If you are between the ages of 18-25 and "tall, thin and attractive", Beijing 2008 is looking for you, as a possible presenter at the medal ceremonies.
What's wrong with this picture? Plenty.
Discrimination has reared it's ugly head. What with all the other issues that Beijing is facing in the world community in the runup to the Games, now we can add employment discrimination to the list.
Unless there are physical requirements for a job (right now I can't think of any), any job that is on the books should be made available for anyone to apply for. Of course, some jobs (such as law enforcement) require certain guidelines, but positions that don't require site-specific skills should have an opportunity for everyone to apply.
Of course, no one is guarenteed a job. They don't have to take you on. But don't deny the opportunity to apply to someone who's life would be bettered by the experience they would be given.
Human Rights Watch has had plenty to say about this. The Olympics are about opportunity, and giving someone a chance to step out of their comfort zone for a couple of weeks. Denial of those opportunities is never acceptable, especially when it is based on an outmoded way of thinking that (thankfully) most countries don't subscribe to.
Perhaps in the future, bid cities should be required to make a commitment of equal employment opportunity in all Olympic functions. It would set an example for others to follow, and is just plain good business.
Too bad Beijing finds this an acceptable way to do business. I don't, and I hope you feel the same way.
It's time to do the right thing Beijing. How about it?
