The Olympics is (and has always been) more then just a sporting event. Sports are a symbol representing in real strength the power of a nation. When one nation fights to
secure the most coveted award (be it a trophy or a gold medal) the nation fights with them. The Olympics takes this one step further by not only putting an emphasis on individual sports, but on preparedness. Much credit is due upon a host nation who works tirelessly from the year they’re chosen to put on the best show on earth. When Athens came up late it reflected poorly on the nation as a whole for example. China, in this way, knows that putting on the world’s greatest show is essential to showing the world “China is ready and open for business.” This, at its core, will be the message China presents to the world.
I’ve heard some say that China is cloaked in secrecy. Its not true, but some of China’s practices are mysterious. Enter in world renowned experts on “the Orient” who’ll appear out of the wood work to inform you on all the symbols and meaning of “mysterious practices.” From China’s long standing Buddhist religion to it’s literal torture techniques of it’s best athletes. I’ve heard the clamor already from mainstream media to NPR and local talk shows.
All one needs to understand is that when pride is at stake…. Extreme measures get taken. This is not at all foreign to America. In fact we also pride ourselves on torturous preparation.
So this Olympics I’ll try to ignore the endless banter on “Chinese customs” since no one, but the Chinese truly do appreciate these customs. Instead my focus will be on how close China will portray itself as “western.” There’s much talk on the beginning roots of capitalism in China and we’ll see how China uses the Olympics to over emphasize it’s western appeal. It is a big change for China, but China has chosen this time “to emerge” onto the Global scene and make it stand as the 21st century pillar of modern global society. I’m still skeptical of how it plans to do this and not leave millions of poor behind in the dust…. But for certain these Olympics are a big opportunity to take China to the next level. It’ll be fun to watch.
When one nation fights to