TV events and patriotism

It has been interesting to read the barrage of media coverage about the Beijing Olympics. I think the most insightful parts have been about two tricky balances. How the PRC wants to show itself internationally as having arrived as a major player without being too threatening. And how the country wants to show itself as modern while also claiming the longest and one of the most interesting cultural histories of anyone around. The government and the film maker producing the opening ceremonies seem to have struck an interesting balance on both. Lots of images out there today, but this slide show to the official song gives you the idea.



It is also interesting to see how Chinese people seem to be responding with strong pride and patriotism, which you can see below in a clip from the LA Times. It sometimes strikes me as odd that U.S./Western coverage has a hard time understanding that the Chinese are being very patriotic about the games, not to mention their new prosperity and place in the world. It's an old, powerful force and we better take it into account in dealing with China. This scene also reminds me of the power of big TV events to powerfully reinforce this kind of nationalism, or patriotism, if you prefer. All the iPods and iPhones in the world don't replace that kind of power, although they bring in a new layer of individualism combined with networking that cuts across it.