World Expo can't escape the shadow of the Olympics
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The Shanghai World Expo is a major event and achievement for China, yet it has no chance of generating anywhere near the enthusiasm and pride as the Olympic Games, but for what the Expo lacks in patriotic fervor, it offers an opportunity for greater scientific spirit and cross-cultural understanding.
In 1984, pistol shooter Xu Haifeng won China's first Olympic gold medal and stirred deep pride among the Chinese people. The Olympics became a revered platform for the country to attach their patriotism. The Beijing Olympic Games marked an emotional peak after pre-Olympic protests irritated and further united China.
Following in the wake of this, the Expo simply cannot compete directly. Although the media has done an admirable job of promoting it, the Expo has yet to captivate the public.
The World Expo focuses on science and technology. For many Chinese, it seems to be a history of Western technology development—the fancy products and innovative ideas appear to have little to do with China. The event may be in China, but it's not seen as a Chinese event.
I don't doubt the Shanghai World Expo will hit a record-high attendance, but I sense most Chinese are more interested in taking photos outside the pavilions rather than the substance within, which is a wasted opportunity indeed.
Despite the World Expo promoting itself as a large-scale cultural exchange, 60 percent of Chinese have decided to visit the China Pavilion first while visiting the Expo, according to a report.
But it's not too late. I'm still hoping the Chinese people will take advantage of the Expo to broaden their international understanding and intensify scientific curiosity.
(This post was first published in Chinese and translated by Chen Chen.)
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