Talk to Your Kids About the Olympics Opening Ceremony

The recent Paris Olympics have sparked controversy, particularly surrounding the opening ceremonies. The torchbearers, including Snoop Dogg and drag queen Nikki Doll, have raised questions about representation and cultural sensitivity. Additionally, a performance that appeared to mock the Last Supper has stirred emotions and discussions about religious imagery and respect.

As parents, engaging in conversations with your children about what they see and hear during the games is important. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate these discussions:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

Start by acknowledging your own feelings about the opening ceremonies. It’s okay to feel uncomfortable or turned off by certain aspects. Sharing your feelings honestly can help your children understand that having mixed emotions about complex events is normal.

2. Provide Context

Children don’t have the experience you have. Explain the cultural and historical context behind the performances and representations. For example, discuss why certain figures were chosen as torchbearers. Research and explain what people were trying to do in depicting the feast of Dionysius. Highlight how these different world views are strained to bring the unity that the organizers believe. For example, Muslim countries and countries from Africa and South America don’t celebrate the gender expressions on display during the opening ceremonies. Explain how the Christian perspective celebrates and unites humanity around God’s image and design so that we can be fully embodied beings.

3. Encourage Critical Thinking

Ask your children questions, encouraging them to think critically about what they saw. Questions like, “What did you think about the performance?” or “How did you feel when you saw that?” can help them articulate their thoughts and feelings with specific words and language. Challenge the presentations of the Olympics and your feelings and your children’s feelings with Scripture. Talk about the need to have a centering perspective of the world with Scripture, and encourage your child to think critically when ideas stray from the strength of a Biblical foundation.

4. Discuss Representation and Diversity

Use the opportunity to talk about representation and diversity. Explain why it’s important for different cultures and identities to share their perspective of the world, and discuss the balance between representation and respect. Highlight how hearing representation and diversity of thought allows us to understand others, and in this can give us a picture into what they value and open opportunities for us to share how Jesus fulfills the challenges that draw them to alternative worldviews and ways of thinking. Guide your kids to see how Jesus is the answer to the brokenness every perspective and worldview seeks to resolve.

5. Follow Up

Keep the conversation going. The Olympics spans several weeks, providing many opportunities to revisit these topics. Follow up on previous discussions, ask if they have any new thoughts or questions, and continue to provide guidance and support.

Conclusion

Talking to your kids about the Olympics, especially the opening ceremony, is a valuable opportunity to help them navigate the complexities of cultural representation and controversy. By having open, honest, and respectful conversations, you can guide your children through their understanding of these events, promote critical thinking, and foster cultural awareness and sensitivity.

These discussions will not only help your children make sense of the diverse and sometimes challenging content presented during the Olympics but also equip them with the skills to appreciate and respect different perspectives and beliefs in the broader world.