Reflections on the Paris Olympics: Diversity Divides France

Author Adam Plowright wrote a book called "The French Exception: Emmanuel Macron – The Extraordinary Rise and Risk." The opinions expressed in this article are his own. For more CNN Opinion pieces, visit their website.

Every country that hosts the Olympic Games goes through a moment of reflection. It's not a test like a war or natural disaster, and it's different from a major election like the one America is preparing for. However, the Olympics, as the world's largest sporting event, offers a unique opportunity for a nation to see itself through the eyes of the world.

Adam Plowright

Adam Plowright

Organizing such events is incredibly complex, which can be a major challenge. It puts a lot of pressure on a country's government and creates heavy workloads for the state bureaucracy. Additionally, the cost overruns often strain public finances. However, it also raises important, uncomfortable questions that need to be addressed.

Deciding what the Olympics mean is the toughest part. After investing billions of dollars and years of preparation, the host country needs to consider what they want to showcase to the world. In the case of France, with 10,000 athletes and 10 million spectators arriving in less than two months, the answer is still unclear.

The lead up to Paris 2024 has brought attention to the country's divisions, doubts, and anxieties. The focus has mainly been on the extravagant and unconventional opening ceremony planned along the river Seine, sparking controversy and debate.

After investing billions of dollars and years of preparation, France, as the host country, aims to showcase its identity to the world. The concept involves a fleet of river boats transporting athletes through the heart of the City of Light, reflecting French ambition and beauty. However, some may perceive a hint of French arrogance in this grand idea. The traditional opening parade in the stadium, with athletes in tracksuits, does not seem fitting. In a world affected by terrorism, an outdoor parade may pose risks. The focus is on being "iconic" rather than conforming to norms.

This type of showmanship is attractive to leaders like President Emmanuel Macron and would have been better received in a France that was more self-assured, like in the 1960s and 1970s. However, the current France is filled with uncertainty, causing many people to feel genuinely concerned.

Aya Nakamura at he 2024 Met Gala in New York City.

Aya Nakamura at he 2024 Met Gala in New York City.

John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images

The controversy over the music for the opening ceremony has caused a lot of tension and disagreement. When it was revealed in late February that pop star Aya Nakamura would be performing, it immediately sparked debate among the public.

Despite Aya Nakamura being a well-known and highly-streamed French artist on the international stage, many conservatives and a majority of the country were not impressed. Even her reported intention to pay tribute to the legendary French chanson singer Edith Piaf did not sway their opinions.

What is the point of holding the Olympic Games in France if we then hide who we are?’

Marion Marechal

The intended message about multiculturalism, creativity, and inclusion was overshadowed by criticism labeled as "pure and simple racism" by the country's justice minister. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticized Nakamura for her supposed "vulgarity," suggesting that her representation of France would bring "humiliation" to the country. Others accused her of not speaking French properly and not looking "French" enough according to their standards. In response, the singer fought back in a song, calling out the "load of enemies" who have shown contempt for her music.

It was inevitable that the Games would become entangled in the cultural debates surrounding France's identity and future, especially with the ongoing European elections campaign. Critics quickly pointed out that the official Olympics poster, featuring a hand-drawn artist's depiction of Paris, did not include the Christian cross that should have been atop the Invalides landmark.

"Marion Marechal, an arch-conservative questioning the purpose of hosting the Olympic Games in France if we can't be ourselves. The Paris mayor had to defend a drag queen facing online harassment for participating in the Olympic torch relay."

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What will all of this mean? What message will France convey to the world? Will the debates, uncertainty, complaints, and criticisms be put aside once the boats set sail on the beautiful Seine River on July 26?

Currently, the infrastructure is prepared or nearing completion.

The budget overrun is small compared to historical standards, but the vision is truly impressive. The Games have the potential to showcase the efficiency of French administration and the enduring beauty of the country, stirring national pride. A successful event could also be seen as a victory for democracy in its battle against autocracies.

However, even if Nakumura delivers a spectacular opening ceremony and the Games boost the country's reputation for elegance and refinement, it's unlikely that a nation as divided and argumentative as this one will bask in the warm, fuzzy glow of national achievement for very long.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the complexities and challenges surrounding the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, highlighting the country's ongoing identity struggles. The extravagant opening ceremony, planned along the Seine River, has sparked controversy, with some perceiving it as a reflection of French arrogance, while others question whether it truly represents the nation's