Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony Sparks Both Praise and Controversy
Artistic Director Defends Vision of Inclusion Amid Criticism
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기사입력 : 2024.07.28 21:33
The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, orchestrated by artistic director Tomas Jolie, has drawn both enthusiastic reviews and sharp criticism. Jolie's innovative approach, featuring the spectacle on water instead of the traditional arena setting, showcased a vision of inclusivity and diversity. However, a segment re-enacting Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper with drag queens and members of Drag Rag France has sparked backlash from the French Catholic Church, who felt it mocked Christianity.
A Groundbreaking Opening
The ceremony, praised for its finale and overall presentation, was historic in its execution outside an arena, a first for the Olympics. Jolie, a French actor and director, emphasized that his intention was not to offend but to project democratic ideals and celebrate France's diversity.
Jolie stated at a press conference:"I wanted to send a message of love, of inclusion, not at all to divide. My will is to say that we are one giant 'we'. In France we have the right to love each other as we wish, to make love to whomever we want, in France we have the right to believe and not to believe."
Catholic Church's Reaction
The French Catholic Church expressed deep sadness over what they viewed as a mockery of Christianity in the ceremony. They issued a statement that highlighted their disappointment and solidarity with Christians worldwide who were hurt by the scenes. Despite appreciating other aspects of the ceremony, the Church emphasized the need for unity and respect for all beliefs.
Full statement from the French Catholic Church:
"Ahead of the Paris Games, the Sacred Games project has mobilized for almost three years many Catholics who have gathered to share the sporting excitement around the Paris Games, a wonderful event organized by our country. Last week, we were also pleased to host the inaugural service of the Olympic Truce in the presence of many religious, political, and sporting personalities.
We believe that the values and principles expressed and spread by sport and the Olympic Games contribute to this need for unity and brotherhood that our world so much needs, respecting the beliefs of all, around the sport that unites us and produces peace in nations and their hearts.
The opening ceremony offered yesterday the whole world wonderful moments of beauty, joy, rich in emotions worldwide. But, unfortunately, the same ceremony also included scenes of mockery of Christianity for which we deeply regret.
We thank the members of other religions who expressed their solidarity. Today, we think of all Christians on all continents of the world who were affected by these scenes. They must understand that the Olympic celebration extends beyond the ideological prejudices of a few artists.
Sport is a wonderful human activity that deeply rejoices the hearts of athletes and spectators alike. Olympism is a movement that serves the reality of unity and brotherhood. “Let truth, comfort, and joy bring truth, comfort, and joy to all.”
Balancing Art and Sensitivity
While the opening ceremony aimed to depict Paris as a place of tolerance and subversion, it highlighted the delicate balance artists must maintain in respecting diverse perspectives while pushing creative boundaries. Jolie's vision is rooted in her experiences and commitment to combating discrimination, underscores the complexities of inclusive artistic __EXPRESSION__ on a global stage.
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