As I returned from a trip this summer, the Olympic Games were already underway. Excitedly, I messaged my friends for updates and began watching the highlight clips posted all over social media. One post, however, caught my eye in a way deeper than just an electric sports highlight. A news clip from a UK tabloid talked about the "controversy in the Olympic Games opening." I was intrigued, so I researched by trying to find articles from more trustworthy sources. Here is what I learned.
On July 26th, the Paris Olympics was opened. Vibrant displays of art and culture illuminated the Seine River, introducing the dozens of countries involved. But it was not the countries involved that caused an uproar, but rather an artistic display of the Greek God, Dionysus. A god of wine and celebration, he intertwined French culture with the spirit of the Olympics. Painting a man blue, and indulgently feeding him grapes and food, was originally meant to be a nod to Greek mythology; the Olympic Games is a Greek tradition, after all. However, this image caused an uproar in Christian communities around the world, who claimed that the display was reminiscent and mocking of the famous painting "The Last Supper." Figures from around the world voiced their opinions, including Elon Musk and Donald Trump who called the display "a disgrace," but many also voiced opinions rejecting those claims. After all, the display was never meant to cause emotional harm, its original purpose was to unite people of all different backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and genders in celebration. The Olympic's official Twitter account stated "The interpretation of the Greek God Dionysus makes us aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings."
It is disappointing to see how a display meant to contrast the strife in the world (the performer, who starred as Dionysus (Philippe Katerine) played his song "Nu" or, "Naked," as a response to the conflict in Gaza) through excessive celebration backfires to cause dissent and anger in the thousands. Although the display was reminiscent of The Last Supper, it is imperative to understand that the display is not intended to be mocking nor is it taking direct inspiration from the painting.
In my opinion, the greatest disappointment to arise out of this controversy is the way humans polarize each other in response to it. As we speak, dozens of conflicts are harming other humans across the world. It is horrible to see that an event dedicated to uniting and celebrating has become a cornerstone for more separation. Another major issue I see is the way religion and controversy have managed to turn the Olympics political. with world leaders criticizing and appraising the show, an event meant for the people now feels corporate and distasteful. Somehow, these leaders have managed to make the Olympics about themselves and their opinions.
We must be better about not taking these displays so personally and truly seeing them as what they are intended to be, not what we interpret them as.
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