We had no idea, even up until 4 months ago, that we would be living in China when the country would be hosting the Olympics. In America, the Olympics are pretty important but are only really a "big deal" in perhaps the host city. Here, the Olympics are a "big deal" everywhere. The logo may say Beijing 2008 but make no mistake, China is the host country.
Everywhere you go banners are displayed, gardens are created, and public jumbo-tron televisions are set up to celebrate the Olympics. On a recent trip to the local mall I was amazed at a few hundred locals watching China play in a basketball game. Everytime China scored a deafening roar would erupt from the crowd. I found it fascinating, and was caught up with the others beginning to root for the home team.
It really is more than a series of sporting events here. It is China's way of showcasing themselves and making a public step onto the world stage. What is intriguing is how the people here often know how many gold medals China and America have. A taxi driver told us at the end of the first couple days, "China has 8 gold medals, America only has 3".
As an American, I really haven't felt a specific "rivalry" since the demise of the Soviet Union. When the U.S. Hockey team beat "the Russians" in 1980, I remember the national euphoria that was felt and the personal pride I experienced at the time. No such rivalry exists for us now. We all want Michael Phelps to do well and break the "gold medals won at an Olympics" record, but the passion to beat "the Chinese" just isn't there...at least not yet. Much to some of the locals disappointment.
2 comments:
The analysts all said that this Olympics gonna have a big change and revolution in China...I really hope so, hope that it becomes more open and ppl's hearts softer....
I have now book marked the blog and will eagerly await the postings from my family in China. Missing you all. Got your voicemails. Hope to talk with you soon. Kelly and I are headed to Taos, NM for the weekend.
Post a Comment