2008 Olympics Opening Ceremonies

China. A country that makes Germany seem open and accepting, even gregarious. I grew up in Cincinnati, and while it’s a very American city, some of the German attitudes continue to prevail. Not only in the quirky use of “please” instead of what, but in the xenophobic attitude of her citizens. Before Anheuser-Busch spread their beers all over the country, the best beers were found in Cincinnati. No, I’m not just saying that. It’s been documented. But there was no point in spreading out. First there was plenty of business within the Greater Cincinnati area, and second, nothing but scary monsters outside of the borders. Cincinnatians know what is available in the city, but it’s not really advertised outside of the limits. Very insular. China, as far as most of us know, is far worse.

Tibet. Communism. Darfur. Tiananmen Square. Cultural Revolution. The Great Wall. These are the things we think about when we think about China. We’re accustomed to the right of assembly, the right to speak our minds, to disagree with even our leaders, loudly, publically. We’re accustomed to people sneaking in over our walls, literal and figurative, just for a chance to be a part of our country, even if for only a little while. China, like the USSR during the cold war, seems to be the antithesis of that very ideal, of everything we represent. And yet…

The Chinese people are proud to be Chinese. Not all, it would be preposterous to assume everyone is happy. Not everyone is happy here, and we’re probably the most politically permissive society in the world. Can’t make everyone happy. But what about the ones who are? What about the Americans who are proud to be American, who ignore the very real racial discrimination still prevalent in our neighborhoods, cities and states, or who believe the religious right/radical left have taken over the ruling of our country, that our president is wrong and stole the election in 2000, that he’s right and wish there could be a third term. All of these people are proud to be Americans. The Chinese people haven’t enjoyed the same freedom of the press we have. Even the most diehard conspiracy theorist, when rational, would have to admit that we have more access to information than the Chinese have. Because of events during the torch relay, Chinese people are getting an idea of what the rest of the world thinks of them, of their country. They just didn’t know. A lot of Americans are ignorant of our presentation on the world stage, but that’s mostly ignorance. This information was literally withheld from the Chinese people.

The Olympic Games are intended to bring the world together. To remind us that regardless of language, beliefs, skin or gender, we’re all one people. We’re all human. The Olympics have been used to further political positions. The US boycott in 1980 from the Moscow Olympics, and their response to boycotting the 1984 LA Olympics. The 1972 murder of Israeli athletes by Palestinian athletes. The 1936 Berlin Olympics, intended by Hitler to promote the superiority of the Aryan race. The 1968 Black Power podium salute. It’s a world stage, and it’s tempting to use it to further your own ends. This, the 29th Olympiad, is no different. Regular citizens spoke up about what they see as China’s faults. And governments made their own statements. Heads of state made a point of boycotting the opening ceremonies. Our own leader was pressured to do the same. He chose instead to attend, to show willing to bury the hatchet, to move on, to grow and expand the relationship, from this point forward. And as much as it pains me to say it, I agree with his decision, and his reasoning. I have to go take a hot shower, now, maybe rinse off with bleach.

I love the Olympics. I was thrilled when the timing was changed from every four years to every two. Sure, there are still four years between each summer games, and each winter games, but it doesn’t seem as long. What I love is the sportsmanship, and the display of nationalism. I love the pride each person takes in their home country, and the heart they show when they perform. I was thrilled to see Cathy Freeman of Australia win a gold medal. I still get excited when I see the Jamaican bobsled team, and other countries, not known for having a winter, much less a winter sport, turn up on the slopes. And I swell with pride every time I see Old Glory rise up, hear the Star Spangled Banner played for one of our own. I wish the games could be about sportsmanship and not about politics, but let’s face it, not gonna happen.

China has thousands of years of history, accomplishments during a time when Europe was still living in caves and wearing raw furs, and a pride that would make anyone, well, proud. Their country isn’t perfect. They’ve committed atrocities against their own people and others. They’ve spent centuries trying to keep barbarians out, and everyone was a barbarian. They’ve suppressed the right for people to have thoughts contrary to the government line. They’ve created a people who are expected to follow what their leaders demand, be it having only one child or giving up a car to reduce pollution. Preposterous to think we haven’t done anything similar. For atrocities, look up the Tuskegee Experiments, or even slavery. Yes, slavery existed for millennia, but not the way we practiced it. How about all the treaties made and broken with various native tribes, now forced to live on the least tenable land in an otherwise fertile country? Then there’s the fact that our government can help rebuild entire countries (Japan, Germany after WWII), but can’t lift a finger to rebuild a single city (New Orleans). We’re not perfect. But most of us are proud to call ourselves Americans, native or naturalized. Let the Chinese be proud, too. They have a lot to be proud of. They deserve it.