Is "tradition" dead?

[AshleyLauren]

I watched the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics last night with my 6 and 13 year old cousins which turned out to be quite the task.

As I watched the Ceremony, I must admit certain parts were a little odd or cheesy; however, I felt the program fit the English persona perfectly. The Brits are inevitably odd, slightly dark, eccentric, they have a wicked sense of humor, and not quick to show emotion.

As I watched the wall on my facebook page began to be peppered with thoughts about the ceremony. Many of these reverencing the idea the Brits were attempting to convey but wondering why it took them so long to do it. Some complained it was cheesy all the way around, wondering what Lord Voldemort, JK Rowling, and Mary Poppins had to do with the Olympics. Or comments that their children lasted less than an hour and showed no interest in their parents attempt at explaining why the Olympics is an amazing thing.

So, my question has tradition finally died? Many may say tradition is adapting as the world changes. The nuclear family no longer exists, church weddings are few, dating/courting is nearly extinct...and now the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics is considered dull or interesting but too long for me to maintain interest.

Every four years in the Summer one country welcomes the entire world, 200+ countries, into their city and unite the world as one in the name of true competition. It is the one time you know the entire world is watching the same thing as you, many will stay up all hours of the night to watch the coverage, tears are shed, pride is essential, and conversation about the events are endless. So, why would we not consider the opening ceremony the MOST ESSENTIAL PART of this entire event. Are we that far gone in our need for immediate gratification we cannot take four hours to watch what might be the only traditional event the entire world takes part in whether we fully understand that particular countries culture or not. 

[carpnter]

Did those posting on Facebook recall the Atlanta Olympic opening ceremonies and the use of the Chevrolet Trucks?  The Brits certainly don't have a monopoly on cheese.

[fsquid]

I wanted to watch it, but Costas and Lauer were determinded to talk through the whole thing. 

[Adam W]

I don't know about tradition or whatever. But I thought the opening ceremony was muddled and unfocused and needed an editor. It was typically Danny Boyle - all style and very little substance. Lots of flashy activity synced up to his CD collection (which apparently has changed little since Trainspotting).

[AshleyLauren]

I don't know about tradition or whatever. But I thought the opening ceremony was muddled and unfocused and needed an editor. It was typically Danny Boyle - all style and very little substance. Lots of flashy activity synced up to his CD collection (which apparently has changed little since Trainspotting).

That is my point. Not liking it is fine. Earnestly judging it for what it is is one thing. It was just odd to me that so many people seemed uninterested or did not understand the opening ceremony is also used to honor the host countries history. It def needed an editor and in my opinion did not meet Beijing at all but blatantly disregard the tradition of the only unified effort in the world I think reflects on our culture.

Costas and Lauer did talk the entire time, and at one point sang. But some of the info was helpful because I didn't get the symbolism until they explained it.

Either way, just thoughts :-)