Beijing waits for a decision on its bid to host the 2008 Olympics. The International Olympic Committee has faced controversy in the past. A new center offers a glimpse into the Catholic religion. The Holy Land Experience opens to mixed reviews. A Texas reserve offers a safari-like experience.
Olympic Hopeful Locate the city of Beijing on a world map.
In the video, we learn that many who oppose Beijing's Olympic bid do so on the basis of human rights violations they say are committed regularly in China. Some argue that the Olympics should be apolitical, or without a political agenda. Divide the class into small groups, and have each research the arguments both pro and con. Groups will want to examine the city of Beijing and its capacity to host a world event, as well as the human rights allegations against China, and whether these should be considered in the decision. After groups have time to examine their information and discuss the pros and cons among their members, direct each group to arrive at a consensus opinion and prepare a paper that offers the group's decision and rationale.