Class Discussion Questions

Talking Points

- Goal: To understand how China is using the Olympics game to educate its citizens and the world about culture.

- Initial Background - Constructed by media, communist history

- Olympism: "Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles."
(Olympic Charter, Fundamental Principles, paragraph 1)

- China is Moving in the Right Direction - despite Media criticism (opening ceremony), China is improving.


1) How has the Olympics reshaped your view of China? Has your view of China changed since the games began?

2) How does the political regime in which you live affect your cultural identity? (Democracy, Socialism, Communism)

3) Can you truly understand your own culture, if you aren't exposed to other cultures? (Heart-to-Heart Initiative)

4) How can we use the Olympics, and this idea of Olympism, as a tool to instruct about culture in our classrooms?