It is completely baffling to me why Americans’ are having such a negative reaction to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremonies. I do not understandiwhy they think the ceremonies were all about making fun of Christian beliefs or were celebrating Satan. In my opinion, the controversy surrounding the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremonies is nothing more than a lack of understaning and acceptance of artistic expression.
Olympic Excitement
In the year leading up to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, we heard about the upcoming event almost on a daily basis. Including Introductions to the future athletes and possible medal winners. As well as interviews with past medal winners were a daily occurrence. All of the athletes were sharing about the years of training, commitment and sacrifices made by them and their families. In addition to enduring mental and physical struggles. But a bizarre, and frankly, overblown controvery is overshadowing the massive level of excitement surrounding the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
The opening ceremony, intending to celebrate France’s rich cultural heritage and creative flair, is getting criticism. Allegedly, they were mocking da Vinci’s painting of the Last Supper and celebrating Satan. However, this uproar seems more like making a mountain out of a mole hill rather than a genuine issue.
The Controversy’s Background
The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games is typically a grand, high-profile event. Intending to dazzle and entertain while highlighting the host country’s history and culture. I do not see the opening ceremoies of the Paris 2024 Summe Olympics any differently. From my point of view, they were a blend of significant historical events and today’s French culture. All with a modern flair. Intending to showcase the French culture and history, the ceremony is attracting criticism for what some claim are offensive elements. Specifically, the controversy centers around accusations the ceremony’s themes parody Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting Last Supper. As well as incorporating imagery linked to Satanism.
Allegations, Responses, and Reactions
Allegations
Some critics believe a part of the ceremony was making fun of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, the Last Supper. They claim the images poke fun at the holy figures by replacing them them with drag queens and strange symbols. Additionally, some people think the images in other parts of the ceremony were celebrating Satan. Everyone is focusing on trying to find hidden meaning or threats in the cermony’s art. Instead, why aren’t they focusing on the creators attempt to be provocative?!
Responses
There was no overt plan to offend or poke fun an any particular religion. According to the planners of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, they were trying to celebrate French history and culture. with creativity and a modern flair. There was no overt plan to offend or poke fun at a particular religion or their sacred symbols.
Reactions
People have mixed feelings about the controversy surround the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic games. It is a hot topic on various social media platforms. But, many think the fuss is way too big for what actually happened. Various critics of the controversy believe the outrage is more about getting attention than true upset. Often misunderstanding the artist’s intentions behind the artwork. But, that doesn’t mean we should stop people from expressing themselves just because some people are unhappy.
Cultural-Studies Experts say this is a typical reaction when a lot of people think artistic freedom is threatening their values. These controversies often exaggerate the situation and take away from the artwork’s real message.
A Mockery of da Vinci’s Painting: The Last Supper
When I look at the picture of the so called “mockery of the Last Supper” I see a group of people celebrating life. Dyonisis, the Greek God of Wine, is passing by the party goers atop a plate of fruit. While the actors and actresses are drag queens and Dyonisis is naked, I don’t see any of this as offensive. I see a fun and joyous event intended to highlight the vibrant and influential role of the French LGBTQ+ community.
In many countries, drag queens are a large part of the LGBTQ+ community. But, that doesn’t mean all drag queens are gay. People dress in drag for a variety of reasons ranging from self-expression to mainstream performance. Drag shows frequently include lip-syncing, live singing, and dancing. Yes, the actor playing Dyonisis is naked. But, he is covered in blue body paint or wearing a blue body suit (I can’t tell for sure which). Plus, by strategically placing the fruit, his male private parts (what some may consider offensive) are not showing. Many countries, except for the United States, view drag queeens as a part of the country’s culture and a form of entertainment. Nothing more. Plus, they see the naked human body as a work of art and not something of which to be ashamed.
However, who is to say this wasn’t what the actual Last Supper looked like. None of us, including da Vinci, where there! Yes, we can read about it in the Bible. But, it is still our individual interpretation of what we are reading that brings it to life. Even da Vinci’s famous painting is his interpretaion of the event. Down to what Jesus and the Apostles are wearing to the looks on their faces.
da Vinci’s Interpretation
According to historical writings, Leonardo worked on The Last Supper from about 1495 to 1498 CE (Common Era). But, he wasn’t working on it all of the time. The start date of da Vinci’s painting is uncertain since the archives of the covenant for that historical period have been destroyed. However, a document with a 1497 date, indicates the painting was almost finished. Historical documents also claim a Prior (a Superior Monk) from the nearby monastery reportedly complained to Leonardo about the painting’s delay. In turn, Leonardo wrote to the head of the monastery, explaining the delay was due to his struggle find the perfect villainous look for Judas’ face. He went on to add that if he could not find a face expressing the look he had in mind, he would use the features of the Prior who had complained. Thus, da Vinci’s interpretation of the event!
A Satanic Celebration
I’m fairly certain the segment with the Marie Antoinette corpes holding their heads and dancing in the windows of the Bastille all while a band playing heavy metal music accompanies the dancers is what people are viewing as a Satanic celebration. But, I see nothing more that an artistic attempt to pay homage to the French Revolution where beheadings were a common, daily occurrence. And, the aristorcracy were celebrating the deaths of their so-called oppositon with food and wine. The Revolution was a very dark time in French history. What better way to stress this than to showcase it with the dark, overbearing music of a heavy metal band!
Background of the Olympics
Originating in acient Greece around 776 BCE (Before the Common Era), the Olympics were originally held in Olympia to honor Zeus; the King of the GREEK gods. Featuring athletic and cultural competitions among cities and states, the early games were a reflection of the Greek ideal images of physical excellence and communal unity.
Attempting to promote international peace and understanding through sports, the modern-day olympics were revived by Pierre de Coubertin in 1896. Showcasing athletes from around the world and emphasizing examples of fair competition, global unity, and cultural exchange. Today’s Olympic Games are a global event with almost 210 countries coming together in competition. At the same time, the host country gets to share its history and culture with the rest of the world. The Olympic Games we know today have become a major sporting and cultural phenomenon that we celebrate every four years.
Religion and Today’s Olympic Games
In my opinion, unless we are willing to accept and showcase the various religions of all of the participating countries and athletes, religion does not have any place in the Olympics. This doesn’t mean I agree with or understand the tenants of every other religion in the world. But, it does mean I’m willing to accept everyone else’s right to their own beliefs and to practice the religion of their choice. It doesn’t matter if it is Christianity, Catholicism, Judahism, Lutheranism, Muslim, Budahism, or any other of the world’s many religions. There isn’t one religion that is right or wrong. While we may each call our Higher Power by a different name and call the final destination by a different name, we are all trying to get to the same place.
Recognition and Acceptance
Therefore, in my opinion, if we are not willing to recognize and accept every one’s religious beliefs, religion has no place in the Olympic Games. The Games are about the best-of-the-best athletes from around the world coming together to showcase their amazing athletic abilities as well as sharing the host country’s history and culture. These athletes have trained for years, making personal and physical sacrifices, to reach this ultimate level of competition. Taking the focus off of them and their achievements and making it all about “you” and your issues, is disrespectful and a slap in the face to every athelete in the competition.
A Private Matter
For me, my religion and faith are a very private matter. I consider myself a Christian and, in the right situation, I will share about my relationship with God and His incluence in my life. He has had a huge impact in my life, and while I’m willing to share this, I don’t see the need to be in any one’s face about it. I try to share my Christian beliefs through my actions. After all, actions speak louder than words! Numerous critics are claiming the design and purpose of the ceremony was to intentionally offend and mock a specific religion. Thus, taking the focus off of the atheletes and the games. This seems a little self-centered and unchristian in my opinion.
Conclusion
I do believe the critics have the right to express their opinion about the ceremony (Free Speech and all). But, I don’t believe they have the right to claim the planners were intentionally desinging the ceremony to offend Christians or praise Satan. This reaction to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony seems to be an over-the-top response to what is basically an artistic view of French history and culture.
The allegations of poking fun at religious Christian symbols and applauding Satan appear to be nothing more than the personal views of a handfull of critics. They do not appear to be a deliberate intent to offend a specific religion. Why waste time getting with foolish disputes and imaginary offenses? Why not focus on the positive aspects of the ceremony, celebrating the global unity and culture? This is far more beneficial to the world than having childish spats on social media. . The true value of the Olympic Games rests in the Games’ ability to bring people together and showcase human creativity, not in promoting unnecessary disagreements.