In the latest issue of BusinessWeek (March 10, 2008), I read an interesting article titled “Wrestling the Olympics Activists”. For the past few years now, a lot of attention has been given to Chinas’ involvement (directly or indirectly) in the on-going conflict occurring in the Darfur region of Sudan. Recently, Steven Spielberg decided not to lend his artistic abilities to the games in protest of China’s policies towards Sudan. Obviously, this issue is complex and has many political and moral facets to it. However, the article focused specifically on the corporate sponsors of the 2008 Olympics in China.
Human rights groups are applying pressure on multinational corporations to step up and help stop the genocide. The activists want the corporate sponsors to contact and submit a signed statement of concern to the International Olympic Committee and the Chinese government regarding the conflict. If these corporations do not comply and take other initiatives to assist the Darfur victims, they will be targeted for protests and risk being labeled “Proud Sponsor of the Genocide Olympics”.
I found this issue particularly interesting in the context of our Business-Ethics course. What are these corporate sponsors suppose to do? If the voice their concerns to the Chinese government, they risk offending them and lose access to a vast market. If they do nothing or less then they could have, they risk a very negative public image and be linked to support genocide. Granted, some companies plan to contribute millions to the Darfur region (GE and Coke), but none have revised their marketing plans for the Olympics. This leaves them vulnerable to demonstrations and boycotts.
Is it their responsibility to help stop the genocide or protect the interests of their shareholders? Can corporations really accomplish anything by not sponsoring the Olympics? Can they “afford” not to take a stand or can they benefit if they do voice their concerns? Are they morally obligated to do something to help the victim’s since they are sponsoring a global event that aims to unite the world?
The 2008 Olympic theme is “One World One Dream”. ..
1 comment:
How many more people would support the Olympic sponsors if they did voice their objections to the Genocides not only in Sudan Burma but most importantly inside China.. How can we expect the Ccp to stop Genocides in outside countries when they wont even admit to their own Genocides inside China.
Righteous people last for ever and that includes businesses that do the right things. Do you know how many companies were sued by the Jews after the holocaust was exposed? These companies are still paying out to day…there is not future in denial genocide or complacency.
Please read this report about the organ pilfering forced live organ harvesting from eh peaceful Falun Gong practitioners inside China..
http://organharvestinvestigation.net/
Some truths are intolerable
Our Govt’s know about it
Our media know about it
Human Rights groups know about it
Now you know about it
Please do what you can. Visit you local media and Politician
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