The Paris 2024 Olympic opening ceremony has sparked controversy, seemingly reflecting a culture that values expressions which many find offensive. The organizing committee’s choices appear to clash with Christian values, placing provocative art at the forefront.
One of the most controversial elements was a parody of da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” featuring drag queens and a transgender model. This segment drew heavy backlash from Catholic groups, leading to an apology from the organizers. According to a satirical piece by The Spinoff, other elements, such as a metal horse and performers rising from water, were interpreted by some as satanic symbols.
This blasphemy, now rampant, shows how sacred things are often treated as mere tools for so-called freedom of expression. Is this direction taking us down a darker road where unrestricted freedom leads to societal destruction and disharmony?
Thomas Jolly, the artistic director behind the flamboyant opening ceremony, aimed to showcase diversity and unity. However, his vision seems to have crossed boundaries, embracing blasphemous ideas in the name of art. This indicates that our current world, with its unchecked freedom, might be spiraling out of control. People seem unaware of the need for boundaries and respect for sacred values.
Since the end of World War II, we’ve enjoyed roughly 75 years of increased health, wealth, human rights, and quality of life in many parts of the world. However, if this trend of unchecked freedom continues, we might see the negative consequences within the next 125 years.
During the Dark Ages, the absence of human rights meant a lack of consideration for overall quality of life. Are we now risking a regression to times when moral and ethical boundaries were ignored, leading to widespread societal harm?
It seems that humans never learn from their past mistakes.
Authored by Sōia Nafanafata’i
