Olympics: Covering the Cringe-Worthy
I’ve found it interesting some of the stories coming out of Beijing these last few days since the Olympics started. First was the report that some of the fireworks we saw on TV during the Opening Ceremony were fake. Then there was the cringe-worthy story of the sweet little girl who appeared in the ceremony who lip-synched to a Chinese tune sung by a peer with a pretty singing voice but apparently a not-ready-for-primetime face. I’ve also read about the IOC turning its head amid questions about the ages of China’s female gymnasts: are these youngsters really 16?
Though the Olympics are important for the world unity, dramatic back stories of the athletes and tremendous feats of said athletes, I’ve been intrigued by the “fringe” stories that poke holes in some of the euphoria. I am NOT a cynic but at least it’s a sign that journalists covering the Beijing Games are telling many stories, including the unpopular ones.