Reflections on the Olympics: Beyond Bread and Circuses
August 3, 2024
A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog inspired by the Eurovision Song Contest. Now that the Paris Olympics have been underway for a week, it's an opportune moment to revisit and expand on my earlier thoughts.
In my previous blog, I argued that events like the Eurovision Song Contest and the Olympics are more than just "bread and circuses" for entertainment and unity. They reflect humanity, and, more importantly, they shape our collective identity and establish new norms.
One striking trend that continues to emerge is the emphasis on gender and diversity. Just as the Eurovision Contest prominently features drag queens and other gender variations, the Olympics also highlight these themes. For example, in boxing, a biologically male athlete competed against a female athlete, which ended poorly for the latter. The inclusion of such matches has sparked considerable debate and controversy.
The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics featured a performance that has further fueled discussions. According to the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Olympics, the extravagant tableau, which included drag queens, was meant to represent "an interpretation of the Greek god of wine and festivity, Dionysus," challenging viewers to question the absurdity of human conflict. However, many viewers perceived it as a parody of Leonardo da Vinci's painting "The Last Supper," leading to feelings of offense and disrespect.
This incident highlights another significant issue: the perceived marginalization of Christianity and its symbols. Such portrayals suggest that Christianity is being brought into the public arena for critique or satire.
These controversial displays and decisions result in confusion and disorientation among large segments of the population. As we witness these shifts in cultural and social norms, it's clear that events like the Olympics mirror and drive changes in our global society. The ongoing challenge is to navigate these changes with sensitivity and understanding, acknowledging the diverse perspectives that make up our world.
Miguel Goede
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