The motto of the Beijing Olympics is “One World, One Dream”. The opening ceremony was meant to show the growth and prosperity of the Chinese nation, as well as unite China with the rest of the world. The ceremony took place on August 8th, 2008, which is very symbolic because the number 8 in China represents prosperity and wealth. Zhang Yimou, Zhang Jigang, and Chen Weiya directed the spectacle. The cost was estimated at $100,000, and the performance received rave reviews from people all over the world. 20,000 performers put on a 3 hour show containing drumming, dancing, storytelling, and martial arts. The performance was divided into two parts: the first part represented the long history of China and the second part put on display the new, modern China. Although the performance was a grand success in many ways, the opening ceremony was also marked with much controversy.
The fact that China was hosting the Olympics in the first place was a topic of debate. Many people from different countries held protests against China hosting the Olympics, mainly because of China’s poor record in terms of human rights. Groups such from all over the world held protests, asking China to be more concerned with the rights of the their people, not the Olympics. Some groups even sent out a plea, asking people to boycott the Olympic games all together. China was put in the hot seat on this subject matter in 1989 with the Tiananmen Square incident, which gained negative attention worldwide. Many feel like China hasn’t improved well enough in terms of human rights to be given the honor of hosting the Olympics.
Another controversial topic occurred following the opening ceremony, when it was revealed that certain parts of the performance were “faked”. For example, a young girl who sung China’s national anthem was lip singing to another young girl’s voice. Chen Qigang, the musical director of the Olympic ceremony, provided an answer for this swap on a Beijing radio station stating, "It was for the national interest. The child on camera should be flawless in image, internal feelings and expression." Many were shocked to hear that the original singer was not allowed to sing because she was not attractive enough. Also during the fireworks display, out of the 29 footprints meant to represent the 29 past Olympic games only one of those was live and the others were added in as effects for the television viewers.
The first half of the ceremony was meant to show the rich history of China, but some questioned if it truly did this, or if only an idealized version of Chinese history was shown. Where were any references to Mao Zedong, the leader who influenced China for three decades? Even Ai Weiwei, an artist who helped design the Bird’s Nest, was displeased with the ceremony saying, "[The government] tried so hard and wasted so much money. The ceremony was stupid, a real wasted opportunity." Despite all of the controversies, many people remain hopeful that the Olympics have given hope to the future generation. Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom said that when he visited China, “These people weren't living in fear, but looking forward in hope. And for all the millions still in poverty in China, for all the sweep of issues -- political, social and economic -- still to be addressed, that was the spirit of China during this festival of sport, and that is the spirit that will define its future. “ He also said, “People ask what is the legacy of these Olympics for China? It is that they mark a new epoch -- an opening up of China that can never be reversed. It also means that ignorance and fear of China will steadily decline as the reality of modern China becomes more apparent.” I believe that despite the controversies and criticisms of the opening ceremony, China proved that it is well on its way to improvements in all aspects of society.
I think that hosting a series of world events will definitely affect on Chinese economic development as many countries are a example of this phenomenon. As for South Korea, since it held the Olympic Games and the World Expo in the late 80s and early 90s, the South Korean economy and industry have improved remarkably. However, South Korea has the negative consequences of a huge gap between the physical and the metaphysical because the spirit could not follow the technological development.
ReplyDeleteYour point about whether the Opening ceremony was displaying only an idealized version of Chinese culture and history is interesting. I think that, like with many other things directed at a global audience, it is indeed an idealized vision of Chinese culture. However, I think that in this particular situation, such an idealization of history and culture is to be expected, if not necessary.
ReplyDeleteAs popular as Mao may still be within China's borders, it would be a huge political mistake to reference him in the Opening ceremony. Disregarding the non-Chinese international opinions of Mao, such an act as heralding him in the ceremony would cause rifts among the many different Chinese communities around the world, not the least being Taiwan. Many members of the Chinese diaspora, wherever they may be, left China during the era of the Cultural revolution, and their memories of Mao can only be less than fond.
As such, it's far safer to remain on neutral grounds in which Chinese of all backgrounds--whether it be citizens of the PRC or the ROC, Hong Kong or Singapore and whatever other diaspora communities around the world--can take pride.
In terms of China only presenting what it wanted the world to see, that may or may not be true, but we have to keep in mind that this was a celebration of what China believes makes itself great. It should of course be trying to look its best, not bringing up the dirty laundry from questionable histories. In regards to the faked parts, I agree that it is unfortunate that they could not do it all legitimately and that it definitely takes away from the ceremonies as a whole, but didn't not knowing make them seem that much greater?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jesslyn's point about remaining on neutral grounds. I do not agree with those who criticize the fact that Mao was not displayed, it was just something that I read that I found interesting. Olympics weren't a time for the Chinese to bring up negative points, it's just fascinating to me how easy it is to leave out such an important peace of history.
ReplyDeleteAnd addressing Binh-Young Tsao, not knowing WOULD make it seem flawless, but realistically the world likes to air everyone else's dirty laundry (for better or for worse), so a lot of the time we do find out when things are faked. Also, the announcers even told us that the fireworks were faked and the CGI wasn't the most realistic I had ever seen. Also, the little girl lip singing was just shocking to me because I'm not accustomed to people judging children by their looks. Children are so pure and innocent, and it's just sad to see that they had to pretty much tell a little girl she's too ugly to be on TV.