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Posted
1 hour ago, Sir Rols said:

Which is quite clearly diversity, tolerance and globalism - it’s their whole point.

They should have issued a statement along the lines of, "We are proud about and happy with the opening ceremony of the 2024 summer Olympics. Criticism of it is unfair and due to a misunderstanding of our creativity and philosophy."

Then they could go on and explain why a young child was included in Paris 2024's living re-creation of the Last Supper, even though Da Vinci's famous fresco in Milan contains no such youngsters.

Posted

As I outed myself as a conservative christian before (aka a alt-right, RWNJ, fascist, MAGA in the eyes of others blah blah blah) let me just say that what really grates those of us on the conservative christian side is the continual pushing of the gay agenda

Look. I DON'T CARE if you are gay. 99% of conservative christians also DON'T CARE!

Happily work side by side with people who are gay at my work, and sit down at the lunch table with them and talk about normal stuff as 99% of people would do

It's just the 1% absolute freaks that are pushing their agenda that is getting intolerable

Gay parades, Pride days, Pride months, purple days, trans days. Almost every week there is something

IT HAS JUST BECOME TOO MUCH!

Recently in San Francisco you had guys walking around with their junk hanging out, people pissing and shitting on each other in a kids swimming pool as "work of art" and the police did nothing

Drag queens in libraries reading books to children, grown men identifying as a "woman" and competing against teenage girls in sports

ENOUGH!

Sorry but a line has to be drawn somewhere and the freak show that was Paris 2024 Ceremony was just another part of the failure of modern society and deserves all the criticism it is getting and what is the point of the IOC apologizing as it is already done, somebody in the IOC should have said BEFORE the ceremony "this is not acceptable"

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Posted
30 minutes ago, Gonzo said:

As I outed myself as a conservative christian before (aka a alt-right, RWNJ, fascist, MAGA in the eyes of others blah blah blah) let me just say that what really grates those of us on the conservative christian side is the continual pushing of the gay agenda

Look. I DON'T CARE if you are gay. 99% of conservative christians also DON'T CARE!

Happily work side by side with people who are gay at my work, and sit down at the lunch table with them and talk about normal stuff as 99% of people would do

It's just the 1% absolute freaks that are pushing their agenda that is getting intolerable

Gay parades, Pride days, Pride months, purple days, trans days. Almost every week there is something

IT HAS JUST BECOME TOO MUCH!

Recently in San Francisco you had guys walking around with their junk hanging out, people pissing and shitting on each other in a kids swimming pool as "work of art" and the police did nothing

Drag queens in libraries reading books to children, grown men identifying as a "woman" and competing against teenage girls in sports

ENOUGH!

Sorry but a line has to be drawn somewhere and the freak show that was Paris 2024 Ceremony was just another part of the failure of modern society and deserves all the criticism it is getting and what is the point of the IOC apologizing as it is already done, somebody in the IOC should have said BEFORE the ceremony "this is not acceptable"

it sounds like you do care though...

Posted
12 hours ago, Ikarus360 said:

We should wait for the Closing and see if its better. I just find ironic that its theme will be about an hypotetical new dissapearance of the Olympic Games. Considering how their reputation fell so low over the last decade, it feels more like a beg to the world to not let them die.

Well with that opening ceremony and the division between viewers, it seems they're already on the way out.

Posted

unlike what some people believe, angrily typing words on the internet is NOT an alternative to therapy!

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Posted

The recent uproar over the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony exemplifies the volatile intersection of artistic expression, religious sensitivities, and modern social dynamics. As I watched the performance, which reimagined Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper with drag queens, a transgender model, and a singer portraying Dionysus, I found myself foreseeing the trouble this will cause and admiring the audacity of this artistic choice.

The organisers claimed their intent was to celebrate diversity and highlight the absurdity of human violence. While this message is commendable, it was delivered with an deliberate disregard for the sacredness of religious symbols - Christian or Ancient Greek. The tableau sought to break boundaries and showcase inclusivity, but in doing so, it trampled on the deeply held beliefs of millions. The use of The Last Supper, a profound Christian icon, for modern social commentary was not just provocative; it pushed reaction buttons.

The backlash from Catholics, Christian groups, and conservative politicians was immediate and intense. This performance tried to be a gesture of tolerance but presented as a blatant act of disrespect. The organisers’ apology, stressing that they did not intend to offend, rings hollow. This incident underscores the persistent tension between artistic freedom and religious respect. It raises a critical question: how far can one push the boundaries of creative expression before it becomes sacrilege? This controversy is a stark reminder of the cultural wars that rage on, fuelled by the relentless 24-hour news cycle and the echo chambers of social media.

Philosophically, this controversy forces us to confront the role of art in society. Art has always been a medium for challenging norms and provoking thought, but it should not come at the expense of deeply held beliefs. This performance succeeded in sparking a global conversation, and will be remembered as one marked by anger and division rather than inclusion and tolerance.

Supporters of the tableau praise its bold message of inclusivity and challenge to societal norms. Critics, however, rightly see it as a gratuitous insult to their faith, an unnecessary provocation that sullies the Olympic spirit. The artistic director’s defence—that the intent was never religious subversion but a celebration of diversity—fails to acknowledge the profound impact of his choices.

The Paris 2024 opening ceremony is a stark reminder of art’s power to both unite and divide. It forces us to consider the limits of artistic expression and the respect owed to religious and cultural traditions. This incident, with its wide range of reactions, highlights the ongoing negotiation between different values and perspectives in our globalised world. This negotiation is crucial, but it is fraught with challenges that demand greater empathy and understanding.

Posted

Here on GamesBids, let's set aside our religious and LGBTQIA+ differences to promote tolerance and respect for everyone's viewpoints. People need to calm down and embrace active listening, compassion, and standing against discrimination. What steps can we take to foster a more united and this forum a more respectful environment? Let's start a conversation and be the change we want to see.

Posted
24 minutes ago, Red Centaur said:

Here on GamesBids, let's set aside our religious and LGBTQIA+ differences to promote tolerance and respect for everyone's viewpoints. People need to calm down and embrace active listening, compassion, and standing against discrimination. What steps can we take to foster a more united and this forum a more respectful environment? Let's start a conversation and be the change we want to see.

Absolutely.  Hear, hear 🥰

Posted
48 minutes ago, Red Centaur said:

This performance succeeded in sparking a global conversation, and will be remembered as one marked by anger and division rather than inclusion and tolerance.

So true! Ceremonies are meant to be uniting not dividing

Posted
18 hours ago, Rob2012 said:

Are we even sure it was the Last Supper being depicted? The Olympics twitter feed during the ceremony described the scene saying it was the Greek Gods feasting with Dionysus (represented by the Smurf/Nac Mac Feegle).

If they did do the Last Supper it seems like it was, at the very least, in conjunction with other artworks as well.

This kinda shows how poor the commentary was. And I think this is on the organisers not on the BBC which I happened to be watching, because I'm not sure anyone in the live thread picked up on what was happening. I certainly didn't understand what the drag artists were meant to be doing as I watched it. I'm still not sure I do now.

The posture of the performers and the girl DJ'ing in the centre looked strikingly similar to the Last Supper. I like to think I'm creative and artistic but that opening zoom out frame was very similar. 

19 hours ago, Bear said:

 

I'd like to know the statistics and the background of the respondents of the survey. Age? Location? How was the survey carried out? Have they thought about getting more respondents from more countries with an equal number in different age brackets? I refuse to believe those numbers. 

17 hours ago, Ikarus360 said:

I know I said i didn't want to talk about this segment, but it seems they weren't really referencing The Last Supper but another less known painting "Feast of the Gods".

58.jpg

Don't know if its just copium from some netizens knowing the huge backlash this scene got, then again it was never 100% confirmed it was a reference to it.

I wonder if there is an official program for this ceremony and if we'll be able to see it later on.

Would dearly love to get my digital hands on that media guide! Do you think the rehearsals were held in secret because the media and onlookers would realise this before the live ceremony took place?

16 hours ago, Red Centaur said:

Also, 

The Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony was not just a disappointment on an event level; it served as a stark reflection of the decaying French identity and culture. This once proud and vibrant cultural epicenter, renowned for its artistic heritage and profound contributions to global culture, presented a ceremony that was disjointed, inauthentic, and uninspired. The choice to feature American performers like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, instead of celebrating the rich tapestry of French musical talent, was a glaring indicator of cultural erosion. It was as if France had forgotten its own voice in favor of a homogenised, globalized one.

Another glaring deficiency in the Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony was the poor presentation of fashion, an area where Paris traditionally excels as a global leader. Renowned for its haute couture and cutting-edge design, Parisian fashion embodies elegance, innovation, and artistic expression. However, this legacy was woefully underrepresented during the ceremony. The costumes and designs lacked the sophistication and flair one would expect from a city synonymous with style. Instead of showcasing the avant-garde and timeless elegance of French fashion, the attire appeared uninspired and generic, failing to capture the spirit of Parisian chic. The fashion on display felt more akin to a Eurovision performance, marked by flashy but shallow aesthetics, rather than the refined and sophisticated creations that Parisian designers are celebrated for. This oversight was particularly egregious given the potential to highlight the creativity and craftsmanship of local designers, turning what should have been a dazzling visual feast into a dull and forgettable rupaul-style spectacle. The poor presentation of fashion not only diminished the overall aesthetic of the event but also signaled a broader disconnect with the cultural and artistic roots that Paris is known for.

This ceremony, meant to showcase the best of France to the world, instead highlighted how far the country has strayed from its cultural roots. It revealed a France that is losing its identity, caught in the throes of globalisation and struggling to assert its unique cultural voice in an increasingly homogenised world. The Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony was not just a failed event; it was a poignant, and somewhat tragic, reflection of a decaying French identity and culture.

Nice in-depth review

8 hours ago, guilherme b said:

 

I wonder if this is enough. Because the IOC signed off on Jolly's ideas. Do we think we should get a public apology from Bach, Jolly, and Estanguet? That wouldn't be a bad idea.

5 hours ago, Gonzo said:

As I outed myself as a conservative christian before (aka a alt-right, RWNJ, fascist, MAGA in the eyes of others blah blah blah) let me just say that what really grates those of us on the conservative christian side is the continual pushing of the gay agenda

Look. I DON'T CARE if you are gay. 99% of conservative christians also DON'T CARE!

Happily work side by side with people who are gay at my work, and sit down at the lunch table with them and talk about normal stuff as 99% of people would do

It's just the 1% absolute freaks that are pushing their agenda that is getting intolerable

Gay parades, Pride days, Pride months, purple days, trans days. Almost every week there is something

IT HAS JUST BECOME TOO MUCH!

Recently in San Francisco you had guys walking around with their junk hanging out, people pissing and shitting on each other in a kids swimming pool as "work of art" and the police did nothing

Drag queens in libraries reading books to children, grown men identifying as a "woman" and competing against teenage girls in sports

ENOUGH!

Sorry but a line has to be drawn somewhere and the freak show that was Paris 2024 Ceremony was just another part of the failure of modern society and deserves all the criticism it is getting and what is the point of the IOC apologizing as it is already done, somebody in the IOC should have said BEFORE the ceremony "this is not acceptable"

You're not wrong there. 

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Posted
40 minutes ago, PikyoK said:

The posture of the performers and the girl DJ'ing in the centre looked strikingly similar to the Last Supper. I like to think I'm creative and artistic but that opening zoom out frame was very similar. 

The obese DJ posted (and then deleted the reference to the Last Supper on IG) ... of course it was a religious attack ... case closed

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Posted
1 hour ago, Gonzo said:

The obese DJ posted (and then deleted the reference to the Last Supper on IG) ... of course it was a religious attack ... case closed

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omg! wow! this needs to be shared. 

  • Confused 1
Posted

Everyone is going round in circles now. There was upset caused and your feelings matter. But the organisers have apologised if any hurt was caused and said it was the opposite of what they wanted.

It appears trying to be all things to all people is what tripped them up here. I can fully understand how trying to appease everyone can sometimes have the opposite effect.

You can be offended but also tolerant that others take a different view. The two don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Really think it’s time we all let it go! 

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Posted

OK....so it did happen, or at the very least one of the troupe is playing up to the controversy. LOL, this is a confusing mess.

I am weirdly converging on Michelle's point of view, albeit from the opposite direction.

You can dislike it as a bit crass, and certainly dislike it if it's not really your thing. But if you are viewing it as an "attack" then your motivation can only be homophobia or po-faced religious exceptionalism. These drag artists weren't "attacking" the French fashion industry when they did their catwalk bit, they weren't "attacking" Greek myths when they did their Dionysus bit, they weren't "attacking" Eurodance when they did that bit either. Or maybe there were, maybe there are fashionistas, historians and Eurovusion fans who are just as outraged but we haven't heard from them yet.

Yeah, time to let this one pass. The usual suspects have got wound up over very little. In future no religious references in ceremonies might the way forward, neither solemn (like the Notre Dame bit) nor irreverent.

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Posted
1 hour ago, Rob2012 said:

. In future no religious references in ceremonies might the way forward, neither solemn (like the Notre Dame bit) nor irreverent.

I actually disagree there, the Olympics was an religious festival in ancient times after all and religion is part of people's life regardless of what anyone thinks about it. It has to be respectful of course. We shouldn't limit ourselves just to please the worst among us. However, I think there wasn't any harm on drag queens in the last supper, I think Jesus would actually hang out with them too if he came today, given how he always wanted to go to the ones suffering prejudice from society. Unless you are the kind of person who get offended by drag queens existing, of course.

Also, that crazy part is totally on brand for Dionysus, come on.

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Posted

I also think it would be a huge defeat if we banned all religious representation in ceremonies. Here it was literally drag queens, nothing more, it's not as if we had seen Jesus beheaded instead of Marie-Antoinette. It would be a real step backwards and a victory for obscurantism.

 

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Posted

Despite the controversy and division the opening ceremony caused, I highly suspect that Jolly got some inspiration from Mikiko Mizuno's proposed plan for Tokyo 2020(1) Opening Ceremony

Mikiko's Tokyo 2020

- Lady Gaga performance with Mario

- Connection between 1964 and 2020 as shown by the 1960s office and attire and the Naomi Wattanabe segment

- Japanese anime and video game tribute: Sonic, Mario, Pikachu, Goku, Doraemon

- Opening Sequence exploring different parts of Tokyo and their characteristics (subway, skyscrapers, shopping districts, parks etc.)

- Japanese video game characters portraying different types of olympic sports

 

Jolly's Paris 2024

- Lady Gaga cabaret performance

- Connection with 1924 and 2024 as shown with Charles Costa as a torchbearer, Art Deco branding, Lady Gaga's outfit?

- French Cinema tribute: The Little Prince, Lumiere Brothers and the Minions

- All Artistic segments exploring landmarks of Paris that portray a part of French history and culture

- French garden inspired barges with rococo style performers and acrobats portraying sports like BMX and breakdancing. 

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Posted
5 hours ago, PikyoK said:

The posture of the performers and the girl DJ'ing in the centre looked strikingly similar to the Last Supper. I like to think I'm creative and artistic but that opening zoom out frame was very similar. 

It all turns out on closer inspection to be rather fascinating. The 17th century "Festin des Dieux" painting on which it was actually based- Jan van Bielert's take on the then-popular theme of the marriage of Thetis & Peleus, bequeathed to the French state in 1939- was originally longer on the left, probably symmetrical around the cherub-filled gap in the clouds. Some former owner (before the era when paintings were routinely photographed for security purposes) deliberately cut off the left side to make the painting symmetrical around the haloed figure of Apollo the sun god- they'd probably seen The Last Supper while visiting Italy on the Grand Tour, and decided to have some fun.

Further fun is being added by the claim that the title of this scene in the ceremony was "La Cène sur la scène sur la Seine"- the Last Supper on the stage on the Seine. As far as I can tell, this is just a witty Reddit invention, but I'd love to hear if anybody knows otherwise.

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Posted
20 minutes ago, sebastien1214 said:

 

 

Well I understand why people would get fired up over the opening ceremony but this tweet is going a little too far. It could be a still-in-motion. I've seen plenty of ring gymnasts do this. 

Posted
31 minutes ago, Guilga said:

I think Jesus would actually hang out with them too if he came today, given how he always wanted to go to the ones suffering prejudice from society. 

it appears to me people are just intent on fanning flames. 

both sides should be respectful.

this isn’t helpful. 

  • Confused 1
Posted
Just now, PikyoK said:

Well I understand why people would get fired up over the opening ceremony but this tweet is going a little too far. It could be a still-in-motion. I've seen plenty of ring gymnasts do this. 

(it's a joke)

Posted
3 minutes ago, PikyoK said:

Despite the controversy and division the opening ceremony caused, I highly suspect that Jolly got some inspiration from Mikiko Mizuno's proposed plan for Tokyo 2020(1) Opening Ceremony

Mikiko's Tokyo 2020

- Lady Gaga performance with Mario

- Connection between 1964 and 2020 as shown by the 1960s office and attire and the Naomi Wattanabe segment

- Japanese anime and video game tribute: Sonic, Mario, Pikachu, Goku, Doraemon

- Opening Sequence exploring different parts of Tokyo and their characteristics (subway, skyscrapers, shopping districts, parks etc.)

- Japanese video game characters portraying different types of olympic sports

 

Jolly's Paris 2024

- Lady Gaga cabaret performance

- Connection with 1924 and 2024 as shown with Charles Costa as a torchbearer, Art Deco branding, Lady Gaga's outfit?

- French Cinema tribute: The Little Prince, Lumiere Brothers and the Minions

- All Artistic segments exploring landmarks of Paris that portray a part of French history and culture

- French garden inspired barges with rococo style performers and acrobats portraying sports like BMX and breakdancing. 

Apart from Gaga (which was perhaps just a way of not breaking her 2020 contract) you can probably make similar comparisons with other recent opening ceremonies, given that their express purpose is to highlight the culture of the host city & nation. And of course, references back to earlier Olympics in the same cities are to be expected, as seen in London 2012.

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