Was anyone else blown away by the sheer perfection of the Olympic's opening ceremonies? The coordination of thousands of performers...walking in the right places, forming symmetrical lines and perfect shapes....all with no markings on the ground?!! China sure put on a great show....one that had us totally enthralled (at least until the drudgery of the Parade of Nations). Even Tommy was amazed! All the color and movement and sounds were enough to keep him entertained. I love these events every two years....essentially because they represent a global celebration of the human spirit, of doing one's best, and coming together despite differences to strive for a single goal that we all share--to be the best we can be. Despite China's turbulent 20th century, they were an amazing nation for several centuries before that. Having focused my studies on Modern 20th Century Chinese history, I know of some atrocities their leaders (namely Mao Zedong) have committed resulting in the deaths of over 50 million of his own people. But the Olympics are about coming together for an all too brief period of unity. And in doing this, one doesn't have to forgive the past and especially not forget it. Hosting the Olympics doesn't wipe away a nation's past blemishes, so people shouldn't act like the world is condoning China's mistakes simply because we do condone their sincere efforts to host a successful Olympic games. China has a long way to go.....and sadly I feel she will never recapture her diminished place of glory and honor among the elite nations of the world. But here's to now, to coming together, striving for a goal of one's best, and hoping for U.S. gold in Beijing!
Was anyone else blown away by the sheer perfection of the Olympic's opening ceremonies? The coordination of thousands of performers...walking in the right places, forming symmetrical lines and perfect shapes....all with no markings on the ground?!! China sure put on a great show....one that had us totally enthralled (at least until the drudgery of the Parade of Nations). Even Tommy was amazed! All the color and movement and sounds were enough to keep him entertained. I love these events every two years....essentially because they represent a global celebration of the human spirit, of doing one's best, and coming together despite differences to strive for a single goal that we all share--to be the best we can be. Despite China's turbulent 20th century, they were an amazing nation for several centuries before that. Having focused my studies on Modern 20th Century Chinese history, I know of some atrocities their leaders (namely Mao Zedong) have committed resulting in the deaths of over 50 million of his own people. But the Olympics are about coming together for an all too brief period of unity. And in doing this, one doesn't have to forgive the past and especially not forget it. Hosting the Olympics doesn't wipe away a nation's past blemishes, so people shouldn't act like the world is condoning China's mistakes simply because we do condone their sincere efforts to host a successful Olympic games. China has a long way to go.....and sadly I feel she will never recapture her diminished place of glory and honor among the elite nations of the world. But here's to now, to coming together, striving for a goal of one's best, and hoping for U.S. gold in Beijing!
1 comment:
Amazing...I was blown away, too. Could you believe the printing blocks rising up and down in all sorts of waves and symmetrical shapes? I thought for sure it was computerized hydrolics (sp?), but was amazed when all the people popped up!
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