Despite violent protests in Tibet, China remains steadfast in its plan to take the Olympic torch to Tibet and Mount Everest.

What do you think of a potential boycott of the Olympics in Beijing?

5. EDITORS' SELECTIONS (what's this? NYTimes editors aim to highlight the most interesting and thoughtful comments that represent a range of views.)

March 20th, 2008 7:14 am

Olympic boycotts help no one, and punish athletes. Here's what I propose instead: everyone attending the opening ceremony wear a yellow scarf, shirt, hat or armband as a strong, bright and visually powerful symbol of personal solidarity with Tibet. Can you imagine the visual impact as the TV cameras scanned the stands, of a sea of yellow? I suggest yellow for its visual impact. And according to链接出处 the bright yellow sun at the center of the Tibetan flag, "with its rays brilliantly shining in all directions represents the equal enjoyment of freedom, spiritual and material happiness and prosperity by all beings in the land of Tibet." Plus, as I understand it, yellow is the official color of the hats worn by the monks in the Dalai Lama's sect.

— Adele Hars, France

Recommended by 192 Readers

1. union or fellowship arising from common responsibilities and interests, as between members of a group or between classes, peoples, etc.: to promote solidarity among union members.

2. community of feelings, purposes, etc.

3. community of responsibilities and interests.

7. March 20th, 2008 7:14 am

An outright Olympic boycott won't happen and it probably wouldn't have much of an effect anyway. Boycotting the opening ceremony, live on Chinese TV and broadcast to the world, would have a much better impact. It does seem entertaining that China's 'coming out party' is potentially being ruined by the hosts.

— Russ, Shenyang, China

Recommended by 19 Readers

A debutante (or deb) (from the French débutante, "female beginner") is a young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who has reached the age of maturity, and as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal presentation known as her "debut" or "coming out". Originally, it meant the young woman was eligible for marriage, and part of the purpose was to display her to eligible bachelors and their families with a view to marriage within a select upper class circle. This traditional event varies by region, but is typically referred to as a debutante ball if it is for a group of debutantes. A lone debutante might have her own "coming-out party", or she might have a party with a sister or other close relative.