The Paris Olympics opening ceremony seemed less extravagant because France, as a well-established nation, no longer needs extensive PR efforts. Unlike China in 2008, which used the Olympics to showcase its global emergence, France’s global reputation and historical influence are already well-known. This allows for a more relaxed and budget-conscious approach to the event.
The preference for standardization in cultural events reflects a societal inclination towards uniformity and measurable success, particularly in economic terms. This mindset has driven China’s rapid development but also contributes to widespread dissatisfaction, as constant comparisons with others lead to feelings of inadequacy, even when individuals achieve significant financial success.
The Paris Olympics opening ceremony incorporated traditional French cultural elements, such as references to the French Revolution and 'Les Misérables,' but presented them in a modern, avant-garde style. This approach contrasts with many cultural events that rely heavily on traditional forms, highlighting France’s ability to innovate in cultural expression.
Cultural influence in modern global events like the Olympics is often driven by contemporary pop culture rather than traditional elements. For example, the UK’s global cultural impact is more tied to modern icons like the Beatles, Harry Potter, and Peppa Pig than to Shakespeare. This suggests that nations seeking cultural relevance must innovate and adapt traditional elements to modern contexts.
The Paris Olympics opening ceremony’s budget is likely lower because France, as a long-established global power, does not need to invest heavily in national PR. Unlike emerging nations that use such events to assert their presence on the world stage, France’s historical and cultural influence is already widely recognized, reducing the need for extravagant displays.
摘要:
1.国际赛事如国家PR工程,不怎么花钱的国家大概是觉得已经没啥PR的必要了。所以既不咋花钱,也不咋彩排,因此看起来显得很“松弛”。
宏大叙事背后少不了个体成本。正如山姆大叔航母全球飘背后,是美国公民全球征税,海外利益保护不是免费的。
2.对“乱七八糟“的反感背后是对”标准化“的偏爱。同质化的价值观让所有人力往一处使(搞钱),这是40年飞速发展的原因,也是老中比较难开心的原因——即便有朝一日跨越中等收入陷阱/实现产业升级。
因为同质化价值观让“比较”成为可能,所以即便赚得比老美多,但赚得没隔壁老王/小红书博主多,还是会感到不爽。
3.能看出很多表演糅合了大量历史传统元素,但用了现代表达,虽然我看不懂。就像2010年去上海世博会时,看到柬埔寨、越南、斯里兰卡馆一目了然,去欧洲国家馆普遍不知道要表达啥一样。
不过在当代世界文化舞台上占一席之地的国家,似乎靠的都不是传统文化——英国不是靠莎士比亚,而是披头士、哈利波特、Coldplay乃至小猪佩奇;日本文化横扫当代世界,与其说靠和服茶道,也不如说靠动漫。