After the amazingly dramatic Beijing Olympics, the one of Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, Shawn Johnson and the wonderful polyglot, record-setting number of nations and cultures that won medals (87), it's time to take stock and reflect on the cultural and political impact of these astonishing games.
Plus maybe discuss a little sports too.
Over the next few days, I want to put together a series of postings listing my hoorays, my concerns and flat-out astonishment at some of what went on over those remarkable 17 days. First of all, I'd like to take a look at the cultural, economic and political impact of what a large chunk of what the world bore witness to.
First of all, I'd like to congratulate the Chinese people themselves for the expansive range of energy and emotion that they put into these games. On top of the $43 billion that was invested, the displacement of people left, right and center that made possible the creation of astounding venues like the Water Cube and the Bird's Nest, and the virtual army of translators, volunteers and vendors who put their life and their hopes on hold, there was a nation collectively holding its breath in anticipation.
For how would the world, sitting in front of televisions, computers and cell phones from Australia to Iceland view them? Would it be the traditionally narrow and closed society that we would see or would we see the energy, the vision and the potential only a nation of 1.3 billion people can provide? It was decidedly the latter, as area and national and international media reported the people they encountered on the street were only helpful, enthusiastic and eager to show the pride they have in their nation and to make their visit more expansive than it was expensive (a neat trick indeed).
Well, hooray for them. China is truly the engine that will drive the world in this century and from the resplendent and imaginative opening and closing ceremonies, it is clear that this vast turbocharger of a country will only continue to push the edge of the envelope in so many ways in terms of science, economics and culture. It is so much more of a nation than just cheap, leaded toys, pollution and a repressive government.
The world can only benefit from an inclusive and visionary view of China. It needs to be embraced, to be treated as an equal among nations and be given a seat at the table, to show that it can truly be a leader in a century where the world will have to urgently deal with the extremely difficult problems of global warming, over-population and religious and ethnic intolerance.
And these games were the formal opening of the door, the proper first salutations in that process. The possibilities are endless.
But only if certain things start to happen. First, the Chinese government and the global system of business have to start acting like responsible grown-ups. For all its so-called "flexibility" the Chinese government showed far too much of the tight-fisted, narrow-minded zenophobia it has been known for over the past 60 years. Press freedom was reduced as websites concerning Darfur and Tibet were shut off. An "offical protest" area was set up (well away from any public venues) but none of the 77 requests for protest permits were granted. And anyone caught trying to enlighten people on the streets about concerns ranging from religious freedom to political prisoners was promptly arrested and deported.
Promises were made by the Chinese government - only to be broken.
And the worst thing about it was, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) largely looked the other way. It took the money, the great ratings and the amazing athletes and ran like hell. It did not hold the government's feet to the fire and force it to try and do better, to rise above the paranoia and need for control.
That lost opportunity is almost a tragedy.
The door was open, but all we saw of China's house was the foyer. And the business community was a complicit watchman. Yes, corporate responsibility is first to the shareholder and to the profit motive. Our own nation would not be the great place it is without that idea firmly in place. And don't even mention the exorbitant fees the companies had to pay to the Chinese government for the right to operate during the games.
Yes, they had money to recoup.
But that being said, powerful international sponsors and advertisers like Visa, Coca-Cola and McDonald's (among many) could have helped force our way into China's house a little more. They could have used their significant economic clout to wedge the door open a little wider to let us have a more inclusive look: fading paint, cracks in the ceiling, squeaky floors and all. They could have showed that they got the message that Bill Gates and other titans of industry are trying to promote: that capitalism can truly be compassionate and visionary.
Instead, all we got was a high-powered official from McDonald's on the ABC Evening News on the eve of the games saying nothing more than they're out there to applaud the sportsmanship and of course "promote their brand". In short, don't ask us to think too hard or risk our economic necks.
It was a few more "Happy Meals" sold and one great big opportunity at vision and creativity lost. One can only hope that the Chinese government will see beyond its own small-mindedness and with or without international prodding, come to address the great problems it does face, like economic inequality, pollution and general environmental degradation.
We probably won't have these kinds of problems at the upcoming winter games in Vancouver or the 2012 summer games in London. Those will be held in democratically-elected regimes and it will be relatively easy for media and protest groups to spread their wings and be creative.
But it probably won't be long again before a questionable government with doubtful tactics and policies gets ahold of an Olympic Games. The lure of exposure, national pride and rejuvenation is just too strong and even notably secretive regimes (Russia anyone?) will find the chance of people opening some of their dusty closets a small price to pay for an opportunity to soar with the eagles of the world for a few weeks.
Before that happens, however, it would be nice to see the IOC and world business show a little imagination and backbone and give those governments marching orders about what is expected from them in terms of freedom, opportunity and access before they even think about being awarded a Games.
Because as these recent Olympics show, it's much too late in the world game for business as usual.
****Wednesday****
-The highs and lows of the coverage itself.
