China’s Debut
Prime Time did a really good show last night on the Beijing Olympics. It was a very balanced look at the implications of having the Olympics in China, and what the games mean for ordinary Chinese people and for the rest of the world.
At the end of the day, I still don’t know what to think. While the level of hypocrisy demonstrated by global leaders is sickening, it’s difficult to begrudge the Chinese of their moment. I have often argued that Africa is far from ‘fixed’, but moving in the right direction. Many Chinese would say the same about their country.
When all is said and done, China has officially made her debut today. And her debs is really impressive so far. There will be some distractions, like Russia chosing this day to send troops into Georgia and activists campaigning. But overall, the Chinese will be able to show off their economic and political miracle.
Let’s hope a social one isn’t too far away.
Fireworks explode over the National Stadium during the Opening Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium on August 8 in Beijing, China. Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images
7:29 pm
I agree Bryan. They really started things magnificently with the opening cermemony. And I agree with your analogy wholeheartedly, it really did feel like a coming of age for China.
Comment by narocroc