02.13.08
Spielberg Out; Olympics in Jeopardy
AP reports that Steven Spielberg has quit his role as “artistic adviser” for the Beijing Olympics, citing China’s continued relationship (trade, arms and otherwise) with the regime in Sudan.
Leaving aside for the moment the upsetting disaster that is Darfur and the shady activities of the Sudanese government, what in the heck was Spielberg’s exact role? Nothing I’ve read went into any details other than a flowery adviser title and his association with the organizing committee. I liken his involvement to the foreigners brought in to stand on the stage at various Olympic countdown events (Nator: anything to add here?). No matter who is involved, the opening and closing ceremonies will be an awful cheese-fest. I appreciate Spielberg’s gesture, though I can’t say that the political situation has changed much since he accepted the “position” as famous-artistic-foreigner-who-will-be associated-with-dancing-and-singing-at-the-Olympics.
Will the opening and closing ceremonies suck now? Sorry Spielberg - as long as the Fuwa (Friendlies) are involved, I’d say it’s only a question of how awesome the performances will be.
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