Olympics 2024 opening drag ceremony: Was it offensive?

Mark (No)

The recent opening performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics in “drag” shouldn't have been controversial; it was a nod to Greek Mythology, which is appropriate, seeing as the Olympics originated in ancient Greece. Dionysus was known as the God of Wine, making the setting not a mockery of Da Vinci's “The Last Supper” but a rendering of Dutch painting of the Grecian gods. While symbolism and a clear agenda were at the core of the performance, it was intended to speak out against violence and 'celebrate community tolerance.' The performance even possessed an educational flare for those who had no idea who Dionysus was.  

The performance organizers used the Olympics' massive platform to openly advocate for love and tolerance. The Olympics in and of itself is a celebration of different cultures coming together to achieve a shared goal. The performance was intended to celebrate diversity. For anyone who actually saw the opening, it was clear there was no malice or blasphemy behind it. In fact, the message behind it was rather humane. 

It's important to remember that French culture is highly supportive of and prioritizes the fine arts. Artists are paid to practice their art, especially in a country like France; the performance was an expression of such highly valued French art. As a result of the misdirected backlash toward the opening, the producers have been steadfast in their apologies. They’ve done a wonderful job explaining that their intent was not to agitate but to entertain and inspire. It appears that the real “drag” is those dragging down the show with their dismissiveness of cultures and ideals they don’t understand. 

Luis (Yes)

While the inauguration ceremony of the Olympics was one of the most memorable ever, there’s no doubt it was needlessly offensive in many ways. After all, it disrespected Christianity by mocking Jesus Christ’s last supper, as depicted in Leonardo Da Vinci's iconic painting. Replacing the members of Jesus's disciples in the 'Last Supper”—which is seen by many adherents of the Christian faith as an incredibly sacred and symbolic scene—with drag queen artists was a way to parody Christians for political purposes by making it LGBTQ-friendly. Even the central performer referred to it as “the new gay testament” online. Celebrities and Muslim leaders worldwide rightfully criticized the show because of it. France's bishops called the ceremony a “mockery of Christianity, which we very deeply deplore.' This resulted in the organizers apologizing for the offense after such backlash.

Additionally, the event was deeply sexualized, even when it was meant to be watched and enjoyed by minors and people of different cultures who were no doubt offended by the vulgarity being celebrated on their screens. The performance could have yet failed to embody and honor the sporting essence of the Olympics. While past inauguration events tend to showcase cultural aspects of the country that hosts the event, they usually center around sports’ transcendence and the importance of the Olympic Games—not the importance of unbridled sexuality and nudity.

Finally, the ceremony’s timing wasn’t appropriate, considering the current political climate. A massive organization like the Olympics has to bring people and countries together, not disunify them, due to a global display of sexual perversion packaged as 'art.' The Olympic’s opening ceremony could have been unforgettable—even great. But now it’s widely being boycotted—a proof in itself to its offensiveness.