When people throw parties they tend to focus on making sure everything goes off without a hitch. They want everyone to enjoy it and to avoid any fiascos.
However, when the party is the Olympics, the host is a nation that controls everything about its citizens and the guests are from countries that fight for freedom, it might be easier said than done.
The 2008 Olympics were far from perfect.
First of all, there was the poor child at the opening ceremonies who wasn’t allowed to perform the song she recorded. Instead, they picked a cuter child who would be a better visual representation of the country.
Then there was the digital enhancement of the fireworks show at the opening ceremony which showed a much more spectacular show than actually occurred.
The debate over the ages of the members of the Chinese women’s gymnastics team is still bubbling.
It’s still surprising the last-minute action taken to reduce smog made the air clean enough for the marathon runners.
Sure, Michael Phelps' eight gold medals and Usain Bolt's celebration halfway through his record-breaking sprint will be remembered as some of the greatest Olympic moments ever.<br/>But what about the fact that several protesters, including eight Americans, were detained and deported for expressing their opinions during the games?But what about the fact that several protesters, including eight Americans, were detained and deported for expressing their opinions during the games?
But what about the fact that several protesters, including eight Americans, were detained and deported for expressing their opinions during the games?
It’s bad enough Chinese law forced citizens and visitors to turn in an application to protest. What’s worse than that is that of the almost 80 applications, none were granted, and some protestors were detained merely for their applications.
It’s not like there wasn’t anything to protest. The Chinese reputation for corruption and poor human rights made it a controversial choice of location by the International Olympic Committee.
It’s not a secret the Chinese government regulates any and everything the Chinese people see, including what they can see on the internet or TV.
While China was able to show its friendly side to the rest of the world, and for the most part offered a memorable 17 days, it’s hard to overlook some of the flubs made by the host.
China can hide the world from its inhabitants for as long as it wants, but try as it may it can’t hide itself from the rest of the world.