Olympics/China Boycott, Day 143: What I've Learned and Bringing the Boycott to a Close

With the closing ceremony yesterday in Beijing, I'm bringing my personal boycott of the Olympics and China to an end. It's been an interesting experience, one of surprises, successes and some frustrations along the way.

Here's what I've learned:

1. China makes everything! It's difficult NOT to buy something, anything made in China. Our is a highly interconnected, interdependent world, and if you're going to make these kind of choice, it will take work. In order to avoid something made in China or any other country--hell, even trying to buy something made in your own hometown--may require several trips in search of one item. Goodbye convenience. And is this the best way to spend our time and gas? Think about the carbon footprint! Just some thoughts...
2. China is not America. Sure, that's obvious, but they have distinctly different values, not just because they're a Communist country but also because of ancient differences between Eastern and Western societies. For example, China values community/nation over individuals. We think that's wrong--but is it? Honestly, who decides? By our perspective, it certainly is, but the Chinese see this differently. From their perspective, we're the crazy ones. What I've learned is that I am steeped in Western values, in American free thinking and individualism, and that's how I want to live my life. And there are some who choose another path. More food for thought...
3. Disconnecting is a good thing. Big events like the Olympics suck up all kinds of attention, not just in the media but in our homes, our conversations. That's not necessarily a bad thing, however, we often think we can't live without watching these things on TV or talking about them at the office. But you know what? Life goes on and so do we.
   

And so life does go on. Thanks to everyone who read of my personal boycott and sent messages of encouragement and camaraderie. And congrats to all of you who launched boycotts of your own. What did you learn and how has it changed you?