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To have allowed my dc watch the Olympic opening ceremony?

486 replies

Creepingivy · 27/07/2024 03:10

I was shocked at the library scene leading to a threesome.

The mocking of Christians in the last supper scene.

The feminization of males & the sheer number of transvestites on parade. And a child thrown in the midst of them.

This is a sporting event, why the need to have it so highly sexulaised? My dc were thankfully howling with laughter at parts "the smurf man" singing (complete with his painted bulge) had us all in stitches.

I feel there was a social conditioning agenda to the opening ceremony & it was completely inappropriate given that it is for family viewing. Sexulaised behaviour should not be displayed to children.

OP posts:
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Twistybranch · 27/07/2024 09:35

Many people in the queer community use the label transvestite- because they are men who enjoy wearing women’s clothing. Their sex and gender aren’t in question.

Thats different from those who are Transgender, who identify with a gender that is different from their biological sex.

Meggie2008 · 27/07/2024 09:33

I mean some of it was a bit random (probably would have got more of it if I knew anything about french history) but it was hardly scandalous. I think it's biggest issue was that it dragged out sooooo long.
The assassin's creed looking guy going about the roofs was cool, the Marie Antoinette bit at the old prison was brilliant, the bit where all the statues rose up with prominent French female figures was beautiful, the horse on the river looked amazing, but dragged on too long. I'm sure they explained on the telly that the library bit was based on 50s films?
Didn't really think too much in to the catwalk drag queens, I just took it as a filler piece whilst they were getting people off the boats, didn't pick up on the supposed Last Supper reference, and thought the blue man was a bit bizarre but also can't say that I looked at his crotch either 🤷‍♀️

Ginmonkeyagain · 27/07/2024 09:32

@StepAwayFromGoogling Menage a trois mean anything to you? It is a common trope in French culture, particularly art house films of the fifties and sixties.

As for transvestism/men in heels, wigs and make up I give you Louis XIV of France

To have allowed my dc watch the Olympic opening ceremony?
Creepingivy · 27/07/2024 09:31

Malahide · 27/07/2024 04:48

Transvestites? You really think that is acceptable language?

Homophobia isn’t a good look OP.

@Malahide straight from the Oxford dictionary. Not homophobia. Transvestites have been in our society for decades & is a common name for men dressed in women's clothes. Drag queen is also a word commonly used.
What would you prefer them to be called?

To have allowed my dc watch the Olympic opening ceremony?
OP posts:
zaxxon · 27/07/2024 09:30

Lol if only it had been presented by Antoine du Caunes! He was brilliant. Although I did appreciate the dry humour of Andrew and Hazel.

It wasn't at all inappropriate IMO. I would have liked to see more of the fashion show. That ballet dancer on pointe was terrific, so beautiful.

TizerorFizz · 27/07/2024 09:28

It was unnecessary though at an event to launch a global sporting event. Ditto our NHS rubbish.

Happyhoppy15 · 27/07/2024 09:27

Flowers4me · 27/07/2024 09:23

No, they've grown up now LOL. It was a daft example to use (because I found it hilarious) but you know, for some parents there were elements in the show that they didn't find appropriate and that's fine for them to feel that way. They know their children best.

Fair enough. They would hate to go trick or treating round here then 🤣🤣🤣 lots of fake blood and headless kids.

the amount of outrage on this post at people kissing and dressing up is hilarious. Perhaps to worry about things that really can affect your children’s safety and well-being

Happyhoppy15 · 27/07/2024 09:26

UpTheMagicFarawayTree · 27/07/2024 09:24

It wasn't exactly a threesome though was it, seems like quite a big exaggeration of what I saw anyway.

Totally agree

UpTheMagicFarawayTree · 27/07/2024 09:24

StepAwayFromGoogling · 27/07/2024 09:20

Is French history and culture overrun with threesomes and transvestites?!

It wasn't exactly a threesome though was it, seems like quite a big exaggeration of what I saw anyway.

Miyagi99 · 27/07/2024 09:24

Malahide · 27/07/2024 04:48

Transvestites? You really think that is acceptable language?

Homophobia isn’t a good look OP.

I’m assuming you mean OP should have said drag as that was probably more fitting but I don’t think there is anything homophobic in saying transvestite (when that is actually what you’re describing, not true in this case I don’t think) as most transvestites are straight.

Flowers4me · 27/07/2024 09:23

Happyhoppy15 · 27/07/2024 09:15

Fake blood 😂😂😂 do your children not dress up for Halloween?

No, they've grown up now LOL. It was a daft example to use (because I found it hilarious) but you know, for some parents there were elements in the show that they didn't find appropriate and that's fine for them to feel that way. They know their children best.

alittleprivacy · 27/07/2024 09:23

MessinaBloom · 27/07/2024 07:57

With the level of outrage here, perhaps it should be aimed at toddler-level comprehension. The Wiggles, perhaps?

You're the one who accused other people of being homophobic while being truly disgustingly homophobic yourself. So you really don't get to mock anyone's intelligence level as yours was the most ridiculous comment on the thread!

UpTheMagicFarawayTree · 27/07/2024 09:22

Flowers4me · 27/07/2024 09:17

Yeah, I get the horrible history vibe but in the end of the day, its up to parents to decide what is suitable for their kids. Some kids might be fine with it, others may not be.

That's interesting, I must say I'm surprised, I can't imagine it would bother most children. I used it as a bit of a history lesson for dd and she was fine with it, but everyone's different.

StepAwayFromGoogling · 27/07/2024 09:20

vivainsomnia · 27/07/2024 09:09

This thread reflects the issue with it. They don't have the extended understanding of French history and culture that was required to appreciate what the show was intending to depict. When you don't understand it, it certainly makes no sense and comes across as a deliberate intent to be flippant.

That's typical France though! Holding on to it's history and culture and not caring one bit what others think. Learn about our amazing history or get lost!

Is French history and culture overrun with threesomes and transvestites?!

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 27/07/2024 09:20

Scarletrunner · 27/07/2024 04:34

Thankfully I didn’t watch it. Am surprised the French chose to be so ‘woke’.

The French (similar to the Brits, in many ways) are ruled by a political elite which is much more "woke" than the average French person.

Immigration isn't the only thing driving so many people to vote for the far right.

TizerorFizz · 27/07/2024 09:19

The opening ceremonies have recently been about showcasing the host country. Athletes just parade. Usually it’s via drilled dancers (China) or showcasing comedy and bizarrely the NHS, us!

The ceremony last night showcased France but tried to mix history (revolution) and show how modern France evolved as a Republic via arts and invention. I certainly applaud the idea but it was let down by certain elements being very unclear. The timeline was hugely disjointed and clear references would have made it easier to follow. Lady Gaga was referencing Zizi Jeanmaire. Who knew? They had no idea who Zizi was on the radio. Not only did she influence YSL she’s also referenced in “Where do you go to, my lovely” song.

OolongTeaDrinker · 27/07/2024 09:18

Malahide · 27/07/2024 04:48

Transvestites? You really think that is acceptable language?

Homophobia isn’t a good look OP.

Homophobia???

What has transvestitism got to do with sexuality? I guess you are one of those 'tranwomen are women, no debate' type of people. But if you don't know what the word homophobia means, perhaps best not to use it or you will end up looking ignorant as you have here..

Willmafrockfit · 27/07/2024 09:17

2sisters · 27/07/2024 09:09

No it started at 6.30

but that particular library scene,

i would say it was nothing! its french, what do you expect

Flowers4me · 27/07/2024 09:17

UpTheMagicFarawayTree · 27/07/2024 09:14

The headless woman was done in a lighter way than horrible histories, perfectly fine for children.

Yeah, I get the horrible history vibe but in the end of the day, its up to parents to decide what is suitable for their kids. Some kids might be fine with it, others may not be.

Ginmonkeyagain · 27/07/2024 09:16

As for concerns about blue naked man - have you beem to a French beach recently? Guaranteed there will be a few older gentlemen of Rubenesque proportions wearing their mandatory tiny swim shorts.

WimbyAce · 27/07/2024 09:16

If you haven't watched it I would advise just watching the end as that was the best bit. The rest was a bit of a mess, I can't imagine kids would sit through it all.

UpTheMagicFarawayTree · 27/07/2024 09:15

PerkyMintDeer · 27/07/2024 09:11

I’d watch it on your own first as you know your kids and what you are usually ok exposing them too.

I personally wouldn’t be ok with them watching it. Lots of parents today wouldn’t care though.

May I ask what specifically you were unhappy with? I'm pretty protective of dd and found nothing in it to worry me, so I'm interested in understanding your view.

Happyhoppy15 · 27/07/2024 09:15

Flowers4me · 27/07/2024 09:08

Probably best to scan it yourself first; there are some elements you may not want them to see (eg headless women and fake blood and a blue Smurf Man with bulgy bits).

Fake blood 😂😂😂 do your children not dress up for Halloween?

UpTheMagicFarawayTree · 27/07/2024 09:14

Flowers4me · 27/07/2024 09:08

Probably best to scan it yourself first; there are some elements you may not want them to see (eg headless women and fake blood and a blue Smurf Man with bulgy bits).

The headless woman was done in a lighter way than horrible histories, perfectly fine for children.

Happyhoppy15 · 27/07/2024 09:13

PerkyMintDeer · 27/07/2024 09:11

I’d watch it on your own first as you know your kids and what you are usually ok exposing them too.

I personally wouldn’t be ok with them watching it. Lots of parents today wouldn’t care though.

I care a lot about what my 8 year old is exposed to. The French opening event of the olympics was just a bit of fun and she enjoyed it. No shocks no horror. But then I’m not raising her to be a sheltered kid that isn’t open to people being different.
I am far more concerned about the exposure she has to horrific lawless behaviour which is on bbc breakfast each morning!