I am hopeful that all bloggers and blog readers will take a moment to remember humanity. Sometimes we get so tied up on our day-to-day existance that we forget to look up or think globally about humanity. We have a chance to think globally with upcoming major competitive events such as the Beijing Olympics. Many agree that China is a country guilty of numerous human rights violations and outright oppression.
You are invited to take a moment to remember humanity on Sunday, April 27. On that day we are asking bloggers and blog readers all over the world to ask a simple question for Darfurians, Tibetans and others that have been affected by China’s lack of concern for human rights ---> ‘Am I not
human?’
The Olympics should be global representation of friendship and humanity. However, the Beijing Olympics are tainted by the oppressive reality of China's human rights stance in Darfur, Tibet and elsewhere. China shows a willingness to ignore the lofty principles of the Olympic movement.
Our blog campaign, ‘Am I not human?’ involves bloggers from a myriad of cultures recognizing the symbolic importance the Olympics claim to represent and the direct violation towards humanity China is guilty of in its act as a supplier to oppressive forces in the Sudan, and it’s unspeakable acts towards Tibetan Monks.
The campaign’s strategy is to educate, motivate and activate. A small ebook will be available for download detailing the background of the struggle in Darfur and Tibet, highlighting real actions that can and should be taken. The ebook will present the opportunity to continue action offline within our communities by anyone claiming to be interested in making a positive change.
AfroSpear blogger Eddie Griffin states, “We will no longer idly stand by and watch such blatant hypocrisy as human beings are inhumanely preyed upon.”
The Blog Campaign participants will post in unity on the 27th of each month until real measurable, progressive change can be seen in Darfur and Tibet. Our first postings will begin on Sunday, April 27.
You are invited to take a moment to remember humanity on Sunday, April 27. On that day we are asking bloggers and blog readers all over the world to ask a simple question for Darfurians, Tibetans and others that have been affected by China’s lack of concern for human rights ---> ‘Am I not
human?’The Olympics should be global representation of friendship and humanity. However, the Beijing Olympics are tainted by the oppressive reality of China's human rights stance in Darfur, Tibet and elsewhere. China shows a willingness to ignore the lofty principles of the Olympic movement.
Our blog campaign, ‘Am I not human?’ involves bloggers from a myriad of cultures recognizing the symbolic importance the Olympics claim to represent and the direct violation towards humanity China is guilty of in its act as a supplier to oppressive forces in the Sudan, and it’s unspeakable acts towards Tibetan Monks.
The campaign’s strategy is to educate, motivate and activate. A small ebook will be available for download detailing the background of the struggle in Darfur and Tibet, highlighting real actions that can and should be taken. The ebook will present the opportunity to continue action offline within our communities by anyone claiming to be interested in making a positive change.
AfroSpear blogger Eddie Griffin states, “We will no longer idly stand by and watch such blatant hypocrisy as human beings are inhumanely preyed upon.”
The Blog Campaign participants will post in unity on the 27th of each month until real measurable, progressive change can be seen in Darfur and Tibet. Our first postings will begin on Sunday, April 27.
You can learn more from our 'Am I Not Human' Virtual Campaign headquarters or you can email the Campaign Organizers for additional information. The Campaign Organizers are: Daz Wilson, Danielle Vyas, Wayne Hicks and Eddie Griffin.
The next step is yours! What say u?
The next step is yours! What say u?
9 comments:
I'm in...
I may sound insensitive when I state this by I don't see the connect with Global Atrocities and the Olympic outside of the fact that the event allows for a global platform to protest.
As an ex-athlete and having close relationships with athletes, I see the events with protesters of Global Warming to Tibet to Darfur, Iraq to the Child Sex Trade to Slavery in Haiti and India to hundreds of human and economic injustices as part of the UNITED NATIONS which is in cession ALL YEAR LONG and EVERYDAY.
Every four years (SUMMER) there is a NEW ISSUE to protest which endangers to Olympics and yet they still go and whatever ISSUE that is fashionable that Year is cast off at the end. What happened to the ISSUES during the 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympics. Do people even recall?
Origin-wise the event was a way to MAKE PEACE. The Olympics has always been about sports with an underlining for sharing. It is unfortunate that it is becoming more about Politics and the World is ignoring the real organization that handles these issues, THE UNITED NATIONS.
Ms. Marvalus - You will be added to the blogroll over on the virtual campaign headquarters...
Shazza Nakim - Your comment is *not* insensitive. It is a valid counterpoint worthy of consideration. In answer to your question of past Olympic boycotts ... click here for a pretty comprehensive list of Olympic protests and boycotts.
re: United Nations. Another excellent point. I wonder if there is a specific part of the UN that deals with human rights violations?
Thank you for the information and I like having this conversation with people who like to be a part of the "Cause of the day" but there are a lot of other causes lost in past Olympic Years that people have forgotten. I just think that equal time should be given to those Olympic Years past. They are still issues and believe it or not, many of the ISSUES that people are protesting stem from those of the past.
If we are going to Protest this Olympics, lets put is ALL ON THE TABLE.
Shazza Nakim - Again, your point is well-taken. Please note that it is not our intention for the 'Am I Not Human?' campaign to focus solely on the Beijing Olympics. That is the focus many of us will have on our April 27th posting. However, in the bigger picture, our goal is to post on a monthly basis in support of human rights.
I hope you will head to our virtual campaign headquarters and add your support to our monthly campaign effort...
peace, Villager
I want to do this also!
Shazza, As one of the planners, you are right. The Olympics provides a platform to speak out on human rights issues. It is not design to spoil the athlete's fun. But it is not often that the grassroots can speak to an international audience about global problems facing humanity. In fact, there are athlete, themselves, who have statements to make.
Add your voice to the campaign while it is day. When we go silent, we may never rise again.
The correct way to attack China is using the power of money. Do not buy anything for the Olympics. If you are attending the Olympics, buy only food and shelter. Money always speaks louder to a government than anything else. Support the athletes by making sure China wins as few medals as possible. The silent protest of not spending WILL get the China's governments attention.
Ingrid and Cliff - I hope you are both participating today!
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