A Curmudgeon reports on the Opening Ceremonies
Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games:
What a spectacularly turgid yawn-fest. Proof that the politically correct will, every time, drain the excitement out of even the best conceived spectacles. No offense, but what does aboriginal myth decked out in Cirque du Soleil boxer shorts, dragged on for hours, have to do with the lives of the vast majority of Canadians? Sure, acknowledge the wisdom of aboriginal ways, pay homage to the land, to original inhabitants, but please, some perspective. Is this really how Canada wants to present itself to the world? A glittery void, bracketed between ancient first nations and modern Disney production? Or is this simply another of those inept, guilt ridden apologias for colonialism’s irreparable wrongs?
Either way, it seemed phony, a reminder, along with the banal commentary - and repeated commercial interruptions – of how little – since this is where it appeared – I miss watching network television. Why millions continue to put up with this model…based as it is upon a form of blackmail…I just don’t know. Thank goodness for the mute button.
And speaking of commercials and bankruptcy, how about all those athletes touting – by association – all that super nutritious MacDonald’s food. Or the way in which patriotism is co-opted for personal gain: vis: how national anthems which putatively give expression to collective feeling, are hijacked by young startlets to serve as vehicles to promote their own warbling selves, rather than any love of country.
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February 16th, 2010 at 11:18 PM
I didn't watch the opening – yet. Heard an excellent fellow on CBC this morning talking about his history of skiing, Two Planks and a Passion. He thought the Olympics were more about international tourism than sport and that feels kinda right. That said, I'm a sucker for mass openings and Cirque de Soleil, so I gotta watch a bit of it.
February 17th, 2010 at 1:53 AM
You need to advertise McDonald's to whittle down the athletic competition, and you need the aboriginal history/polar bears to keep people identifying with their money. It's all about keeping the balance.