Another message from propaganda-meisters is that Chinese athletes aren't automatons. The Oriental Morning Post, based in Liu's hometown of Shanghai, compared Liu to the not-quite-invincible Greek hero Achilles and counseled Chinese fans to be more tolerant—and mindful that sports stars are human beings, too. Official rhetoric in the wake of Liu's disappointment has dripped with sympathy and compassion. Politburo heavyweight Xi Jinping, heir apparent to President Hu Jintao, was quoted as calling Liu's decision to pull out "understandable" and saying, "We hope that after [Liu] recovers he will continue to train hard and struggle harder for the national glory."
China's media czars have warned domestic editors to steer clear from criticizing Liu or delving into details of his withdrawal from the Games. Internet censors purged some early Web chatter that dubbed Liu a "coward," a "eunuch" and "a big waste of the taxpayers' money." In an apparent riposte to such critics, a commentary on the Web site of the party mouthpiece People's Daily stated, "Perhaps a nation of 1.3 billion should not place the burdens of its aspirations on a boy's shoulders."
At least some Chinese officials agree that glory doesn't depend solely on gold. Shortly before the Games kicked off in Beijing, I sat down for an interview with Chen Gang, the Communist Party secretary of Chaoyang District in Beijing. Chaoyang is home to not only the Bird's Nest and many other Olympic venues but also the prestigious Central Business District. When I asked about his country's coming gold medal count—what some pundits are now dubbing the "Great Haul of China"—Chen's answer was decidedly humble. "China may not win as many golds as expected, because of the psychological pressure [to win]. There's just too much pressure," he said. "Gold medals aren't the most important thing for us in Chaoyang. The most important thing is how much people enjoy the Games—and I mean all people, including our many foreign visitors." Chen's first prediction might have been off; China will likely exceed its expectations for a golden haul. But his last comment struck a chord. If China's gauge of success shifts more toward the enjoyment of the people--and away from the diktat of the state—that would be a welcome new gold standard indeed.
© 2008
Loading Menu
Discuss