Zimbabwean journalist Ranga Mberi "OpeningCeremony segment supposedly showing the people who built modern Britain. But I don't see many immigrants. OK Britain, we see you flaunting your history. Where's the bit in which you invade, loot, kill and plunder?"
Thought it was fantastic. Favourite bits were the pre-lapsarian to industrial revolution segment, Rowan Atkinson, Abide with Me and the lighting of the torch. All a bit bonkers and totally British. Arise Sir Danny!
First chance to post on this - was watching the ceremony last night which I enjoyed (a great display/music set) and I had watched over 3 hours of it and got to the point when the youngsters were being given their torches when the screen freezes! WTF! I tried flicking the channel over and back, but the on-screen message states 'no satellite signal is being received'! what a time to drop out you bastard! So I actually missed the lighting of the olympic flame! and by the time I rebooted the sky box, it was all done and dusted and all I caught was macca getting through hey jude! bloody Sky, I swear they done it purpose 'cos I cancelled HD in the week!
S.H.G Danny B a socialist !! really i wouldnt have guessed that (sarky comment). A good show is a good show and some of Fridays needed a huge standing ovation even in my living room which almost happened.
It was about the people and for the people------the yanks would never have shown their dark side would they? and the Chinese wouldnt have had the freedom of expression. I hope it isnt our only highlight in this Olympics, but does it gives us all something to think on rather than the gossip/truth of whats going on at CAFC.
The ceremony was spectacular, imaginative and superbly executed.
But it dwelt largely on us as the hosts, with little to offer of our guests apart from the obligatory athletes' parade. Sadly our influence in global affairs is now greatly diminished so we have turned ourselves into the world's jester, capering and entertaining at the feet of others, drawing on our unmatched history and immense talents to justify our continued presence on the world stage.
I watched at times through tears of shameless pride - what people we truly are, what an amazing heritage. And to see what has been achieved in E15 - 35 years ago I worked in what is now the area of the Velodrome and there are no words to describe the transformation from industrial backwater to global showpiece.
But the show for me was hollow because it cast us as a nation that prefers to look back, and selectively so, rather than to face an uncertain and uncomfortable future. This event is our swansong.
Who knows what the legacy will be. We have given the world so much, but for a small group of islands we have also taken more than our share in the past. We showed the world how to do it but in the process there are chapters in our story that are indelibly stained. Present on stage was a global icon, but Cassius Clay was a slave's name and the racial legacy in the western hemisphere has much for which we must answer.
I wouldn't be any other nationality than British - well, actually, English - and to see our unique city stepping out with such a swagger is awe-inspiring. We should savour every moment we spend in this wonderful spotlight.
The ceremony was spectacular, imaginative and superbly executed.
But it dwelt largely on us as the hosts, Yup, thats the idea of it
world's jester, Eh? So because we show our sense of humour, we are ''the worlds jester'' Who decided on that role, and how much are we paid for it? This is just your strange imaginary concept
capering and entertaining at the feet of others, The feet of others? USA, yes, but hasnt it been thus for a century or more?
drawing on our unmatched history and immense talents to justify our continued presence on the world stage. Its not a justification. We won the Olympics because we had the best bid
But the show for me was hollow because it cast us as a nation that prefers to look back, and selectively so, rather than to face an uncertain and uncomfortable future. This event is our swansong. Another strange, imagined viewpoint. The future was the climax - what more could have been done? How is holding the Olympics a swansong? Will we bid for nothing again? Are we about to die out as a nation? What do you mean?
Who knows what the legacy will be. Fairly clear what a lot of the legacy will be - the details will depend on so many variables, mainly economic, but the change you marvelled at is a pretty clear legacy? Transport, housing, waterway, image, sporting venue improvements. A country clearly united and bouncing with pride - not all of course, but better than the mood of the last years of economic gloom, I would suggest
We have given the world so much, but for a small group of islands we have also taken more than our share in the past. We showed the world how to do it but in the process there are chapters in our story that are indelibly stained. Present on stage was a global icon, but Cassius Clay was a slave's name and the racial legacy in the western hemisphere has much for which we must answer. So apart from importing such an icon, did you want the show to concentrate on slavery?
Zimbabwean journalist Ranga Mberi "OpeningCeremony segment supposedly showing the people who built modern Britain. But I don't see many immigrants. OK Britain, we see you flaunting your history. Where's the bit in which you invade, loot, kill and plunder?"
That's rich, coming from Zimbabwe... Did he not see the mixture of creeds and colours involved? He probably didn't even know what The Windrush was...
The ceremony was spectacular, imaginative and superbly executed.
But it dwelt largely on us as the hosts, Yup, thats the idea of it
world's jester, Eh? So because we show our sense of humour, we are ''the worlds jester'' Who decided on that role, and how much are we paid for it? This is just your strange imaginary concept capering and entertaining at the feet of others, The feet of others? USA, yes, but hasnt it been thus for a century or more?
drawing on our unmatched history and immense talents to justify our continued presence on the world stage. Its not a justification. We won the Olympics because we had the best bid
But the show for me was hollow because it cast us as a nation that prefers to look back, and selectively so, rather than to face an uncertain and uncomfortable future. This event is our swansong. Another strange, imagined viewpoint. The future was the climax - what more could have been done? How is holding the Olympics a swansong? Will we bid for nothing again? Are we about to die out as a nation? What do you mean?
Who knows what the legacy will be. Fairly clear what a lot of the legacy will be - the details will depend on so many variables, mainly economic, but the change you marvelled at is a pretty clear legacy? A country clearly united and bouncing with pride - not all of course, but better than the mood of the last years of economic gloom, I would suggest
We have given the world so much, but for a small group of islands we have also taken more than our share in the past. We showed the world how to do it but in the process there are chapters in our story that are indelibly stained. Present on stage was a global icon, but Cassius Clay was a slave's name and the racial legacy in the western hemisphere has much for which we must answer. So apart from importing such an icon, did you want the show to concentrate on slavery?
That's a fair response. I think glass half full is coming across as a glass half empty today... :-)
Zimbabwean journalist Ranga Mberi "OpeningCeremony segment supposedly showing the people who built modern Britain. But I don't see many immigrants. OK Britain, we see you flaunting your history. Where's the bit in which you invade, loot, kill and plunder?"
That's rich, coming from Zimbabwe... Did he not see the mixture of creeds and colours involved?
I find his view hilarious! I mean, if that was a truly accurate representation of 18th century Britain, then really no ethnic minorities should have been anywhere in sight, certainly not playing cricket and frolicking around a maypole. So we have made sure we have included people from every background and race possible to promote our diverse culture. However, I'm sure if the entire show was white only then we would undoubtedly be told how racist a country we still are. We can't win at times!
Oh ok, so we accept that there has been a significant black population in Britan (since Roman times I believe), but now you are disputing what activities the opening ceremony portrayed them doing. Intermarriage between black and white people was happening during those times also. Perhaps Danny Boyle was portraying black people in mixed marriages 'playing cricket, dancing round a maypole and skipping along the garden path with a parasol', yes?
Not playing cricket, dancing round a maypole and skipping along the garden path with a parasol, no
I think this was an allegorical statement that immigrants from the Carribean instantly tried to integrate into our ideals and society. It was only racism on our part, that made the step difficult, and the presence of the charasmatic Clay/Ali was central to breaking that lie. Powell spouted that blacks were an inferior race, then along came the world's greatest athlete who was brave, witty and had style.
jesus wept im sure he does about this naffed up country at times ! some BBC top know at 10.15 on BBC 2 was asking people why was the ceremony left wing---the panel thought she was a bit daft and ignored the question although asked twice. Its front page when some Tory knob next day states same thing------you knew Danny Boyle would have to show diversity inclusion etc they said this 7 years ago---- so whats the big deal ?
Some of it was corney PC bollox but the show was a huge success--- wont forget the way the Olympic rings were forged brilliant.
Black people built this country !! except it wasnt skin pigment it was the coal dust and grime and shit they had to work in.
I must admit, then, to mixed feelings about the opening ceremony but one thing was for sure. It was brilliantly staged and once again showed that when it comes to great public occasions - be it state affairs such as funerals, or popular celebrations such as the Jubilee - the British truly have few equals.
I felt, however, as the hosts we could have put a bit more emphasis on our guests. Giving a captive global audience an unexpected history lesson, to me at least, was not quite in keeping with our tradition of modesty and self-effacement - the same show but presented during the Jubilee and offered to a worldwide audience invited to join us would have been better.
We know that as a nation we had our turn for a couple of centuries pedalling hard at the front but now we are slowly dropping back into the pelaton. How are we to be remembered - for the astonishing achievements of the Empire and all we have contributed to the world, or for Bean and Bond ? London is not populated exclusively by Dick Van Dyke, bobbies in tall hats, Beefeaters, Chelsea Pensioners or Pearly Kings and Queens - that belongs to Hollywood, not Cricklewood. We may currently have a buffoon as Mayor (or should that be 'mare ?) but I think we do ourselves a disservice at times with our irreverence. Oh dear, I really must be getting old.
The legacy is indeed clear to see - the next generations are eager to take their turn to carry the torch and the baton forward, and the re-generation and investment will be immensely valuable (unless, like the Dome, the benefits are thrown away or neglected). I still think the show found us at times past our best, typified by the performance of Paul McCartney and the appearance of our stone-faced monarch who could not apparently raise any enthusiasm even when Team GB proudly marched by.
Rest assured my glass was not at all half-empty .... it was a great night to call yourself British and (if applicable) a Londoner. The sights of London, and earlier the whole country with the torch relay, have been fabulous. Let's leave it at that.
Comments
"OpeningCeremony segment supposedly showing the people who built modern Britain. But I don't see many immigrants. OK Britain, we see you flaunting your history. Where's the bit in which you invade, loot, kill and plunder?"
I tried flicking the channel over and back, but the on-screen message states 'no satellite signal is being received'! what a time to drop out you bastard!
So I actually missed the lighting of the olympic flame! and by the time I rebooted the sky box, it was all done and dusted and all I caught was macca getting through hey jude! bloody Sky, I swear they done it purpose 'cos I cancelled HD in the week!
Luckily we have Freeview in one of the bedrooms so we all piled in there.
It was about the people and for the people------the yanks would never have shown their dark side would they? and the Chinese wouldnt have had the freedom of expression. I hope it isnt our only highlight in this Olympics, but does it gives us all something to think on rather than the gossip/truth of whats going on at CAFC.
But it dwelt largely on us as the hosts, with little to offer of our guests apart from the obligatory athletes' parade. Sadly our influence in global affairs is now greatly diminished so we have turned ourselves into the world's jester, capering and entertaining at the feet of others, drawing on our unmatched history and immense talents to justify our continued presence on the world stage.
I watched at times through tears of shameless pride - what people we truly are, what an amazing heritage. And to see what has been achieved in E15 - 35 years ago I worked in what is now the area of the Velodrome and there are no words to describe the transformation from industrial backwater to global showpiece.
But the show for me was hollow because it cast us as a nation that prefers to look back, and selectively so, rather than to face an uncertain and uncomfortable future. This event is our swansong.
Who knows what the legacy will be. We have given the world so much, but for a small group of islands we have also taken more than our share in the past. We showed the world how to do it but in the process there are chapters in our story that are indelibly stained. Present on stage was a global icon, but Cassius Clay was a slave's name and the racial legacy in the western hemisphere has much for which we must answer.
I wouldn't be any other nationality than British - well, actually, English - and to see our unique city stepping out with such a swagger is awe-inspiring. We should savour every moment we spend in this wonderful spotlight.
http://www.historytoday.com/james-walvin/black-people-britain-eighteenth-century
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18903391
Intermarriage between black and white people was happening during those times also. Perhaps Danny Boyle was portraying black people in mixed marriages 'playing cricket, dancing round a maypole and skipping along the garden path with a parasol', yes?
Some of it was corney PC bollox but the show was a huge success--- wont forget the way the Olympic rings were forged brilliant.
Black people built this country !! except it wasnt skin pigment it was the coal dust and grime and shit they had to work in.
I must admit, then, to mixed feelings about the opening ceremony but one thing was for sure. It was brilliantly staged and once again showed that when it comes to great public occasions - be it state affairs such as funerals, or popular celebrations such as the Jubilee - the British truly have few equals.
I felt, however, as the hosts we could have put a bit more emphasis on our guests. Giving a captive global audience an unexpected history lesson, to me at least, was not quite in keeping with our tradition of modesty and self-effacement - the same show but presented during the Jubilee and offered to a worldwide audience invited to join us would have been better.
We know that as a nation we had our turn for a couple of centuries pedalling hard at the front but now we are slowly dropping back into the pelaton. How are we to be remembered - for the astonishing achievements of the Empire and all we have contributed to the world, or for Bean and Bond ? London is not populated exclusively by Dick Van Dyke, bobbies in tall hats, Beefeaters, Chelsea Pensioners or Pearly Kings and Queens - that belongs to Hollywood, not Cricklewood. We may currently have a buffoon as Mayor (or should that be 'mare ?) but I think we do ourselves a disservice at times with our irreverence. Oh dear, I really must be getting old.
The legacy is indeed clear to see - the next generations are eager to take their turn to carry the torch and the baton forward, and the re-generation and investment will be immensely valuable (unless, like the Dome, the benefits are thrown away or neglected). I still think the show found us at times past our best, typified by the performance of Paul McCartney and the appearance of our stone-faced monarch who could not apparently raise any enthusiasm even when Team GB proudly marched by.
Rest assured my glass was not at all half-empty .... it was a great night to call yourself British and (if applicable) a Londoner. The sights of London, and earlier the whole country with the torch relay, have been fabulous. Let's leave it at that.