08.28.08
Olympic Wrap-up and Post 8/08 China
Over the past three days, a cool has descended on the Chinese capital. In the span of just over two weeks, the Beijing Olympics have transformed from the most hotly anticipated event in the history of the People’s Republic of China, to the annals of modern Chinese history. Around Beijing, the hangover from the Olympics can still be felt. Olympic signage still dangles from bridges, buildings, storefronts and volunteers in blue shirts are still milling around on street corners, and the occasional wide-eyed foreigners with their credentials dangling from their necks are still walking around Wangfujing like they just landed on the moon. For locals however, it’s back to business as usual. The anticipation, the excitement, the vigor of the masses has all waxed and waned, as 12 million people recuperate from their 16 day party and settle back into their routines.
Even though Beijing appears to be returning to a semblance of normalcy, the rippling effects of the Olympics will be felt for generations. For my parents and their contemporaries, they all remember exactly where they were the moment Neil Armstrong set foot on the surface of the moon. Regardless of any practical effect it would have on Americans’ daily lives, the metaphorical significance of the first moon walk was immense. It presented Americans with reason to be proud to be American, and to be proud to be human. More importantly it catapulted us to a new age, where a feat previously reserved for science fiction novels had now become reality.
The PRC did not even begin competing in the Olympics until 1984. To ascend from those depths to become both the host nation, as well as the gold medal tally leader, is a deep source of pride and accomplishment for the entire Chinese nation. 50 years from now, Chinese retirees will all remember their exact location when Li Ning ran through the sky in the Bird’s Nest. For China, this moment, and the 16 days which followed it will shape the way the nation views itself for years to come. It was during the summer of 2008 that China realized dreams which only thirty years ago would have been unthinkable. The memories are not going to fade. What will gradually fade are the memories of pre-Olympic China.
What we just experienced in Beijing was no mere sporting event. It was bigger than that. China may not have sent a man to the moon, but the symbolic implications are there. The way in which 1.5 billion Chinese view their country and themselves will never be the same. For the Middle Kingdom, this is the beginning of a new era. Welcome to Post 8/08 China.
For me, my current China journey is about to wrap up as well. I am heading off to Shandong this afternoon for some exploring and independent travel. I should be back in Beijing by early next week, and will remain here until Sept 9, when I head off to Japan for a 4 day layover. On the 14th, I fly back to Chicago where it’s back to Italian Beef sandwiches and job hunting. At this point, it is uncertain when I will be back in the Middle Kingdom. I feel extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to be in Beijing during these historic times, and am eagerly anticipating what this new era will bring. With that, I want to officially wrap-up my coverage of the Beijing Olympics. It’s been a wild ride, but it’s time to move on. Post 8/08 China is now embarking on new territory and will never be the same as it was during pre-Olympic times. Expect some posts from the Shandong in the days to come.
matt
said,
August 28, 2008 at 11:22 pm
1.5 billion chinese
Tina
said,
August 29, 2008 at 8:56 am
It sounds like you had a blast here in China.
I think there were more that 1.5 million Chinese watching the Olympics, perhaps you meant 1.5 billion?
Anyway, say hello to Chicago for us.
Jet So
said,
August 29, 2008 at 9:20 am
The western media’s more fixated on the Obama’s *big* speech these days than the Chinese’s big day the last 2 weeks. Noteably, there’s no mea culpa over lip-synching among those reporters . Take a good look @ this: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080828/ennew_afp/oly2008australiaorchestrafake
P.S. There is the Para-Olympics … or is that another after-thought?
Josh
said,
August 29, 2008 at 9:28 am
I appreciate all your commentaries on the Olympics and the venues that you visited. I agree that this two weeks time will sit in the memory of Chinese people much like Americans remember the moon or the assassination of JFK.
Have a good trip to Shandong.
Benjamin Ross
said,
August 29, 2008 at 9:50 am
@Matt & Tina
The official population of China is 1.3 billion. What that really means is that there are 1.3 billion Chinese people with proper 户口 (registration). The actual population is probably more in the neighborhood of 1.5. There is no way to know for sure (like most Chinese statistics), but I’ve always used the 1.5 as the accepted figure.
Teya
said,
August 29, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Yes, but your post still says 1.5 million…
Benjamin Ross
said,
August 29, 2008 at 6:52 pm
@Matt, Tina, and Teya-
Thanks for the correction. I guess 1.5 million people is a bit of a gross underestimate. 1.5 BILLION is certainly more accurate.
@Jetso
I’ve never bought into the whole “they do it in the west, so we can do it in China” argument, nor do I believe in the converse. To me, faking is faking, whether you’re China, Australia, or Paupau New Guinea.
Jet So
said,
August 29, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Agreed, all this shouldn’t have been blown out of proportion by the media (usually for more ratings, of course). But again, that’s entertainment.
In my opinion, quite a few Chinese (& other third world peoples) felt slighted again into thinking: if they do that in the west, how can their media continually wag the finger & say “naughty-naughty, bad-bad China [or put in your favourite rising 3rd world country]“. Many of the young agree that those most in power remains almost medievel in their outlook & mannerisms. For many older generation Chinese, this outward showing of the perfect “face” to outside guests remains vital and justifies any outlandish lies and irreputable actions taken within. Sadly, western double standards & sensationalism only undermines the people who point to the west as good model for fairness & equity. Moreover, such actions regrettably serve as a viable counter-argument for those hiding their own irresponsibility & bad judgment. Didn’t an (in)famous U.S. politician just recently confess, “We should lead by the force of our examples – not by the example of our force”?
Alright, enough of my rant! In my opinion, the successful completion of the Beijing Olympics and other engineering marvels are the crowning jewels of achievement for the 2nd & 3rd generation of leaders & people that grew up during the CR and ‘79 Opening. We have to wait & see what the 4th generation have yet to achieve.
P.S. Do enjoy the rest of your journey in Shandong.
Jason
said,
September 4, 2008 at 2:04 am
Very insightful post. I’ve been trying to find an analogy for these games, and the moon landing seems almost perfect.
(Also, there is a stray php comment right below the “Leave a Comment” header…)