Friday, August 08, 2008

This Is China

The opening ceremonies are on right now/ They’re SPECTACULAR.  Like most Olympic ceremonies they introduce the world to the culture of the host nation, and when you have a culture an ancient and mysterious and intriguing as China’s there is a lot of material to work with.  I have developed a real affinity and respect for the Chinese and their culture during my year here, and I almost feel a sense of pride that the world is being introduced to it as well.  For at least the past six months I’ve been dreading the Olympics, because I’ve viewed it primarily as an opportunity for western hippie activists to come over here and get out whatever message they feel needs getting out:  “Meat is Murder,” “Free Tibet,” “George Bush is Satan,” what have you.  But for now what we’re seeing is the Olympics as they’re supposed to be, and I have to admit, it’s AWESOME.  It’s an amazing experience watching this on TV and knowing that it’s taking place ten minutes from where I live.

You guys in the US will see it later on today, undoubtedly with Bob Costas’ annoying voice talking over the whole thing.  “What we’re seeing here represents the 13 warrior monks of Xinjang, who in the 11th century did blah blah blah.”

Screw it.  Watch it, enjoy it, and get a little taste of this country.  Because for all the shit that we lao wei have to put up with, this really is an amazing place to live.