Olympic Opening Ceremonies a Paean to Chinese Culture

The Chinese have made it plain that the 2008 Olympics are their coming out party as a great nation (again). In the opening ceremonies, they made it plain that they are prepared to spare no expense in celebration of Chinese culture. Napoleon claimed that China was a sleeping dragon and that it would be best to let it sleep. For better or for worse, the dragon is awake.

While Chinese culture tends to be group focused, the triumph of Friday’s ceremonies came from the vision of a single man, Zhang Yimou, director of the film “House of Flying Daggers.” Condensing 5,000 years of culture into a single seamless review featuring 22,000 people, including 15,000 performers is simply unthinkable. Yet, it appeared effortless.

One of the most interesting parts of the show was the movable boxes that rose and fell to create patterns, Chinese characters, and strong central focus. Elsewhere, the boxes would have been operated by hydraulics and controlled by computer. Not in China. They were raised and lowered precisely and smartly by individuals inside them. When one has 1.3 billion people, using machines all the time is a false economy.

However, there was one unsettling moment, when a dancer entered carried on a platform held up by hundreds (or so it seemed). NBC commentators noted how this represented the Chinese belief that the accomplishment of one individual is supported by the group. A less flattering interpretation is how in Communist China the few still ride on the backs of the many.

During the parade of nations, the arrival of the home team set records for noise. NBA great Yao Ming led the way accompanied by a small boy who had survived May’s earthquake. Mr. Zhang said, “We think having this little boy with a tall Yao Ming symbolizes a giant leading our future generation. I think it's meaningful.” Out of all the kids he could have chosen, Zhang chose this little guy, Lin Hao, “because he was very small and cute.” If he is the face of China’s future, the whole world will be well served.

© Copyright 2008 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

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