I watched most of the opening ceremonies last night.  They were gorgeous.  They also reminded me very strongly of the public spectacles that socialist countries have always loved:  vast numbers of people moving in tightly choregraphed formations.  It’s certainly impressive, but it’s also a vivid, visual reminder of the socialist state’s ability to subordinate peoples’ individuality to almost robotic perfection.

In this regard, the Tai Chi display was both the most impressive and the creepiest part of the ceremonies.  Seeing 2008 men do complex Tai Chi movements, all the while maintaining perfect concentric circles, was beautiful and awe-inspiring.  it was also a potent reminder that China has the strength to drill thousands of people with military precision — and that it can do the same for military purposes.

Still, subliminal messages aside, it really was (as I said) gorgeous.  Watching the men in green light up and create beautiful moving pictures on the floor of the stadium was delightful.  The only thing that irked me was the network’s obsession with doing close-up camera work on something that obviously was meant to be viewed from a distance.  It’s always irritating when the producers don’t pick up on the artist’s intent.

I also enjoyed the parade of nations, although it did get tiring after a while.  I start fulminating at seeing Palestinians march in as a “country,” but thought that a little exposure in that area might make them more inclined to have their summer camps produce athletes, rather than killers.  I thought the French and the Hungarians had the weirdest outfits, while the Americans made a strong showing for most boring.  As always, the African nations had the most beautiful clothes.

I discovered that there are an enormous number of teeny-tiny nations that I’ve never heard of — mostly in Africa.  There are also more nations than there were when I was growing up, because of the breakdown of Empires.

I was pleased by how enthusiastically the Chinese crowd greeted Americans.  I don’t ascribe any great political meaning to that greeting, but it still made me feel good.

As someone who has always loved martial arts, and is enjoying doing it, I noticed that a disproportionate number of flag bearers were competing in Tae Kwon Do or Judo.  I don’t know why these guys and gals were more likely to carry the flag but I was pleased to see it nevertheless.

The talking heads from NBC were unbelievably irritating.  I don’t mind getting useful facts, but the ceaseless bibble babble drove me up the wall.

Tags: Olympics

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