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Ok we all know that Dennis Rodman and some other NBA players have gotten some heat for visiting North Korea and it's current dictator in the name of what they felt was to spread goodwill. The criticism is basically that they shouldn't have visited a country known for it's repression and harshness towards it's own people.
Ok my question is how do we decide which repressive countries athletes should or shouldn't visit to spread goodwill?
Many countries around the world are repressive or have been. Like Zaire under Mobutu. Yet back in the 70's a famous boxing match occured there with Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman known as the Rumble In The Jungle. Most people know that Mobutu was a ruthless,kleptocratic dictator who oppressed and looted his country left and right. But still the Rumble In The Jungle fight is considered a classic fight. But I don't remember no one protesting this fight or criticizing Muhammad Ali and George Foreman for having this fight in a country then ruled by a ruthless dictator like Mobutu. So again,how do we decide which oppressive countries athletes can visit in the name of sports and goodwill? How was Mobutu any different from North Korea's dictator? Should all U.S athletes just avoid most African countries since many are also badly governed?
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With this U.S. seal of approval, Mobutu has headed a brutal regime that has brought nothing but horrors and misery to the Zairean people. Those considered a threat to the Mobutu regime have been shot down in the streets, imprisoned, executed or forced into exile. Mobutu and his clique have been raking in an estimated $400 million a year--while the masses of people starve and live under the constant threat of murderous rampages by the government troops.
Just a shame that news media has come to this level where they interview a drunk about his justification for being there. Rodman couldn't even makes sense in statements. He later admitted to being drunk at time. Its like a comedy show showing drug addicts and drunks when high;shameful entertainment.
Just a shame that news media has come to this level where they interview a drunk about his justification for being there. Rodman couldn't even makes sense in statements. He later admitted to being drunk at time. Its like a comedy show showing drug addicts and drunks when high;shameful entertainment.
Yeah Rodman should have just let Charles Smith do all the talking.
How was Mobutu any different from North Korea's dictator?
Isn't the main difference was that Mobutu was western supported? How would Americans feel had Rodman and those other NBA players had visited an oppressive country that had a history of western support? Would there be the same outrage at them?
Supposed they had visited Saudi Arabia one of the biggest human rights abusing countries? But they're allies with the U.S so are they different?
Rodman is Kim Jung Un "lil stoolie coolie" he should of been in his Marilyn Monroe drag outfit when he sang "Happy Birthday" to Dear Leader.Dennis please stay in N.Korea and never ever come back...
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I just wonder how the 2 "became friends"... seems very unlikely.. I dont care where people go. Why is the Pres and no.2 not doing the olympics? Kinda like letting your kids go but your to good to go.
I'm no fan of Rodman, and I personally think that he is a jacka**! However; he should be free to go where he wants. At any rate, if I were Rodman, I'd be leery about befriending ANYONE that would wack out his own uncle! You never know when the little schizo in charge over there may turn on his "buddy."
Isn't the main difference was that Mobutu was western supported? How would Americans feel had Rodman and those other NBA players had visited an oppressive country that had a history of western support? Would there be the same outrage at them?
Supposed they had visited Saudi Arabia one of the biggest human rights abusing countries? But they're allies with the U.S so are they different?
If you are comparing Saudi Arabia with North Korea, then you should really read more about North Korea.
I know not all oppressive regimes operate the same but the criticism against Rodman and the other NBA players was that they were visting a country with well known human rights abuses. Well which oppressives countries should or shouldn't athletes visit since there are so many? Do athletes have to weigh which regime is more or less oppressive than the other before visting?
David Stern was critical of these players for visting North Korea. But isn't Stern trying to expand the NBA's appeal in China? China is at the top of the list with countries violating human rights. Should NBA players avoid China?
Yeah Rodman should have just let Charles Smith do all the talking.
Saw Rodman's drunken rant. Couldn't help noticing how the other players sitting behind him looked pretty embarrassed when Rodman brought them into his rant as if they supported his rant.
Rodman should just pack his clothes, get dressed and go live in NK.
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