Go Orange in 2008

A Danish artist has launched a global protest campaign against human rights abuses in China using the color orange.

It's a brilliant idea, simple and completely non-violent and peaceful.
He wants people who attend the Olympics in Beijing this summer to wear orange-colored shirts, hats, neckties, shoes and dresses.

Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot initiated the global protest campaign.
He has told reporters in Europe: "By using something with the color orange during the Olympics — both inside and outside of China — people from many countries will be sending a signal that something is wrong in China.

"It can be anything, like an orange hat, an orange necktie or dress.
Even peeling an orange in Beijing on live TV could be considered a protest.'

Of course, the Chinese government wants to present the 2008 Summer Olympics as its showcase of China's so-called "peaceful rise" to billions of television viewers around the world. It's China's coming out party.

But by using the color orange as a protest color, according to Galschiot, those who participate in the dramatic yet peaceful actions will be a thorn in the side of China's Olympics public relations efforts.

In addition, by using the color orange as a protest color in Beijing, millions of oppressed Chinese people will have a voice on the world stage via television and newspaper reports.

Why was the color orange chosen?

Galschiot said: "Orange was inspired by the European painter Kandinsky, who once said that the color orange is in fact red that has been made more human by the color yellow.

"The Chinese flag is red with yellow stars, so maybe we can support the humanistic forces inside China by using the color orange. Orange is also inspired by the color of the clothes of the monks in Tibet.'

Galschiot says he is happy with the impact his protest campaign is having worldwide. "If millions of people help pass on this idea, we can create a butterfly effect blowing an orange wind over China.'

As a form of non-verbal, non-violent protest, Galschiot's simple idea is brilliant — and colorful. Get ready for a very orange Summer Olympics, right in the heart of Beijing.

The eyes of the world will be watching, in living color. Sometimes the most powerful ideas are simple ones. This one has great potential.

Dan Bloom

Chiayi City TAIWAN. [NOT CHINA]
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