on being hyphenated

[meitachi]

Well, gosh, nothing gives me identity crises like the Olympics.

Inevitable gravitation to wanting China to do well; remember in many ways I am not Chinese (both for better and worse); struggle with gratitude and love for having grown up in the U.S. (but not fully American?), while at the same time being endlessly annoyed at the U.S.-centrism of the NBC broadcasts and the anti-China sentiments of pro-USA fans. Good times.

The one thing I can say with confidence, however, is that dammit, NBC, your coverage fucking sucks. Can you please broadcast something besides swimming and basketball and beach volleyball? What about diving? Badminton? Fencing? Broadcast something beyond the only events America is likely to medal in, goddammit. Even if I wanted the USA to win everything, I STILL CARE ABOUT OTHER SPORTS.

Can't wait for 2014 though: winter Olympics in Russia and World Cup in Brazil? It's like the perfect match-up for the biggest parties ever. OVIE FOR THE TRIPLE GOLD CLUB. ...can't decide who I want to win the World Cup though. Germany? I have two years to decide, unless the world ends this year, in which case - what can you do?

Comments

[acornmama.livejournal.com]

Amen to the coverage on NBC. They need to fix that quick, fast and in a hurry. I was/am really looking forward to the fencing.

[meiface.livejournal.com]

Looks like they're rebroadcasting swimming, gymnastics, and diving tonight so I'll get to see some of what I want to, except being NBC they will inevitably chop up the events so there's no logical flow. Ugh.

[darkunicorna.livejournal.com]

Yesterday I stared at NBC's schedule for ages, and it said they were showing rowing at 2:30 so I turn the TV on and it's volleyball instead? WHY WOULD YOU LIE TO ME NBC WEBSITE WHY

apparently during the opening ceremony they cut a performance out (http://deadspin.com/5929778/heres-the-opening-ceremony-tribute-to-terrorism-victims-nbc-doesnt-want-you-to-see"), too!

Anyway, I'm pretty conflicted about who to support, too... So I just support USA, China, and Canada all at the same time.

[meiface.livejournal.com]

I cannot make head or tails of NBC's "official" schedule coverage. Most of the time it lies. I was on my TV and it even said it was showing gymnastics but actually showing rowing, and another channel was listed as showing boxing or something but was showing archery. /confused

Yeah, I heard about cutting that part of the ceremony and it just makes me shake my head with disbelief. It's one of the things (among others) that is making me annoyed with the US coverage/US-centrism in Americ'as presentation of the Olympics, which should be an international celebration of international athletes. Friendly competition, dudes, and good sportsmanship and excitement and passion and hard work - don't try to make this a jingoistic "us vs. them" type of thing. Ugh.

[darkunicorna.livejournal.com]

agreed...

[anoncents.livejournal.com]

Everything you said, everything about being Chinese and American. If I have to, I just pick between Canada, the US, and China because I don't know too much about any other countries. I'm mostly in it for the people competing their hearts out, regardless of national identity. And I cannot wait for the Winter Olympics! Winter>Summer imo though Summer is great too. :)

[meiface.livejournal.com]

I was talking to some Chinese-American friends and we sort of came to the conclusion that the jingoistic slant of commentary/coverage by NBC has really dampened our enthusiasm for Team USA, which sucks, because the athletes themselves are still amazing. It's just hard when there's such a "FUCK YEAH AMERICA screw the rest of y'all and especially China" feel. To be honest, this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxV-OOIamyk) inspired more pride in me as an American for the Olympics than anything NBC's done.

Mostly rooting for China right now, and underdogs, and basically athletes that are AMAZING. So many of them! :D

Can't waaaaaaaaaaait for the Winter Olympics. Figure skating is always my favorite to watch but NOW I NEED THE HOCKEY TOO.

[intomorning.livejournal.com]

I'm okay with being pro-country as long as it's not at the expense of being anti-another country. :/ Seriously, it doesn't have to become an "us vs. them" mentality. The NBC commentators kind of rub me the wrong way in general. There were a few things during the opening ceremony and the men's gymnastics coverage, but darn, I don't remember them atm. D:

[meiface.livejournal.com]

The BBC and CTV commentators are soooo much better, it's amazing. They give useful information about each event and each athlete and they cheer on everyone who does well because, whoa, athleticism!

I watched the men's diving final via BBC this morning and then caught the NBC replay tonight DDDD: commentators were so awful/rude/didn't actually explain the events/skills/etc. :( On top of them cutting out so much. :( Livestreams forever!

[(Anonymous)]

I think NBC Sports does things the other sports...?

[meiface.livejournal.com]

Some, yes, which is great. I've taken to BBC or CTV livestreams anyway, mostly because they're more convenient.

Archeryyy! And diving is getting more prime-time replay than I expected, so that's awesome.