Sunday, August 10, 2008
Posted by:
Faith Ammen
at
8:08 PM
 Maybe I have just been spoiled with stories of our Olympic athletes "chasing the American dream." The vignettes I'm used to seeing during the Olympic games are ones of individuals who discovered a passion for a certain sport and pursued that gift.
The stories of the Chinese athletes are not the same.Chinese gymnast, Cheng Fei, apparently pleaded with her parents to let her quit gymnastics and come home. The anchor cheerfully responded to this by saying, "Good thing they didn't let her quit! That last routine was magic!" Should we really enjoy watching an athlete who is forced to perform?
NBC also featured the story of a Chinese diver who "was scared of the diving board." In order to overcome this fear, her coach pushed her off the board. She continued with the sport even though she didn't like it because she didn't want to be a disappointment.
This kind of pressure (like taking three year olds away from their family to begin gymnastics) is something we in America with our freedom, "pursue your own dream", and "be all you can be" mentality will never be able to fully comprehend.
Kevin...
I believe that's why the athletes from and in the USA play for the love of the game vs the pressure of possible defeat.
Then again... What do I really know for certain?
John Lewis Mealer
http://www.betterconstructed.com |
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Which is why I think Faith's post speaks so genuinely to the intimidation under which athletes in China, and the former Soviet Union before them have lived under.
Thanks for visiting the blog! |
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Did you know that the man who created that spectacular art/dance number during the history of China part, where dancers painted a large canvass as they danced, is an American? Very interesting story. He started a dance company in China but came to America to develop his art.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/sports/olympics/06bloo.ht ml
I'm not sure what to make of this, but it sure seems like a significant departure from China's usual xenophobic cultural chauvinism. It seems like they went far out of their way to put on a show that was not only technologically spectacular but also artistically daring. I wonder how many of the Chinese performers will be imprisoned after the Olympics for insulting Chinese dignity and traditional (in a communist sense) sensibilities. |
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Throughout the Olympics this guy is going to post every negative spin he can possibly think of about the Chinese people. |
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Hi, my name is Faith and I am the author of the post, not Kevin. I would be more than happy to also post happy things about the Olympics if you would like...Shawn Johnson's spectacular vault in gymnastics, the US 400m swimming relay team beating the French. But that is news we all got to witness on TV and can find in any headline. I decided instead to write about the stories that nearly made me cry because of the stark contrasts in the stories of the Chinese and US athletes lives. |
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I was hoping that my comment would encourage someone to write something positive about the Chinese. I guess not. |
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Are wonderful!
And among the most persecuted on the planet. Particularly those who desire the freedom to believe and practice Biblical Christianity...
I've certainly said nothing negative about them - nor has Faith. However...
We do have, and will have for sometime I imagine, significantly negative things about the Communist regime that is carrying out this persecution - particularly against Bible believing Christians.
Too bad it is you Dave - who seems uncaring about those in pain. |
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No wonder we're in such a mess.
The NY Times article to which Kevin links clearly states that the choreographer, Shen Wei was born in China, but came to the US in 1995.
He is, therefore, a Chinese-American. Kevin's posting implies that he is a native American.
People either can't read, or they can't understand what they read, or they just plain lie.
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You just funnin' everyone?
Pasedna PHIL is the one who posted the NYTimes story to which you refer.
Not Kevin...
How ironic in your response via a post in which you accuse me of not reading - you prove to all who pass by your own propensity for goofin' pretty bad as well.
Even more true - none of us are perfect Pat... Not one - thus creating the need for our awareness of our imperfections and the need for God in our lives, world, and existence... |
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I posted that he is an American citizen not where he was born. He migrated to America because China severely limited his freedoms to take his art where he wanted to take it so he came to America and started another Dance/Art company. He was as surprised as anyone to be invited.
I don't see much here to make hay over but then some people just want to fight no matter what.
I visit here mainly to marvel at the witty, high-brow exchanges between Kevin and Goat. God knows I have my own personal trolls stalking me. |
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"Even more true - none of us are perfect Pat... Not one - thus creating the need for our awareness of our imperfections and the need for God in our lives, world, and existence..."
That's a good line, and idea!
Sad to see how these posts have kind of disintegrated into mud slinging and name calling, those sorts of things..
I thought that died with that alter-ego guy last week..
Perhaps that good advice, above, is a good thing for all here to reflect on before posting..so "passionately"..:^)
Kind of ironic, how, with all this noble talk of nations, and feelings, and all, folks can still get down to this silly level of egos and posturing.
Go to your respective corners people.
You're missing making your good points as big fish fry ;^)
Tell us, once more, of the true, lovely and noble points you wish to make for us all..
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