Because the Opening Ceremony hasn't been commented on enough, I thought I'd add my two cents.
I thought it were great. I thought it was beautiful, artistic, representative and diverse, which ultimately, is what our country prides itself on.
I watched comments being posted on Facebook as the ceremony unfolded, and was angered by the number of negative - and ignorant - things being said. I couldn't believe it! I don't understand how someone couldn't watch the Ceremony with an open mind and heart and not be extremely proud. It showcased the varied and outstanding talent that we have in Canada, and it celebrated history and artistic creativity (very Cirque du Soleil) from across Canada.
Here's one of my "favourite" outtakes that I saw on Friday night:
"So so sad…I love the Olympics but yet again, we are embarrassed. Not to mention the 4 big Indian looking penis statues that erupted from the ground in the middle of the stadium!!!".
Right, embarrassed. I'm embarrassed that this person wrote this! The four ABORIGINAL penis looking statues were ice sculpture totem poles that were representative of the four aboriginal host nations. If you ever visited a museum as a child, or made it past grade 4 in the North American school system, you'd know that totem poles are carved from trees. And last time I checked, trees were thin and tall and round. And these penis statues extended their arms (penis' have arms?) to welcome the World to the Games, as the aboriginal communities would have. I mean really, were the drum circle participants going to hug everyone individually?
Here's another ditty:
"After the opening ceremonies anyone who has never been to Canada now things we all live in igloos or are red neck, boy loving, tattooed fiddlers…good job idiots".
Ya, I don't have much PG-rated to say about this statement.
But so this person can sleep at night, I'll let them know that each and every person that I've heard from that does not live in Canada, has had great things to say about the Opening Ceremony. I've heard that the Ceremony was beautifully put together, had amazing effects (the orca's got several shout-outs), that we have a lot of diverse talent, that we're artistic, unique and that we have hot fiddlers. So thanks for the concern but no need to worry about what others think, buddy.
The Ceremony wove together parts of our history, folklore and culture. Fiddling is common across Canada, thanks to the French-Canadian and Acadian cultures. And the fiddling section of the Ceremony (devil in a canoe, to jog your memory) was based on a French-Canadian folktale called La Chasse Gallerie. And if you know anything about Ashley MacIsaac, you know he isn't an angel. Fiddling is as French-Canadian as pea soup!
There was also talk about "why tax dollars were spent on this shit". Yes, my friend, your hard earned tax dollars were spent showcasing Canada to the World. But the Olympics will generate enough (taxable) money that those (borrowed) tax dollars will find there way back into the Receiver General's pocket. So relax, you'll get your refund.
I could go on about this (Facebook is a fantastic source of public opinion), but I won't.
Suffice it to say, I feel sad for those who can't find it in them to support the amazing work that Canadians (and yes, some non-Canadians) did to put the Opening Ceremony together. Who cares if you didn't like parts of it, like the giant Indian looking penis statues. In the end it's about supporting your country and celebrating the great things. Even if everything sucked about the Olympics, we should still be supporting Canada because it's our country.
I wouldn't invite these people to my party.
My favourite part of the ceremony was when poet Shane Koyczan recited his work "We Are More". Man, was he EVER good! His poem was smart, honest and funny. He is an incredible speaker; I was so impressed! And what about KD Lang singing Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah? She sent chills down my spine.
I'm really proud right now that my country is centre-stage and being such a great host. A lot of people dream about living in Canada; we're living that.
Enjoy the Games.
