The beginning ceremony of the Olympic Games, held in Paris, sparked a heated debate among French elites and public opinion. Guy Drut, a erstwhile Olympic gold medalist in runs by hurdles and current associate of the global Olympic Committee (MKOl), commented on it in harsh words. In the program "Bienvenue aux Jeux" he stated, "I didn't like it at all" and suggested that "the first part of the ceremony would be worth forgetting." The wire revealed that “I have many friends who left before the end” and admitted that the performance did not “move it”. His message reflects a deeper discontent that has been felt among many French personalities, including politicians and intellectuals.
Political controversy and criticism on the left and right
The French political and cultural scene spared no criticism of the ceremony. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the far-left organization "Rebellious France", besides expressed his outrage. Mélenchon, although admitting to being a ‘laikard’, found the ceremony to be ‘uncool’ elements that seemed to irritate Christians. His criticism underlines the conflict between secular values and the conventional approach to cultural symbols.
In a akin tone, Alain Finkielkraut, a French philosopher and erstwhile supporter of leftist ideas from the time of May 1968, spoke. Finkielkraut, Zionist and bachelor of the Order of the Legion of Honor and a associate of the French Academy, assessed the ceremony as a “grotesque spectacle”, which “from drag queens... after the beheading of Maria Antonina, exposed all stereotypes”. He described it as “obscene” and “conformist”, comparing it to the Eurovision Festival, which aimed to item its alleged kitsch and deficiency of seriousness.
French media and public opinion
French media besides commented on the ceremony in harsh words. Titles specified as “Kicz” or “Catastrophe” reflect the negative reaction of society to the show. “Le Figaro” wrote that the ceremony “honored everything... but France itself”. specified assessments point to the widespread disillusionment of the event in a country that proudly promoted its culture and past internationally.
President Macron's defense
On the another hand, president Emmanuel Macron stood up for a ceremony that he felt was "the embodiment of Macron's ambition." The Atlantico website argues that the event was a reflection of Macron's vision, including a presentation of "LGBTQ+ community members" and a modern approach to diversity. Macron, in the face of criticism by the left and right, who justice his policies as besides globalistic or besides modern, seeks to keep balance between different social groups.
Reflection on the Future
The debate around the beginning ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris shows not only the diversity of views on culture and politics, but besides the challenges that Macron faces as the leader of a diverse and complex nation of value. It will be interesting to observe how these controversy will affect the continuation of the games and how France will be seen on the global stage.
Conclusion
The beginning ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games has become a catalyst for an intense social and political debate in France. Reactions from outrage to defence show how diverse the views on culture, politics and national identity are. Ultimately, like any major event, this ceremony besides forced society to reflect on its identity and ambition for the future.
Daniel Głogowski
Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.
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A kitsch called the beginning ceremony of the Olympics is criticized by well-known French athletes
