We do a lot of work with couples getting married - premarital education and counseling. If they are already engaged, they are consumed with preparing for the wedding. They spend time getting registered for different items at Target, Dillards, etc.
Usually they register for a particular china. They go look at different patterns - what does the plate look like in this pattern? What about the cup and saucer, the bowls? What kind of serving pieces come with it? The pattern determines how all of the rest of the pieces will look.
With the Olympics, the China pattern takes on a new meaning. The basic beliefs and values of their country determine the pattern of their lives. With the dictators of the last few decades, they have indoctrinated the people with the belief that there is no God. If there is no God, who determines the values and to whom are the people accountable?
Their country has decided that the political leaders determine the values and that they are the only ones to whom everyone must be accountable. Their values are based on what they believe is best for their country and its image.
If that is the basis of their value system, it easily follows that they add computer generated fireworks to make sure they show up and look they way they want them to. It is in the best interest of the country to use the best Chinese child voice to go with the best Chinese child face. It is in their best interest to make passports to verify the age of their young gymnastic girls, so that they can compete whether those ages are accurate or not.
It is sad to me that they don't believe that they have the ability to present a great culture and a great people without being deceptive. I think it is an insult to their people. And it only brings more distrust from the rest of the world when we see the China pattern.
