Monday, April 20, 2009

opening ceremony

The DRC is now officially starting - with an elaborate performance by dancers in "traditional" costumes who are apparently supposed to represent "Africa" and "India"/"the subcontinent" (perhaps a South African troupe?). The inclusion of such a number reminds me of the traditions of Soviet "friendship between peoples": let's celebrate diversity by stressing "traditional cultures." An approach that of course comes natural to a supra-state body such as the UN. What this has to do with combating racism is less clear. The message seems to be: let's show the world that people of different color can live together in harmony and do beautiful things?

(I was right: troupe from University of KwaZulu-Natal. ""Courtesy of the South African government." "Specializes in intercultural dance fusion.")

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