The Spectacle of Communism
Images of Beijing’s grandiose opening ceremony still hover in the back of my mind. What a spectacle…
I learned from a recent article by Roger Ebert that the director of the opening ceremonies, Zhang Yimou, is also a successful film director. His more recent films include Hero and House of the Flying Daggers. Not only did he have a $300 million budget to work with, but over 2,000 unpaid volunteers helped make the event possible. Who needs technology when you’ve got people?
Speaking of unpaid volunteers, North Korea’s Arirang Festival and its “mass games” are now underway. The scale is simply unbelievable–120,000 performers in all. And in case your looking for a last minute summer vacation, the country is now encouraging foreign tourists (constant surveillance included at no extra charge). For those of you unable to make it, check out this photo gallery from the Guardian.
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Well it is the democratic countries that help china maintain communism. who let them become members of GATT , UN security council ? …. In world trade their human rights gives them an edge over others .
I’m not sure I understand what you mean by your last sentence. There is certainly a lot to say about the relationship of China and the US (and the rest of the West). Expect to see more about this subject in some of my future posts.
Wow this looks like a truly amazing spectacle! Are all those images done on cards?