Two Views of the Olympics: Pictures Say More than Words
If you want to understand the difference between how Chinese and Western observers see the push toward the Beijing Games, all you need to see are these two political cartoons:
From China Daily:
Note the peace doves at the top left. The insect’s arms say “obstruct” and “destroy.”
And here is one from the Denver Post:
It seems like views differ on the meaning of the Games being in Beijing.
Jeremy responds:
Posted: April 17th, 2008 at 8:26 am →
Josh – that is a truly outstanding comparison, nice job. Of course, there is much truth to both pictures (except for the completely clean air in the first)
Xi responds:
Posted: April 17th, 2008 at 1:55 pm →
As a Chinese, I have to say I believe in the first one.
Xi responds:
Posted: April 17th, 2008 at 2:11 pm →
By the way, the first picture is from a Chinese idiom, 螳臂挡车, or “obstruct vehicle by arms of devil horse”
Chris Devonshire-Ellis responds:
Posted: April 18th, 2008 at 4:31 pm →
That’s definately a Western insect, and it looks like a Praying Mantis. That’s interesting, because it also happens to be the official state insect of Connecticut.
Bobby responds:
Posted: April 18th, 2008 at 5:02 pm →
Why is it interesting that the praying mantis is the official state insect of Connecticut. Do Chinese people hate WASPY suburbs?
Peter responds:
Posted: April 19th, 2008 at 1:37 pm →
They aren’t different at all, that is the thing. The Denver Post cartoon is accusing China of crushing Tibetan dissent, the Xinhua one is saying “Get in the way of our Olympics and we will crush you”. The only difference is the artist’s attitude.
nanheyangrouchuan responds:
Posted: April 21st, 2008 at 11:36 pm →
@ Bobby
Actually, Chinese LOVE WASPy suburbs and move into big pastel boxes to show their wealth and power to other Chinese (despite the fact that everyone else in the area also has a big pastel box).
And swarms of insects can bring trains to a halt.