A Holocaust Stamped "Made in China"

There are celebrities who use their stardom to support causes and candidates they believe in. But rarely has the action of a big name had greater potential impact than the announcement by Steven Spielberg that he will no longer serve as artistic advisor to the Beijing Olympics, because China is not doing enough to restrain the government of Sudan from genocide in Darfur.

It is important because the Olympics are very important to China, and Spielberg's action is part of a larger ongoing effort to pressure China on human rights issues, especially Darfur, through the Olympics. Spielberg's name is globally known, both as the creator of internationally popular movies such as E.T., and also of internationally important films such as Schindler's List.

He does so risking that to the public unfamiliar with the situation, his action seems quixotic. But it isn't. According to the Save Darfur Coalition, China is the main supporter of the Sudan regime, and the main barrier to effective international action to stop the genocide. "With China's protection, Sudanese President Bashir continues his brash defiance of the U.N.," their recent newsletter said. "Just last week Bashir appointed a militia leader who helped orchestrate genocide in Darfur as a senior advisor on ethnic affairs."

China is Sudan's biggest trade partner--it buys 2/3 of Sudan's oil--, its biggest foreign investor and arms supplier. It has opposed and weakened international response through the UN. China wants as much oil as it can get, and not many nations will deal with Sudan. Sudan gets the money--and weapons-- to continue its genocide from selling oil to China.

Continuing efforts include possible boycotts of Olympic sponsors, such as Coca Cola and McDonalds. According to The Guardian: Dr James Smith, chief executive of the Aegis Trust, which campaigns to prevent genocide around the world, said: "This is the biggest message to the Chinese that turning a blind eye to the atrocities in Darfur is unacceptable. Spielberg has demonstrated that collective responsibility means everyone's responsibility."

Spielberg has been urged to make this move for a long time, and suggested months ago that he might. As one commentator put it, " Steven Spielberg has finally decided he does not want to be part of a holocaust stamped "Made in China".