Let’s move on to more noble conversations about the Olympics in Paris.

The entire opening ceremony was breathtaking, filled with brilliant colors, fantastic talent and stunning creativity. What a democratic move of genius to give access to the world’s greatest athletes to all the common people lined up along the Seine River on their 6-kilometer route.

Victor Hugo, author of Les Miserables, would have smiled.

There was no Last Supper scene on display, as some are claiming. Instead, there was a scene depicting the mythical Greek god Dionysus and a celebration of song and peace. All these musical and dance artists performed unfazed in a downpour of rain.

I was especially riveted by the Marie Antoinette scene at the Concierge, nodding to the guillotine she met during the French Revolution. Also, the dancers on the bending poles were mesmerizing. How did they do that without falling off?

The woman who sang the French national anthem standing atop the Louvre took my breath away.

I wasn’t drawn to every musical genre on display. I don’t care for heavy metal. And there were some suggestive scenes that did not suit my tastes. But it’s not about me and my friends in the southern part of the United States. It was a global show of French culture and entertainment.

One of the things the Olympics does for us all is give us a broader view of the world through the gifts of music, art, languages, and dress. That’s what makes it so interesting.

Too many Americans, especially Christians, are bent on finding a culture war everywhere they look. It is like we have a chip on our shoulder, waiting for a puff of wind to blow it off so we can begin an argument and display our moral outrage and superiority. Before you know it, our dysfunction goes into full tilt as left and right begin to arm wrestle over cultural hegemony. It can be exhausting.

What if we could simply appreciate a glimpse into the different cultures of the world while remaining true to our own identity?

For a few days, we can see the world’s greatest athletes against the backdrop of French culture and their unique way of promoting liberty, equality, and fraternity. I plan to enjoy it.

Go USA.
Go World. 
Peace to all.