Inclusive or Insensitive? The Cultural Blind Spot of the Olympic Games Ceremony

The Olympic Games ceremony in France, intended to be a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, instead ignited widespread controversy and highlighted a lack of cultural intelligence. A tableau perceived as a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” alienated a substantial portion of the global audience, overshadowing the event’s intended message of unity and diversity.

Broadcasted live worldwide, the depiction provoked strong reactions, particularly among the 2.3+ billion Christians who felt hurt and perceived the scene as a mockery of “The Last Supper.” The portrayal of religious figures, especially Jesus Christ, was seen as disrespectful, revealing a significant lack of cultural sensitivity.

The Role of the Olympics: Balancing Local Tradition and Global Sensitivity

The Olympics serves as a global event celebrating both the athletic prowess of competitors and the cultural heritage of the host nation. Each host country has the unique opportunity to present its traditions and values to an international audience. However, this platform also comes with the responsibility to respect and acknowledge the diverse cultural and religious sensibilities of the global audience.

The Ceremony’s Cultural Missteps

The ceremony included scenes featuring drag queens, a transgender model, a naked singer painted in blue depicted as the Greek god Dionysus, and other elements that offended various religious groups, particularly Christians. This insensitivity highlighted several broader issues:

1. The failure to recognize that this ceremony was not just for a French audience but for a international one. The right to mock religions may be tolerated in France, but it does not resonate on an global platform.
2. The failure to understand the deep interconnection between religion and culture. In many cultures, religion is intrinsic to identity, and mocking religious symbols is profoundly disrespectful. Even within France, both Christians and non-Christians found the scene disrespectful.
3. The failure to demonstrate cultural intelligence to the largest religious group in the world, representing over 29% of the global population that follows a form of Christianity.

Photo: EpicTimes

Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director, defended the freedom of creation in France, stating that his intention was not to offend. However, this self-centered perspective overlooked the international audience.

The Vatican condemned the sequence and stated that “in a prestigious event where the whole world comes together around common values, there should not be allusions ridiculing the religious convictions of many people”, adding “the freedom of expression, which is clearly not called into question here, is limited by respect for others”.

The Catholic Church in France deplored the “derision and mockery of Christianity,” while Egypt’s Al-Azhar, a highest seat of Sunni Muslim learning, also condemned the “insulting scenes” of Jesus Christ, calling them “offensive” and “reckless.”

Photo: Olympics

Nurturing Diversity: Practical Steps for Global Inclusivity

So, what could have been done differently? The organisers would have gained in:

1. Creating a diverse planning team where members from various cultural backgrounds actively provide a range of cultural perspectives and insights in an open communication environment, allowing all team members to share their ideas and concerns without hesitation;
2. Conducting Extensive Research to understand the cultures represented by the athletes and the international audience. Consult with cultural ambassadors, cultural experts and representatives from different countries to gain insights into cultural nuances and prioritise cultural accuracy and sensitivity.
3. Establishing Clear Guidelines for the use of cultural symbols, attire, and performances. Communicate these guidelines effectively to all stakeholders to prevent misunderstandings and missteps. Avoid cultural appropriation by ensuring all cultural elements are used respectfully and with permission.

The Olympic Games ceremony in France serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cultural intelligence in global events. Nobody is immune at making unintentional cultural mistakes but with some cultural intelligence in place, the risk can be minimised. It is not just about avoiding controversy but about genuinely understanding and respecting the cultures of a global audience at a global event.