Final answer:
The 2008 Beijing Games were seen as a failure due to the overshadowing of human rights issues, particularly in Tibet, and the harsh response to protests. These games highlighted China's image management struggles on a global stage, similar to the issues raised during the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Step-by-step explanation:
In what ways were the 2008 Beijing Games a failure? The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games were criticized for a variety of reasons, predominantly due to human rights issues and the harsh crackdown on peaceful protests.
Issues such as the human rights violations against Tibetans and other minority groups, as well as a disconnect between the superficial showcasing of China's industrial development and cultural advancements and the underlying societal and political issues, marked the games.
Additionally, international events are often seen as a platform for countries to promote their positive image on a global stage, yet the 2008 Olympics highlighted the controversy surrounding China's policies. The Chinese government even designed certain events, like the U.N. Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995, to minimize contact between Chinese and foreigners, demonstrating the ongoing tension.
The lack of attention on Tibet during the Olympics, despite the global focus on China, signifies how the games failed to address critical issues. Comparatively, the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro demonstrated the potential negative impacts of hosting such events, with media coverage emphasizing unsatisfactory conditions and social stratification, a far cry from the idealized Olympic image.
Thus, while the Beijing Olympics were a success in certain organizational and infrastructural aspects, they exposed significant failures in addressing human rights and in managing international perceptions of China's socio-political landscape.