Shanghaiist: Beijing Olympics: Jingo all the way

Les Izmore

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 02:30:40 +0800

Comment # 1 by ShangHighRoller; "With their glorious, pulsing black-and-white crowds, the Adidas ads remind me of another German Olympics." It seems obvious to me that he is referring to the Berlin Olympics of 1936, i.e. the 'Hitler' Olympics. Perhaps a bit heavy handed reaction on my part but serial overuse of the Nazi comparison gets my goat, whether its used to describe China or, say, Bush or Ahmadenijad (sic). Sorry to disappoint. Your position is made very clear by your answer to; "Post some reasonable criticisms of the games rather than this petty sniping. Why?" Why indeed.

jfkmiller

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:32:10 +0800

>Which Olympics hasn't claimed it would be the best ever? I don't know of a single one. Where's your evidence? >Next thing you'll tell me is that at this Olympics amateurs will be paid! No, I won't be saying any such thing. >Post some reasonable criticisms of the games rather than this petty sniping. Why? >Hitler games. Be honest and own up to your error. You were clearly referring to Berlin in '36 ("Hitler's games," "pre-war Deutschland," "Nazis"). >Also I didn't actually accuse you of drinking. Accuse away. I love drinking.

Les Izmore

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:27:12 +0800

Read the first comment. I was referring to that. That's what the "as for" alludes to. As for getting history from films, I remember the Munich Olympics because I watched them live on TV. Ever heard of Curt Gowdy? (Caution US reference...) The hostage taking and subsequent botched 'escape/rescue' was bloodcurdling and real. I doubt a movie could ever really match it. If you'd care to address my criticism of the ideas in your post rather than my delivery I'd be interested in hearing it. Also I didn't actually accuse you of drinking, but then you're subtle enough to have tumbled to that, eh?

jfkmiller

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:55:59 +0800

I think you're the one who's been drinking. The "Hitler games" (as you so ably put it) took place in Berlin in '36. Munich was '72. You should know, they made a movie about it and everything :)

Les Izmore

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:02:20 +0800

I am shocked that China would make such a claim. Of course when you think about it, which Olympics hasn't claimed it would be the best ever? It seems to me you'd be an idiot not to claim that beforehand. We have a word for it. Its called marketing. Anyway, the modern Olympics have become an orgasm of exceptionalism and self promotion for the participating athletes and the host nations, and the trans-national corporations that sponsor them. Next thing you'll tell me is that at this Olympics amateurs will be paid!! Post some reasonable criticisms of the games rather than this petty sniping. This is just hater blather. Plus the comparisons to Hitler's games are getting rather tiresome. If you really equate pre-war Deutschland and present day China what are doing here economically enabling them? As for the Addidas ads I would wager there were lots of western cooks in that creative kitchen. Are they Nazis too? I realize this is 'just a funny blog post' but can't we have a bit more substantiative content? Vapid, cynical musings like this come across better over a couple of Budweisers with your world weary mates at the expat bar.

ShangHighRoller

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:53:34 +0800

With their glorious, pulsing black-and-white crowds, the Adidas ads remind me of another German Olympics. For best effect, watch the ads on Youtube with the Ride of the Valkyries blaring in the background.