The Portrait of an "Olympic Host" : A Closer Examination Under the hood of an "Olympic Host" -- Beneath Olympic glitter, a 20th-century mindset

-- Micky's HO: To say that China's mindset remains at 20th century might be an underserving flattering, as a matter of fact, many Chinese, especially those among the ruling party, obstinately dreaming
about reviving the "ancent glory" of the Chinese Empire 2000 years ago, the appearance of those clay solders from the Qin-tomb at the Olympic opening ceremony shall be the true reflaction of China's
mindset in the 21st Century. --

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Security forces at a ceremony outside the National Stadium in Beijing. (Darren Whiteside/Reuters)

LETTER FROM CHINA

Beneath Olympic glitter, a 20th-century mindset

By Howard W. French
Published: July 24, 2008

SHANGHAI: The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing in a few days will turn Shakespeare
on his head. Suddenly from the whole world being a stage, China will own the entire stage - and the
whole world will be its rapt audience.

Such a big moment and grand opportunity is exactly what China has labored toward for so many years:
More than a chance to tweak its "brand," from the inception this occasion has been seen as a chance
to make a gigantic statement to the Chinese people and to the world that says, "Behold, for we have
arrived."