Michael, What Happened?

One of the great success stories of the Beijing Olympics is certainly Michael Phelps. USA is proud of his tremendous victories and glad of his medals.

But what is this? Who did this picture? Besides the clashing reds, it looks like he is wearing a halter top!



Dennis

Media Cleanup In China

China is telling its media that they will not tolerate obscene, sexual, superstitious or base advertisements during the Olympic period. Now there is good in this effort, but bear in mind it is only while they have all that attention from the world. In many ways China has made it clear that they are not going to "just be themselves" during the Olympics.

The government issued a statement that included this:

"Advertising companies have a responsibility to society for propaganda and showing the country's image. Order in the Olympic advertising market directly connects to the national image."

My final point is this. China's standard is that the propaganda will be used to promote and improve the country's image. In the U.S., the mainstream media is continually using propaganda to tear down the image of the U.S. - not only in the eyes of U.S. citizens, but all around the world.

Dennis