Spielberg May Drop Olympic Position To Push Chinese On Darfur
Filed under: campaigns — Michael d'Estries @ 7:24 pm
July 26th 2007
We’re all aware that actions speak louder than words, and director Steven Spielberg may elect to take things a step further than the letter on Darfur he sent Chinese officials earlier this summer. As we’ve heard very little reaction from the Chinese (we’re thinking the Spielberg camp are in the same boat) regarding the note, rumors are swirling that Spielberg may remove himself as artistic adviser to the 2008 Beijing Olympics in protest. China is currently Sudan’s largest customer and their funds are indirectly helping to support the violence there; something several high-profile celebrities are against and would like to see end. From the article,
“‘Steven will make a determination in the next few weeks regarding his work with the Chinese. Our main interest is ending the genocide. No one is clear on the best way to do this,’ Spielberg’s spokesman Andy Spahn told ABCNEWS.com. Spahn said ‘all options were on the table,’ including quitting, but much would depend on an anticipated statement on Sudan by the Chinese government expected in the coming days.”
China is using all its resources to ensure that the 2008 Olympic Games are perfectly staged — an honor the country believes takes precedence over any issue. The last thing they need would be anything that might tarnish that “world coming out” party. Spielberg’s position — and the simple threat of a famous director to walk out on the party — is apparently causing the Chinese to pay attention. If an announcement is due shortly, we’ll keep you updated.
I really hope the same PRC PR wonks who decided they would be saving face by telling us that ‘antifreeze toothpaste is really harmless, you should get over, but we’ll stop making it just to satisfy all you mistaken westerners’ will get their pigheaded input into the response. Because I really want to see Mr. Spielberg throw up (his hands) and exit.