So, as of this writing, I have not watched any Summer Olympics coverage.
Yes. You heard me right: The Summer Olympics are taking place.
Right now.
Give or take. Time zones being what they are and all.
They are happening in France, and what I have been reading about the goings-on over there cast a shadow over the importance of Flavor Flav sponsoring the U.S. Women's Water Polo Team. Or that NBC decided to limit the screen time for Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning after their initial appearance. Or maybe it was just the shrapnel from all the fuss stirred up by the Opening Ceremonies.
There were some who demanded an apology for the sacrilege they witnessed. At the center of the controversy was a tableau that some very tightly wound folks here in the mainland USA figured was a garish parody of The Last Supper. Easily offended Christians around the world joined in the condemnation of such a sight. Easily offended Christians from around the world who have not studied their art history. The scene being depicted in the party on the Debilly Bridge was not inspired not by Leonardo Da vinci's masterpiece but rather a painting by Dutch artist Jan Harmensz van Biljert of of Greek gods on Mount Olympus for a banquet to celebrate the marriage of Thetis and Peleus. Not the Last Supper, but instead The Feast of the Gods.
Easy mistake to make, right? Both are paintings. Both have something to do with god or gods. But if you're looking for a reason to be offended, there's your moment. Plus I understand that there were men and women of various sexualities seen in and around the scene.
It's Paris, for heaven's sake. It's the Olympics. If you were looking for straight white males, I'm guessing you could have picked an easier environment in which to start your hunt.
I hear that there are races. And games. And a bunch of men and women in various states of undress cavorting about in competition. I figure I'll just join Peyton and Kelly on the bench for this one. And read about the outrage later.
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