Vancouver Sun: Dazzling images, with irony to match

[tuvor]

That mesmerizing Olympic opening ceremony last Friday presented to the world the icons that mark British Columbia as a special place.

There was the illuminated spirit bear, evocative of a magical benevolent wilderness presence, important to first nations from the coast to the Interior.

But despite repeated public opinion polls showing citizens want the practice stopped, B.C. continues to slaughter grizzly bears for fun and profit.

An Ipsos Reid poll in 2009 reported 78 per cent of British Columbians oppose the trophy hunting of grizzlies. Bear biologists denounce it because B.C.'s grizzly population is listed as being "of special concern." First nations chiefs from Haida Gwaii to the Great Bear Rainforest of the mid-coast object to the trophy hunt as sacrilegious.

...

http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Dazzling+images+with+irony+match/2569702/story.html

[catbyte]

1. It figures.

I didn't watch the opening ceremonies because I suspected they'd try to co-opt all sorts of First Nation imagery and turn it into a dazzling spectacle, and I was right. That's one of my pet peeves--pretend to honor a culture you really have contempt and disregard for. It irks me no end the way they showcased bears and orcas, yet are doing less than nothing to protect them, in fact, actively allowing the slaughter of bears. Bastards. Hypocrites. Although, I guess you really couldn't have a large group of beautifully-choreographed children going around clubbing baby seals...

Harruummph :grr:

Diane

Anishnabe in MI

[tuvor]

2. It's not as though there was no First Nations involvement in the ceremonies.

If those involved felt their culture was being subject to contempt and disregard by anyone, they haven't said anything that I've heard over the past few years of preparation.

Not to suggest all First Nations people must be similarly agreeable, of course.

[catbyte]

3. Read your history

about how the Canadian government has treated First Nations peoples. It's even more shameful than the U.S. government. Of course First Nations peoples were involved in the ceremony--they're a lot more interesting and exotic than having a bunch of hosers in plaid flap hats and snow pants coming out holding big cans of Molsons! ;-)

Sometimes you have to take your respect where you can get it...

Diane

Anishnabe in MI

[tuvor]

4. I don't think we're on the same wavelength.

I'm just pointing out that not all First Nations folks feel as you do that their image was co-opted for the opening ceremonies. Nothing more, nothing less. :)

BTW, I'm from BC, so I have some idea about their terrible treatment.

[catbyte]

5. I give up :-)

I'm feeling really ill today with some wicked virus that we in our office has dubbed "Ebola Grand Rapids", so I'm not articulating my thoughts very well.

No offense intended and I'm sure the ceremonies were very nice and respectful.

Regards,

Diane

Anishnabe in MI

[tuvor]

13. No offense taken. Get better!

:)

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

6. Umm, didn't the First Nations hunt bear?

Don't they still do so?

[catbyte]

7. Not for fun and profit

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

8. You mean they didn't and don't trade furs?

And other products made by the hunting and processing of animals?

[catbyte]

9. I'm not taking the bait. Sorry.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

10. Looks like you've got some stereotypical, and frankly insulting, misconceptions about First Nations.

You should do something about that.

[catbyte]

11. I am First Nations, Don't assume what you don't know

Diane

Anishnabe in MI



If you don't know what Anishnabe means, Google it.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

12. I'm an astronaut.

I'm deeply in commune with Outer Space.

[malaise]

14. Ouch!

:evilgrin: