I thought the drag "Last Supper" was along the lines of Drag Queen story time for little kids. Not appropriate, but not the end of the world. On one EMail thread someone asked about the response of the people from the Vendee. I laughed. And, where the people in the banlieues put off? Are the not also French? France is majority secular, but there are some 5 million Muslim immigrants. Were they offended? It has already passed and time to watch the games. I hope the announcers can keep the team nations straight. I did think teams on boats in the Seine was clever.
As you stated, the Opening Ceremony is not meant to be a cosmic event. The point of the Opening Ceremony is to showcase the host nation and its culture & identity. I thought Thomas Jolly, as artistic director, did a great job in that regard. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the famous sights of Paris, and les bateaux on the Seine with each country's athletes excitedly waving their flags in anticipation of the main event - friendly, respectful, athletic competition. I guess I chose not to be affronted, insulted or offended.
"The Olympics have been heavily politicized over the past several decades at the expense of their origin...world-wide, good spirited competition between the best athletes in the world. Even with all the political drama, it still stirs my emotions to see our incredible young men and women draped in the American flag and hearing our national anthem played at the medal ceremonies! GO USA!"
I thought the drag "Last Supper" was along the lines of Drag Queen story time for little kids. Not appropriate, but not the end of the world. On one EMail thread someone asked about the response of the people from the Vendee. I laughed. And, where the people in the banlieues put off? Are the not also French? France is majority secular, but there are some 5 million Muslim immigrants. Were they offended? It has already passed and time to watch the games. I hope the announcers can keep the team nations straight. I did think teams on boats in the Seine was clever.
Cheers -— Cliff
As you stated, the Opening Ceremony is not meant to be a cosmic event. The point of the Opening Ceremony is to showcase the host nation and its culture & identity. I thought Thomas Jolly, as artistic director, did a great job in that regard. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the famous sights of Paris, and les bateaux on the Seine with each country's athletes excitedly waving their flags in anticipation of the main event - friendly, respectful, athletic competition. I guess I chose not to be affronted, insulted or offended.
I posted this on my FB page this morning:
"The Olympics have been heavily politicized over the past several decades at the expense of their origin...world-wide, good spirited competition between the best athletes in the world. Even with all the political drama, it still stirs my emotions to see our incredible young men and women draped in the American flag and hearing our national anthem played at the medal ceremonies! GO USA!"
Good stuff- makes me smile! I esp like your term of Muscular Christianity!