycott the Olympics (taking it a step further, Ox), I would give him an immense amount of credit. Not to just 'sit out' or 'rest injuries', but truly stand up and say "I can not participate in the Olympic games due to the human rights atrocities being allowed by the Chinese government, who are hosting the Olympic games."
Results would be conflicted. Detractors would tell you that he'd only be hurting his teammates, his country's chances at the gold, and his own bank account. But drastic times call for drastic measures. Telling our government that enough is enough, and telling the Chinese that they can not allow such things to continue: that is the way to go.
I couldn't do such a thing. But Lebron James is Lebron James. It would be amazing. And I'd support the guy 100%.
I'm also living in a Utopian dream world.
Anyway, good stuff bringing this up Ox. I enjoyed it.
Moondizzle: TD…
New York, NY
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Moon, you're right. He's in a tremendous position of power. If he were to do that, I would give him enormous respect. However, you and I both know that he would never do a thing like that. He feels sorry for the people but does he really care enough to practically throw away his best chance at gold?
G.O.A.T. is back?
Scranton, PA
Total Comments (12359)
Not only LeBron, I think it would be great to see the US boycott the Olympics. This would never happen. but I think it would send a huge message. Some things should be more important than athletic competition.
Hllywd: Old…
Columbus , OH
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Ox, as you get older and wiser (if you are in fact still in high school) you will realize America only helps/invades those who are of high interest to the government for what we can take/receive from them. Our government (not just the current federal clowns, many before them both Republican and Democrat) view Africa as a place with nothing we need, and with people who do not resemble/look like the majority in America. It's a very sad scenario. If there was ever a situation like this in the Middle East of course we would be there for more reasons than one. Good blog post.
EastCoastKeith
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Not only LeBron, I think it would be great to see the US boycott the Olympics. This would never happen. but I think it would send a huge message. Some things should be more important than athletic competition.
Hllywd: Old Schoolin' | 08/05/08, 07:47 PM
Nice work 0x. You talked about some big issues in there and how sports often crosses into the larger issues in the World.
The reason I pasted Hllyd's comment here is because while I absolutely agree that some things are more important than sports, I feel that a boycott would be ineffective. In fact, I think it's imperitive that we DON'T boycott. Let me explain why:
1. Boycott's send messages to your home population but the messages are ignored by the host countries. When we boycotted the USSR Olympics, did they change their policies. When they boycotted the US Olympics, did we change our policies because they sent 'a message'? No.
2. By attending the Olympics, we bring along with us 100s, 1000s, 10,000s of reporters, bloggers, spectators. China is well aware of this. Already they have had to clean up some of the worst abuses, they've had to look at new technologies and programs for pollution control. Is some of that window dressing? Of course. But some of it will stick.
3.There is a growing progressive element of the population in China (as we first say in the student population during the Tianemen incident). The cultural exchange on the level of all the 100,000s of tourists and Chinese citizens interacting is a good thing. Ideas are shared.
4. Tibet: The Chinese know that they have to be delicate here. With 1000s of media personnel looking to pounce on a negative story, China is incentivized to tread carefully.
5. The athletes. The U.S. and Chinese athletes have worked their entire lives for this occasion. Dashing their dreams or not allowing them to compete with one another at the highest level is a sad sports story...and a sad human interest story. These athletes provide inspiration to many.
6. The Special Olympics. This is often forgotten about. A boycott would affect it as well. That would truly be a shame for all. The inspiration the Paralympic games offer unites countries. We see that we truly have more in common with one another and this overshadows petty political differences.
Our message to China may actually be stronger if it is presented from within. And I prepared to keep hoping that the progressive elements within China are listening and acting in earnest.
YODA
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Wow.
Sorry about that ridiculously long comment.
Must be the tequila.
YODA
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Excellent blog 0x.Very well done.I respect for Lebron for his his decision to look into the conflict to learn more about it.That's a pretty smart move.And yes, I imaginbe Jerry Coangelo and his crew had something to do with the shutting of the lips.But what really needs to happen is major stars in all sports, just as Kobe and Lebron had, need to speak out against soome of the problems in the world.I don't think some of them know the difference some of them would make just by doing something minor.
(Cincy)
Jamestown, OH
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Here is a very simple answer for what is wrong with America
Everything.
But all kidding aside excellent blog 0x, you should consider giving this to cooz and seeing if you can write more blogs like this for the politica hotbed that is FN Magazine
thebasketballguru
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Good article... the problem I have with these Olympics and the nation which is hosting them is that, while they turn a blind eye to what is happening with their exported arms and what is happening with imported e-waste and what is happening domestically and internationally due to their example, the Chinese are highly offended by something as reasonable as American cyclists wearing masks upon arrival to stave off the air pollution. Yes, the Chinese have made great strides to cosmetically clean up their capital for the Olympic Games... but what is going to happen on August 25? That's the real rub... and the fact that many thousands were displaced from their homes without compensation to build the Olympic venues is indicative that meaningful change is far off in the future...
But then again, to have Americans barking these sentiments is nothing short of the pot calling the kettle black. Where are American standards when we idly sit by and watch our government desecrate our own long-standing environmental and international-affairs standards for cheap oil or NIMBY waste disposal? Detroit sits mired in 1970s-era efficiency standards; our basic public infrastructure is either crumbling under the weight of neglected maintenance or is being sold off to the highest multinational bidder and the American taxpayer hit on both ends...
If we are to awaken a higher political discourse from these Olympic Games, it is just as important to recognize the negative within one's own nation as it is to point out the gross misconduct of others...
Bigalke
Springfield, OR
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Ox...thanks for bringing a strong dose of reality to the usual absurdity.
TFo's Revenge
Championships, YO
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I think you may have missed the point to some degree. The reason that everyone criticized Lebron and the reason why he didn't sign the petition, is because he has marketing deals with Chinese companies. Lebron is EXTREMELY interested in cultivating his own image and legacy both in the United States and worldwide. For that reason, people have speculated that Lebron did not want to hurt his image in China by signing a petition that specifically criticized them. Even his comments that you mentioned show that he has no interest in getting involved in a solution to this horrible situation in Darfur. That's his perogative. He doesn't have to do anything. Lebron simply signing a petition doesn't really do a whole lot to help the people in Darfur anyway.
meegeet
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Funny. In iraq, the government was brutally killing millions of ita own people, US went over, and now everyone hates the president. BUT in an almost congruent situation, the US is ripped to shreds for not doing anytthing.
giftedkid527
Jacksonville , FL
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