Carrying a torch for propaganda
Here’s something I didn’t know:
The idea of carrying a lit torch from the Temple of Hera in Greece was invented by Hitler.
Indeed, the 1936 Berlin Olympics sounded like a lot of fun:
Although the bid was won before the Nazi Party gained power in Germany, some leaders in the government saw the Olympics as an opportunity to promote their Nazi ideology. Hitler was convinced by Joseph Goebbels to allow the games to take place in Germany. Preparation for the games started in the early 1930s. Hitler used the Olympics as a tool for propaganda.
The Olympics? Used as a tool for propaganda? Shocking. We should be only too glad that no other regime has followed such a disgusting precedent.
Meanwhile: Run, Konnie, Run!
You have to admit, it’s been a very dignified spectacle. A propaganda coup, no doubt.
Posted on April 6th, 2008 at 11:54am under Bread and circuses, Culture, media and sport, Human rights
| Related posts... • It’ll end in Blears • Making it look easy • Andrew Rawnsley: The ruinously expensive folly of this mad five-ring circus |
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• 10 Comments |
Hah! Dignified indeed.
I take issue with Gordon Brown’s suggestion that because the Dalai Lama has stated he isn’t for a boycott, there should be no boycott – it is painfully obvious that Gordon will only do what is asked when what is asked is to do nothing.
Jherad’s last blog post..As the Dalai Lama wills it?
[...] host to today as the torch is paraded around London. Imagine my complete lack of surprise when I discovered this morning that the torch relay has its origins at the 1936 Olympics in order to glorify the [...]
Sponsor of 1936 Olympics: Coke
Sponsor of latest global torch relay: Coke
/just sayiing
Tim Ireland’s last blog post..This is Spinal Stats
What’s the difference between Coke and a Tibetan dissident?
You can’t beat a Coke.
LOL
Tim Ireland’s last blog post..This is Spinal Stats
A protective ring of 10 Chinese flame attendants and fluorescent-jacketed police officers surrounded the torchbearers at all times, with additional uniformed officers joining at potential flashpoints along the route.
Police decided the torch should travel along Fleet Street to St Paul’s Cathedral by bus, rather than held by a runner, after it was surrounded by a large group of protesters.
And we are ready and able for terror attacks?
[...] Ha, I didn’t realise until I’d read Justin’s post that ‘The idea of carrying a lit torch from the Temple of Hera in Greece was [...]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsi5J6rDdg8
I meant to say in the above post :
British Airtime of The World’s Least Favourite Relay.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsi5J6rDdg8
I always thought that the Olympic ceremony had something in common with the Nuremberg rally.