Hello Gentle Reader
Through the entire Winter Olympics, there has been a lot of controversy. The legislature, that bans the discussion and dialogue of homosexuality – referred to as ‘propaganda.’ There has been discussion of the stifling and crack down, on freedom of speech and freedom of expression; which had prompted numerous international authors to sign a petition, condemning this. Then the humorous, and yet slightly disturbing photos, that athletes sent out in regards to their accommodations. Then of course there was the discussion, that there were very severe security threats and many wondering, about the security budget itself – and the fact that it was the costliest Olympics held to date. However, with the end of the Olympics and the closing ceremony, one is forced to put aside, these acerbic and acidic criticisms, and in a sense bitter sweetly, wave goodbye, shed a tear, and blow out the flame. Despite all the controversy, putting aside the issues, and the flaws; one comes to understand, that in a sense, the Olympics have achieved what they set out to achieve: the building of relationships between nations, in the spirit of sportsmanship, and friendly competition. I may not like the Olympics. In fact, I would say that they are boring; and overtly political – even though they adamantly and vehemently protesting, that they are politically neutral and merely want all nations to participate, in peaceful competition in athletic fields. So it comes to no surprise, that I only watch the Olympics for the cultural portions. In other words: the opening and the closing ceremony.
It is unfortunate, but I ended up missing the opening ceremonies of this year’s Winter Olympics. However, thanks to my luck, I was able to catch the closing ceremonies for this year’s Winter Olympics. Though admittedly, I was not overly impressed with the ballet portion. Truth be told, dancing – ballet; is odd to me. I cannot quite comprehend how these awkward and disjointed and disconnected movements equal “poetry in movement.” Personally the flailing of the arms, and the dainty overtly porcelain like movements, just appear to me silly. That being said, I do not doubt that the physical and strenuous workout and training that those dancers do, for the love they have for it, is by any means easy; and therefore they have my admiration. Personally, ballet and dancing, in all forms has not – as far as I can remember; ever held my interest. However, when it came to the carnivalesque acrobatics, held my interest, and truly was quite a sight to behold. The way the performers have so much trust in their fellow performers, and the slightest margin of error, would result in serious injury or death, is by all means, quite a risk. However, the performance went without a hitch, and admittedly, I was glued to my screen, with enjoyment.
Then in typical fashion, it was – cut to commercial – well they had cut to commercial many times before hand.
The best part though, was the nostalgic end, where the mascot – closed the ceremony; by extinguishing the flame, in a magical array of robotics. With a blow, and then a tear, the bear, said a bittersweet, goodbye. However, winter cannot last forever – and Russia then happily welcomed a dramatic and theatrical spring performance; with a magical fantasy boat ride, gliding overhead, showering the stadium floor with golden seeds (confetti) sprinkled to the grown; and stocks of golden grass were waved, and flocks of seagulls, over head of children running beneath them, soared throughout. Spring is welcomed; though the snow that still batters Canada is getting tiring; but still, through it all, Russia says goodbye to the world, and the world says farewell for the time being to Russia.
What one could say about these Olympics in a positive light is that Russia showed how far they have come since, the thaw. With the passing of these Olympics, there are chants “this is our Russia,” “modern Russia,” “the new Russia.” Hopefully these statements are true, and that Russia can go back on their setbacks, and continue to improve as a nation.
In the end, and on a personal note: in comparison of this closing ceremony, to the disaster that the Canadian closing ceremony was – which was in effect, a good natured attempt at showcasing Canada’s sense of humor; however it was a satirical farce, that failed: where Canada’s main objective was to playfully throw the pie into every cliché about Canada, in the end, Canada slipped on the banana peel, and fell face first into the pie; and made a mockery of itself; rather than the clichés – these closing ceremony were done in good taste though in the end; and showcased Russia’s rich history, and cultural integrity, and impact that they have, and will continue to have.
Thank-you For Reading Gentle Reader
Take Care
And As Always
Stay Well Read
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M. Mary
