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Time:   17:15:59 CET   08:15:59 PST   11:15:59 EST   01:15:59 Seoul   00:15:59 Beijing

NEWS
One world one dream

By Richard '_evan' Armstrong
Aug 8, 2008 19:54


ImageAccording to a leading figure within the International Olympic committee (IOC) the international torch relay was a “disaster”. A 72-year-old Olympic tradition picked up by a fascist regime to promote big blond boys in tight fitting shorts will come to an end, ironically enough in China, at the opposite end of the political spectrum with the ole commie reds.



Yes, indeed, while the IOC may have had the sense not to mention the Nazi's and Communists and I did just take the liberty of giving you a somewhat skewed history lesson, the Olympics officially start today and I'm genially enthusiastic.

I'm lead to believe that the number eight is a very lucky number for the Chinese, so 080808 as it's known, must be the luckiest date of all and unsurprisingly a good day to host the “games designed to restore China's pride and showcase its achievements.”

While I'm utterly impressed by the opening ceremony, it was deliciously sensuous and extremely tasteful, I can't help but feel a little sorry for what the games will ultimately stand to represent and thus why comparisons to Berlin '36 were already being made before the event had even started.
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It seems to me that the Chinese are so preoccupied with Western opinion that they can't help but reiterate the prejudices by over moderating and challenging any and all criticism, while they should just be enjoying themselves. While the Olympics are in a completely different league to the average gaming event, the way the Chinese approach both is very similar.

Anyone who has visited our Warcraft III forums will already know about the difficulties of dealing with Chinese users, the nauseating nationalistic pride and unyielding seriousness, not to mention how trigger happy they're with the thumb system!

The likes of Manuel 'Grubby' Schenkhuizen and Yoan 'ToD' Merlo are on the receiving end, almost daily in Grubby's case, of some of the most embarrassingly ironic criticism you can imagine. “We all know that grubby always show his bad manner and he always thinks him as the best player in the world, though he never reach the level.”

While the Chinese moan about being stereotyped or misunderstood they quickly tar Europeans with the same brush. Europeans, especially ToD, have the self confidence to openly criticise about conditions and put their own careers on the line to improve eSports. Anyone who watched Marcus 'Wind' Ho's video interview with Dennis 'HasuObs' Schneider and ToD two weeks ago can attest to that - "I think staff from your site should stop posting bullshit..."

The Chinese have to understand that if gaming events (especially those with international communities), like the Olympics, are to be held in China then they've to appreciate European honesty, cynicism and opportunism which comes hand in hand with European players and fans. What's bad mannered to you is everyday, run of the mill, cliché to us Europeans, and just because you spend a lot of effort and money hosting events doesn't make you immune to criticism.
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While we may share one world we most certainly don't share the same standards, problems and dreams. Premier Wen once said “any small problem multiplied by 1.3 billion will end up being a very big problem”, if China can learn to yield even just a little, they will learn a lot.


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