racism

The holding of the Olympic Games in China has generated a great deal of criticism and protest. Many argue that the Games should never have been held in Beijing, because of China's awful human rights record. But to what extent are these criticisms justified? Do they simply reflect double standards and racial prejudice on the part of the West?
 

Way back during the apartheid years, when I was in international company, I hated having to admit to being a South African. During the transition to democracy that changed and for a time, I felt proud of my country. Lately, I'm starting to get that uncomfortable ashamed feeling again when I travel. Yesterday I hit a particularly low point.