Whoever thought having the Olympics in China was a good idea is probably trying to bury themselves very, very far underground right now. For something that should be raising China’s worldwide reputation, the preparation for the Olympics is serving as confirmation of everyone’s worst fears about China - repression of citizens, Tibet, and pollution that makes 19th century London look like Yosemite.

The Tibet problem came to a head a few months ago, but over the past several weeks, the Olympic preparations have become even more disturbing. China has decided to bar entertainers it deems “threatening.” Assault with a deadly microphone. Unheard of environmental protections are being put in place to cut down on pollution ahead of the Olympics. If only that was a permanent measure!

Despite China’s misdeeds, the Olympics are a perfect opportunity for China to become part of the “rest of the world.” The Chinese government can try all they want - throw a tantrum, restrict the flow of information - but you can’t have thousands of press descend on your country and not have some things escape control. The Olympics are about nations coming together. China’s national identity should not overshadow the collective identity of the entire world because if it does, then China’s identity will have overshadowed the entire meaning of the Olympics.

This isn’t the first time the Olympics have been held in an unsavory country. The Olympics were held in Nazi Germany in 1936, shortly before World War II. At those games, Jesse Owens won four gold medals, much to the chagrin of the racist Nazi party.

Put simply, watch the games now (or in a few weeks, to be precise) and criticize China later.