Governments and corporate leaders worry more about their economy and profits rather than human rights. Human rights almost always takes a back seat against the economy and profits.
The diplomatic boycott that some of the countries have announced is actually a façade as it does nothing really significant to deter China. At most the media in China would be deprived of an opportunity to report on the dress worn by the first lady of the U.S.A on the opening day. That would not put any dent on China's revenue from the Winter Olympics or on its ambition to showcase to its own citizens and the world at large how successful they have been in hosting the Olympics.
It is the same with ordinary people too. Most of us prioritize convenience and cheaper products over human rights. Our part in it cannot be dismissed as irrelevant or insignificant. After all we elected the governments that are in power. They are supposed to represent our voice.
If they don't shouldn't we be voicing our disapproval?
Cheap not free By Brett Jordan is licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Edited by Fit.Zone
I don't see enough of us doing that.
Where are the NGOs that represent human rights? Where are the people who take to the streets for matters that affect them personally but not for matters they don't identify with? If enough of us start boycotting products and services of China and the companies that pander to China, then governments and companies will take note and would act accordingly. Would the Olympic athletes sacrifice years they spent in training and the prospect of a medal for a fair and just world?
There is a rumor that the French president may announce a total boycott of the winter Olympics. But that is not because he really cares for human rights. If he does announce a full boycott he would probably be doing it to spite the U.S for scuttling its submarine deal with Australia. Perhaps he has ambitions to become the next EU leader and wants to showcase himself to be a bold and dare-to-be-different kind of leader.
What about the countries that have active territorial disputes with China? In spite of China's belligerence and posturing these countries are unlikely to announce a full boycott of the winter Olympics. The façade of a diplomatic boycott is more likely, if at all.