A slightly irreverent take on Mao’s looming figure during the Games:
“‘One can imagine Chiang Kaishek’s ghost wandering around China today nodding in approval, while Mao’s ghost follows behind him, moaning at the destruction of his vision.’
If the Olympics mark a turning point in the history of the PRC, isn’t it time to play this game with the games? What would Chairman Mao and Generalissimo Chiang make of the Beijing that has played host to athletes, journalists, fans and political leaders? How would the opening ceremonies have struck them? What about the media coverage and sporting events that followed?”
“As someone famed for his swims in the Yangzi River, Mao might have been delighted by the aquatic stadium and swimming and diving events… And so, Mao’s ghost would have understood why the exploits of domestic athletes got more attention than did those of Michael Phelps on Chinese television.” [Read]
