Of Politics and Social Issues

My Environments in Public Service professor has been discussing the importance of engaging in a dialogue between sides when it comes to how the United States is governed. On that note, I’d like to hit on how we address social issues in this country.

What seems strange to me is how the tags of liberal and conservative get thrown around a lot these days. In the case of social issues, I actually think that the roles reverse in a way. My understanding of conservative has always suggested a view of government as needing to be small and non-invasive into peoples’ day to day lives. Yet, “conservatives” tend to be all about some government regulation when it comes to social issues. Whether it be gay marriage, abortion, or drug laws, it seems to me that the left is more about staying out of peoples’ business than the right. This is why it is so strange to me when the right talks about keeping government small. As long as we’re talking about pocketbooks, we want to keep government away. But when it comes to social issues, we want people to do exactly as we would do and “just act right.” I can understand libertarians, who want government to stay away across the board, even if I tend to disagree on key issues.

I’m simply not sure if the tags conservative and liberal mean anything in the context of social issues anymore. I think it might be more accurate to discuss these issues as “conformable” and “non-conformable.” There seems to be a movement towards forcing people to pursue their lives in a way that is pleasing to the majority in this country, especially when it comes to topics such as gay rights, and I don’t think it has anything to do with traditional liberal or conservative points of view. Rather, it seems to have more to do with whether we can accept variance in the way people live their lives or not. Can we value peoples’ senses of morality when they differ from our own, or do we want them to submit to our way of doing things.

This desire for conformable behavior extends to the abortion issue as well. We live in a culture where many do not want to allow abortion. I can understand that. But many of these also demand that unwed individuals abstain from sex until marriage. (Even though I would argue that many pro-lifers have not followed this particular tenet). My problem isn’t with the pro-life viewpoint, so much as it is with the argument that all Americans should base their sexual behavior on the morality of one segment of the population. I happen to believe that safe sex education should be available to everyone who is of an age group that tends to be sexually active. This is responsible public health policy.

I know I’ve it a lot of hot button topics, but what I’m trying to demonstrate is that many views that are considered “conservative” are actually liberal in the sense that they involve the use of law to enforce one group’s set of morals on the entire population. This is simply a topic starter. I’m curious to hear what the student body thinks about both the right and left views on social issues.

Philip Gibson

Columnist

philagan@gmail.com

Music Today

Few exterior elements affect people to the same extent as does sound, musical sounds to be clear. I recently began to ponder how music has changed from my early childhood to the current digital remixed and recycled musical electronic notes. When compared to what my parents listened to “back in the day”, to the limited range of artists today. Music expanded the mind. Music changed the mode during that first dance. Music allowed desperate backgrounds a common language that could be shared. Music charmed the snake. So what’s happening to music?

It’s unfortunate that I have yet to experience that moment. You know, that “do you remember where you were when that certain song” came on moment. Of course there are those tunes that I can’t forget that are just classic for whatever reason. (ie. Sisqo’s Thong Song or Eminem’s My Name is). But those types of songs could never stand next to some of the great songs of the past. My parents will say few artists affected the world and list on one hand that they are The Beatles, Bob Marley, and Michael Jackson. Mr. Jackson still has time to correct the history books. We have other problems with Mr. Jackson but that’s another article. I’ve seen old concert footage of these artists and can probably go on any corner in any city of the world and see a reference to one of them. There must have been those moments, Beatles in Yankee Stadium…Bob Marley in concert…Michael Jackson on the Motown 25th Anniversary Show. Each event so special in its’ own way, but I wasn’t there.

Today, artists are visual. Many can’t play an instrument. Many can’t perform without their voices reverberating through electronic enhancements. I’ve started recently listening to artists from other countries in an attempt to connect. Hip Hop, Rap, R&B, and Pop music in the United States is strictly about violence, sex and money. No social content, no moving the ball forward, no respect to the past. What music was passed down throughout the generations, paying honor to history or the past?

On my quest to find an artist of substance, I came across Leona Lewis. She has just recently come across fame in the United States due to her chart topping single “Bleeding Love.” What is so special about her? Well, I guess the better question is “What isn’t?” Her wide vocal range and stunning looks give her the perfect package. Her voice, not her tabloids is what has made her so successful.

A band from Germany has also landed in the United States and they call themselves “Tokio Hotel.” I know the majority of my friends have never heard of them. As far as I know, they have just recently begun to sing in English which has definitely furthered their career. They are classified as “emo” and absolutely use their looks and image to represent themselves. It is always nice to see people from other countries achieve the American Dream.

My advice to you is to search for music deeper than what’s playing over and over on 95.7 Jamz. I believe you will see the world through a different lens. Demand more from artists today and stop giving them a free pass to millions of dollars in exchange for pathetic work! An artist should last longer than their single.

Have you recently found an artist that you want others to know about? Write in to the Kaleidoscope or leave a comment here and we may do a cover on them!

Ashley Thompson

Staff Writer

Jesus versus Hitler

Part of me wanted to write something extremely inflammatory tonight, as I am extremely angry at the Republican party. However, I am in general a non-confrontational person. I don’t like to be attacked, so I try not to out and out attack anyone.  Instead – I’m just going to wing it and we’ll see where it goes.

I realize this is a rather curious title – but bear with me.

Conservatives:

The general claim, with most conservatives, is that they side with “Jesus”. They believe the things they do because they believe that is what God ordains through the Bible.  Jesus wouldn’t believe in abortion, but would believe that some criminals just have to die. God made the earth and global warming is just a part of it. Whether we are responsible or not, global warming is just part of the plan. Homosexuality is also completely unnatural and wrong, based on a literal interpretation of the scripture.

So – what about Hitler? Well, most conservatives believe Hitler was a political leftist and a liberal. They believe Hitler was a socialist and they also see most liberals as socialists. Is it accurate? Well – maybe. Hitler was an atheist that paid the church lip-service. Hitler also believed in creating a society where all citizens were equal. Of course – he also decided some people weren’t human enough to be kept around – but that’s beside the point. Hitler was a liberal. Period.

Liberals:

The stereotype of liberals is non-religious, or if they are religious – not practicing. They are non-fundamental. Liberals believe in protecting the environment, because it won’t last forever at the rate we’re going. Liberals believe that women have the right to choose whether or not they will carry a baby to term. They also believe that all criminals are humans, and no human has the right to choose whether or not another human being dies – even if they have committed a heinous crime. Homosexuals are not seen as unnatural but as people who deserve the same rights as everyone else. They sometimes associate themselves with a pious figure such as Jesus, who was tolerant of all people. Most liberals have a good bit in common with the hippies of the earlier decades.

Hitler was a “right-wing nut-job”. He supported the idea that some people were better than others, as many conservatives believe straight, conservative, Christian people are more worthy of respect. Hitler also believed that military power was more important than diplomacy.
Now, I’ve written this because I think it’s ironic how both sides use the same figures to describe themselves and criticize the others. Yes, I personally fall under the liberal category. No, these stereotypes don’t fit all conservatives or liberals, nor did I mean for them too. My point is to show the absurdity of the whole concept. Neither side represents Jesus, no matter what they have in common with the Holy Man. Hitler wouldn’t claim either side. So – why does this comparison even exist?

It’s all in point of view. Everyone thinks their side is right and therefore the other side has to be wrong. Neither side wants to compromise. And so we bicker and fight until we are blue in the face and meanwhile, nothing has been accomplished.

I have trouble taking my own advice. But – I’ve been trying.  While I’m a democrat by nature – I have every respect for John McCain. He is an amazing example of a proud soldier and an exemplary patriot. He seems intelligent enough (but with speech writer’s these days it’s hard to tell). He must have an incredibly strong will to have kept his sanity throughout his time as a POW. Most men would at least have post traumatic stress syndrome, but he seems to have only used the experience to make him a better citizen. I come from a military family and I deeply respect those who have fought for our country. This being said – I still think he’s wrong in several areas – namely his policy on war. McCain is by no means a young man, so no matter how intelligent he is, he still believes in old ideas. In my opinion, war is an old idea. Our world is so interconnected now that communication is no longer a problem.  There are other ways to put pressure on a country than bombing them to Hades and back.  McCain was raised in a world where instant communication across the globe was a dream. War is all he knows.  I can respect that, even understand it – but I don’t have to agree with it.

While I agree with most democratic social policy – I bristle at some of the fiscal policy. While I fully support universal health insurance – I will never support socialized health care. Call me old fashioned – but I believe it’s doomed to fail. Most of my hesitance revolves around watching friends who lived in countries with socialized health care. This post is already getting long, so I won’t bore you with any of the details. I was just giving an example of “liberal” policy I don’t agree with.

I believe that the majority of Americans don’t completely fit the conservative, Republican stereotype or the liberal, Democratic stereotype. Everyone is an individual – so we can’t perfectly sort anyone into one group or the other.  Thus – conflict will forever be a problem.  But recently, it just seems like the fights between the parties have gotten much more frequent and intense.  Why do we forget that we’re all humans just trying to make it through this world? I say this – because I often forget it, not because I know the answer.  It’s easy to de-humanize the opposing side – by comparing them to….say….Hitler.

The point:

So who is Jesus and who is Hitler? The fact of the matter is – no one but the real Jesus and the real Hitler.

It’s easy to think we’re right and everyone else is wrong. It takes humility and wisdom to realize no one is completely right, and few are completely wrong. I’m working on this ideology, but it’s hard. But then I realize that it isn’t until we work together and listen to one another that we can get closer to the truth. So, I’m going to try to put aside my assumptions and listen, and see if maybe I can glean some more truth from the other side. Who knows – maybe one day, I’ll get it right.

Elizabeth Perkins

Columnist

lizbit@uab.edu

McCain Throws Up a Brick

I forewarn you that this post may be a bit more on the opinionated side than what I usually write, but I will strive to keep my more subjective thoughts out of the conversation.(No Promises) I have deep respect for Senator John McCain, based both on his service in the armed forces and his record of maintaining respectful relationships with members of the opposite party during his tenure in the Senate. I respect his refusal to accept earmarked funding for pet projects in Arizona, and commend his efforts toward campaign reform.

With that said, his speech during the Republican National Convention did nothing but confirm that he is not the candidate I will be voting for this November. I am a believer in constant innovation and evolution in government, and I am simply not convinced that McCain is in touch with the needs of the American public. I base this belief on the Republican Candidate’s attention to his war stories over the purported “straight talk about policy” that the republican party is known for. I found it a bit hypocritical that McCain’s primary critique of Obama has been a lack of details on his policy plans for Presidency, yet when given a national stage, he refrained from spelling out the details of his own policy. I understand that much of what goes into a nomination speech is rallying the party with emotionality, but that has never been John McCain’s style, and frankly that is what I always liked best about him.

To be fair, Obama has done his fair share of pointing out the ineffectiveness of the republican platform and vaguely discussing his own policy. (For the record, you can find out a lot about both candidate’s policy plans by logging onto their campaign websites, and I highly encourage you to do so and gather information yourself) What I would like to see is a frank conversation between the candidates about what solutions will work for America’s most pressing problems, and what solutions will not. Both candidates have hinted that there is a tendency in both parties to overlook their own weaknesses, and I would like to see this explored more as a dialogue between the candidates.

What McCain failed to do on Thursday night was address the American people about issues that are close to their heart. I have no doubt that he has ideas about what needs to be done in this country, but he failed to communicate that when given what may be his best opportunity to. For left leaning independents, Thursday might have been McCain’s best opportunity to reach out and connect, and he failed to do that.

I do not wish to McCain bash, because I do believe he is qualified for the administrative duties of the presidency. I am leaning towards Obama primarily because I agree with the policies he has supported moreso than I do with McCain. Unlike others, I do not think the country will fall apart if one candidate is elected and the other is not. The choice is not purely dichotomous. However, I am not the kind of person McCain needed to reach Thursday night. He needed to reach those who are not straight ticket republican or democratic voters, and I simply do not think he was successful in that venture.

What do you guys think? To the independents, I ask whether or not McCain’s speech sold you on him. To the right, I ask if you are enthusiastic about your candidate. And to the left, I ask that you kindly steer away from inflammatory, exaggerated rhetoric and explore why people might be excited about McCain.

Philip Gibson

Columnist

philagan@gmail.com

What students can do to save some money

With the school year just beginning, many college students are using credit cards and setting up their own bank accounts for the first time. ING Direct USA, the nation’s largest direct bank, asked its summer interns what they wished their parents had told them as they headed off to college.

Here’s their advice:

START SAVING NOW. Small, day-to-day expenses can really add up. A daily trip to Starbucks for a $3.00 latte totals nearly $1,100 over a year. Trimming down on needless costs frees up lots of money. Socking it all away in a high-interest savings account allows you to save for something more useful than an overpriced coffee.

MAINTAIN A BUDGET. College is costly. You have to buy books, clothes, supplies. Create a budget for each semester so you can prepare for future expenses. This will save you the headache of figuring how much money you need for everything, and leave you with extra spending money.

USE A CREDIT CARD ONLY WHEN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. Just because a credit line is available, that doesn’t mean you need to max it out. It can take many years and thousands of dollars to pay off credit-card debt. Spend only the money you have budgeted and use a credit card in emergency situations only.

BUY YOUR TEXTBOOKS from discount Web sites. Textbooks can be very expensive, especially if you buy them from your campus bookstore. Consider purchasing your books from discount Web sites such as Amazon.com or Half.com. It saves you the hassle of waiting in line for books on the first day of class, and saves you a lot of money.

SPLIT YOUR BILLS with your roommates if you live in an apartment. Make a financial plan you can all agree on to pay your bills every month. Split the bills equally among all of you. This way you’re all paying an equal amount, and the plan will keep everyone on a schedule.

IF YOU LIVE OFF CAMPUS, don’t eat out all the time. Buy enough groceries for a week or two so you can make lunch and dinner on your own. It can be a fun way to save money, and you can always split the grocery costs with your roommates.

IF YOU HAVE A JOB at school, take money out of each paycheck and put it in a savings account. You won’t be tempted to spend all of your money, and you will always have some extra spending money for fun or when you really need it.

MAKE SURE you can access your bank account at school. If you can’t, open an account at a local bank or online. At a local bank, you can easily cash and deposit checks and might be able to avoid ATM fees. Similarly, many online banks offer free ATM access at thousands of locations through ATM networks. And online banks generally offer some of the highest interest rates available.

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR MONEY. Keep a log of deposits and purchases, especially from checks and debit cards. Even though your bank may track this electronically, it’s good practice for you to personally manage your funds. Plus, transactions might not go through as soon as you make them. Having a hard copy is always a good idea.

Jim Kelly is chief operating officer of ING Direct.

Birmingham radio should be given a chance

Over the last few years, Birmingham radio stations have been switching dials and/or changing formats. I can remember when The X was on the radio. It changed dials a few times over the years, then finally left the airwaves for good about a year ago. It was replaced by sports talk radio. Now, another radio station has appeared on Birmingham airwaves, and I love the sounds of it. I just hope Birmingham listeners and the radio station owner will give it a chance.

The main reason why I listened to The X was because I discovered a show that aired on the station called Reg’s Coffee House. The X was considered a rock station and Reg’s show was called “the softer side of the X.”  The music played on this show was considered alternative rock, but it was more than this. It was just a DJ (Scott Register a.ka. Reg) who loved music and played artist that he enjoyed, some vets of the music industry, some newcomers. What I like about Reg’s show was that it was music that I didn’t really hear on any other station in Birmingham. He was playing music by artist like John Mayer, Maroon 5, Amy Winhouse, and Augustana  months and often years before the pop/”mainstream” radio stations in Birmingham even gave them a chance. When The X left the air, so did Reg’s show, at least for a while. He still had his website, where he introduced his listeners to talented artist and music he thought they would enjoy. I was glad when Reg found another radio station, 94.5. This station had a similar format for years, yet in August of this year, the format changed and sports talk radio took it’s place. I believe it was the same broadcast that took over The X. Anyway, it is only because I am such a dedicated fan of Reg’s Coffee House that I even knew about this new station,100.5 Live. Reg announced, on his website that he had found another home, after having to leave  94.5. He informed his loyal listeners to listen to him on a Friday, and he would do his show and announce the format of the new radio station he was now on at 10:05 a.m. that day.

Reg called the new format “modern music.” Honestly, I don’t quite know what that means, but I really have been enjoying the music this radio station has been playing. Reg was the perfect person to announce the format, because the kind of music this station plays is a perfect fit for Reg’s Coffee House. The music played is an infusion of veteran musicians, and newcomers, older music and new music. You can hear artist like Bruce Springstein and Colby Calais played on the same station. I guess that this kind of music would still be considered alternative rock, but I wouldn’t be so quick to categories it, or let this categorization deter you from giving this station a listen. Now Birmingham listeners have the opportunity to hear artist that other radio stations aren’t playing, or music that other radio stations may not play. It’s nice to know that the kind of music played on my favorite radio show, will no longer be relegated to one day a week, for 4hours, on a Sunday.

Don’t get me wrong, I love music and I enjoy listening to all kinds of music, but 100.5 is unlike any radio station in Birmingham. After changing the dial to the numerous radio stations that seem only to cater to the popular, familiar artist, it’s nice to have a station that takes a chance on new artist. I’m glad that more listeners will have the opportunity to discover the music of artist like Ray LaMontagne and Matthew Perryman Jones. The kind of music played on 100.5 might even sound familiar to some listeners. Like some of the artists on Reg’s Coffee House, some of these artist’s music have been heard on television shows like “Grey’s Anatomy. They may also be heard on commercials. Even if you don’t think you would like this new radio station, give it a try, break the monotony of all the other radio stations in Birmingham and give this station and/or shows like “Reg’s Coffee House” the chance they deserve.Birmingham needs a radio station like this, and I’m personally glad it’s here. Now let’s hope it will stay for more than a minute.

Denise Honeycutt

Columnist

honey_deni@hotmail.com

Biden Boom?

So we have our Democratic vice presidential candidate, and a “dynamic duo” has finally been birthed.  I use the term “dynamic duo” as an allusion to the crime-fighting couple, Batman & Robin, because the addition of Senator Joe Biden of Delaware to the ticket reminds me much of the addition of an irrelevant sidekick as back-up to one largely portrayed as an almost superhuman champion of justice.  The millions of Batman fans, excuse me, Barack Obama supporters who are only voting Democratic this year on a charisma and “change we can believe in” high weren’t crossing their fingers to be the first to know about a Biden-VP pick via text message at 3 a.m.  (The “Be the first to know!” text messages didn’t arrive, by the way, until about 2 hours after CNN had already begun to proclaim the good news.)  The folks want change!  Who cares about some old Senator from “the First State;” let’s talk about “the first black president!”

You know that guy that walks up to the bar with you (I’m just running off of television as I probably drink less than your average pastor’s wife) to kind of “talk you up,” projecting your most admirable qualities in an attempt to possibly get you a phone number or, if you’re super-lucky, a lipstick line on your upper right cheek?  Well, in any of the sitcoms or movies that I’ve ever watched, that guy—the “wing-man” I believe he’s called—never gets the upper right cheek-kiss, and, usually, that guy disappears into television limbo until the next morning when the main character just has to clue him in about the wonderful night that the wing-man helped to spark.  According to Alben W. Barkley, President Harry Truman’s sidekick, the real world equivalent to this television limbo is the vice president’s office.

In the last 8 years, we’ve experienced what some commentators, both liberal and conservative, have called a co-presidency, with Bush critics perhaps having more ire for Mr. Richard Bruce Cheney than they do for the commander-in-chief.  This two-term trend is sure to draw to a close, should the Democrats take the White House, for two obvious reasons:  (A) Having something in common with the Bush administration, a strong VP, would not be “Change,” and (B) Obama only has a vice presidential candidate because one is required.  Some of you may scoff at the latter reason, but really, Obamicans and Obamacrats, wasn’t an Obama-only ticket good enough for you?  I don’t want to imply that the Democratic hopeful is pompous or conceited, but if I had a statistical lead as I was and I had become a political and cultural phenomenon out of nowhere within 5 years by myself, the thoughts, “Dang, I wish I could just run it alone,” and “Somebody else is only going to drag me down,” would certainly cross my mind.  Maybe Barack’s a more humble fellow than I.

I don’t stir up this dust out of disrespect for Senator Biden’s public service—I respect the fact that a majority of Delawareans have decided for 35 years that Biden is very relevant guy to represent them on the Hill.  All I’m saying is that I see no way in which Joe Biden will ever become anything more than the hunchback of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, compared to the glory (read: hype) that is Obama.

The mainstream media has mentioned all week a possible “Biden Boom.”  The polls are in, and while Obama has pulled away to a whopping 2.20 increase against John McCain on the RealClearPolitics Poll Average, I can’t see why or where anyone would get the idea that a major boost would come from one of Obama’s former competitors in the primary season, one who, when speaking in 2007 of Obama’s lack of experience, said, “The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the- job-training.”

Jared Sutton

Columnist

jsutton@uab.edu

The Olympics and China 3-Cultural Lesson: The Erhu

One of the most telling things about a culture is their music, and China is no exception. Being an enthusiast of Asian culture, I frequently spend time doing research, and thanks to YouTube, I can share some of what I’ve found out.
Chinese music has some of the most unique and interesting sounding instruments. In this performance featured below, the instrument featured is the erhu. According to www.paulnoll.com, the erhu, which is a type of fiddle, became a popular instrument in the southern part of China during the Sung Dynasty, which was around 960-1279 A.D. The two-stringed instrument’s unique sound comes from the snakeskin that covers the resonator. The strings are usually made of silk.
Unlike how violins are held under the chin, erhus sit erectly in front of the left hip of the player. Also, unlike the violin, the erhu’s bow is placed between the two strings.
This is one of my favorite Chinese instruments; for me, it has one of the most iconic sounds of China. And the versatility of sounds it has-from languid to serene to quick and sharp-is really beautiful to listen to.
For more information about the erhu, visit
www.pallnoll.com/China/Music/mus-erhu.html.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnF1VRL6xJg

Monique Jones

Editor in Chief

uabkscope@yahoo.com

The Pros and Cons of Joe Biden

Barack Obama has chosen Delaware senator Joe Biden as his running mate for the 2008 presidential elections. The decision was to be announced via text message to Obama supporters early on Saturday August 23rd but was leaked to certain members of the press a few hours earlier than intended. This important selection comes just before the Democrat Party Convention which started Monday August 25th. This gives Mr. Obama some major publicity and puts him in the political spotlight once again. Mr. Biden is originally from Scranton, Pa. and still holds some importance in that critical state, which no doubt had some influence in Obama’s choice.

Biden is more than qualified in foreign affairs and is well respected internationally; he spent the past weekend in Georgia speaking with the country’s president about the conflict with Russia. Joe Biden is well liked in among Democrats and has immense experience in foreign affairs, he is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , something which Mr. Obama has been criticized for lacking. Biden also has the potential to help Senator Obama reach a few important demographics such as Roman Catholics and working class voters. Biden is an accomplished lawyer and has served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Biden has been in Washington for a very long time, he first ran for the position as Delaware’s senator at the age of 29, and this will no doubt help to fill in some gaps on Obama’s resume as he is relatively inexperienced. By all accounts Mr. Biden seems to capable of taking over as president in the event that anything should happen to Mr. Obama while in office(as many of my friends seem to think might happen). At 65 year of age, Mr. Biden brings heft, experience, and some gray hair to contrast with Mr. Obama’s slick, young appearance.

With all of that said, there are all always cons to any decision and this one is no different. Mr. Biden is notorious for making statements that can sometimes get him into trouble and in 2007 declared the Mr. Obama was not yet ready for the presidency.This will surely be the focus of many attacks from Mr. Obama’s republican opponent John McCain. Mr. Biden has himself made a campaign for the presidency in 1988 and just recently in 2008, though he dropped very early each time. In ‘88 he dropped from the race after being accused of stealing portions of a speech from Neil Kennock, a leader in the British Labor Party at the time, and in 2008 he dropped out quite early due to low polling numbers.

Mr. Biden aslo initially supported the war in Iraq, Obama always opposed the decision, though he later changed his stance on the issue saying that it was wrong to give the Bush administration the power to start the war. Despite all the controversy that has surrounded him during his political career, there is no doubt that he knows his stuff and can bring alot to Barack Obama’s campaign and potential presidency; as long as he can overcome his own ego and submit to a much younger political player than himself.

Ryan Headley

Forum Editor

kscopeditorial@yahoo.com

Olympic Culture

When the Olympics began in August, I knew little about China, the host country. I knew that China was a communist country and that many people were opposed to the Olympics being held there for various reasons. There was also the fear that the country would be targeted by terrorist groups. I heard nothing positive about the country, so I knew that the Chinese would have a big job to do in trying to get many people to see them in a different light. Once the opening ceremonies began and the athletes began to compete, things began to change, at least for me. I began to learn more about China, its people, and the culture.

I can remember watching many Olympic Games on NBC, and what I was most impressed by was their coverage of the host country. This year was no exception. Despite the myriad of negative reports that had been done on China throughout the years, NBC broadcasters decided to focus more on presenting its audience with information about the country, its athletes, its people, and the culture. I found all of this to be very interesting. I can remember, between Olympic coverage, a NBC reporter dedicating a segment of the show to Chinese kites. She talked about the unique designs of a particular kite maker and kite flying in China. The “Today” show has done many reports on the Chinese since the Olympics began. I can remember watching many segments about some of the food in China. There have been Chefs and athletes who came on the show to cook some of their favorite Chinese dishes. There was also a segment done on the importance of tea in Chinese culture.

What I also found interesting was that not just NBC was doing reports on China. I watched a PBS show called “Wide Angle” which was reporting on the process Chinese children have to go through in order to get into a university. I found this interesting because it was so much more competitive than in America, and it took a lot of discipline at an early age. According to this report, the Chinese children had to take and pass a test in order to be chosen to go to a university. It was interesting to see how much the families were invested in their children’s preparation for the test, and whether or not they got into a university. Families from less affluent families were especially invested in their child’s education and success, because they realized that an education could give their child a better life.

I enjoyed watching many of the Chinese people cheer for their athletes. The athlete seemed to be so proud to have the opportunity to represent their country, and the people of China seemed proud of their athletes. Each time I saw reporters asking a Chinese athlete or resident something about their country, they seemed almost honored by the interest and proud to show some aspects of their culture to the rest of the world. A local news show did a report on Chinese residence in the Birmingham area, and some talked about being conflicted as to who to cheer for when the United States and China were competing. They also said that they hoped that, by watching the Olympics, more people would learn about their country, particularly more positive aspects of their country and culture.

Many of the negative things that I have heard about China both before and during the Olympics were in relation to their politics and/or government, not much focus had really been on the people living in China or their culture. I was happy to see so many news reports showing a different side of this country. It was almost like taking a class in Chinese history. There was coverage on the landscape, sites, history of Beijing/China, the culture, traditions, the athletes, and the regular people of this country.

What I will take away from the Beijing Olympics will be what I take away from all of them. I have a great deal of respect for the athletes and the dedication and discipline it takes to even make it to the Olympics. I also take away from this Olympics more knowledge about China and its people. China has been a controversial country to hold the Olympics, but maybe we should dedicate as much time to learning about the Chinese people and culture, as we have dedicated to learning about the politics/government in China. Perhaps learning more about anyone’s country/culture is a better way of opening the lines of communication with the people who live there. Maybe it could lead to a better understanding of who they really are. I think the ultimate conclusion that we can reach from these Olympics is probably one that the athletes have recognized/realized a long time ago, “we really aren’t all that different from one another,” and perhaps taking the time to learn about different countries/cultures would help to provide the proof for that statement.

Denise Honeycutt

Columnist

honey_deni@uab.edu