Beijing prepares for 2008 summer Olympic Games

The College of Humanities held a lecture entitled “China, the Olympics, and UMHB” Jan. 28 in Brindley Auditorium. Speakers at the event were Information Technology Director Shawn Kung, Modern Foreign Language Instructor Karen Frederick and Fulbright Teaching Assistant Yan Yong.

After years of preparation to become the world’s host, China’s hard work will soon pay off with the 2008 Olympics, which will be held in Beijing.

Frederick said, “I would love to be at the opening ceremony. It’s going to be such a show. They really are pulling together doing whatever they can to be a part.”

A native of China, Yan, discussed the impact of hosting the Olympics on China’s economy and public transportation. She said China made changes to improve the infrastructure of the city of Beijing as early as 15 years in advance.

Construction of underground public transportation began in the 1990s, and building permits were no longer granted for fear that buildings would be left unfinished. Restaurants already have begun changing their menus by adding English translations.

Public transportation largely has been pushed underground. Stadiums in the area have sprung up like weeds. National pride has heightened, and outlooks have broadened.

With the enormous influx of people expected to be in the city for the games, the government has instituted new regulations. The local people have been told when buses will be transporting the athletes from their hotels to the various stadiums for the games, and they will avoid the roads to give the athletes right of way.

Yan said, “I think it is kind of compared to an ambulance. Like, wow, you go ahead. It will work like this. I have no doubt about that part because the local residents are so glad to help there. They would like to suffer a little bit.”

Frederick said she and her family were in China when it was announced that China would host the Olympics.
“There were fireworks and celebration everywhere. It was crazy.”

She and her family lived in China from 1995 to 2005 while she worked as an English teacher.
“It’s a national desire to show China in a positive light,” Frederick said.

During the lecture Kung talked about one particular cultural norm that is now being outlawed—spitting. Because a little saliva on the city streets and sidewalks doesn’t make for the picturesque view of Beijing. Signs are now being posted all over the city to inform citizens that the habit has to go for the sake of the Olympics.

To let go of an acceptable habit in society is a small matter compared to other sacrifices the people of Beijing are making in order to prepare for August.

Kung works with China Telecom, a large wire-line telecommunications and broadband provider. He was sent to the 2004 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, to see the ins and outs of putting on such a huge event. According to an online source, the company hopes to be the first in the world to provide the Olympics via broadband.

“The people are so proud to host the Olympic games in China,” Kung said.

He gave an example of the differences between American and Chinese culture and each of their views on government regulation. The Chinese have been told not to drive their cars on certain days during the games. They accept this with eagerness, not with complaints.

Kung said if students were told they couldn’t drive their car from their dorm parking lot to the Davidson building, they would probably become upset and complain to authorities.

The Chinese “are willing to sacrifice themselves in order to make this game perfect,” Kung said.

The Olympic games opening ceremony will be held Aug. 8. It just so happens the number eight is viewed as a lucky number for the Chinese.

Yan said, “Because it is very similar to the pronunciation of another character, another word which means prosperous. They are almost addicted to that number.”

While a lucky number can’t guarantee success, the Chinese government and its people look forward to accomplishing their plan of being the best host.

After years of preparation, that goal is within reach.

Frederick said, “The Chinese can put on a show the way no one can. I am so impressed with the performances that they can put on. They are just so dazzling and so beautiful.”