Fuwa

So, the Olympics are coming to Beijing. Those li'l cuties up there are the mascots for the Games. The logic for having five is that there is one for each ring. Also, the mascot is usually a native animal of the country, and since China is so big if you just pick one animal there are regions that will feel left out. And of course, the joke around China is that by having five that means that everyone has to buy five times as much Olympic-themed souvenirs and merchandise. Personally, I am completely infatuated with these guys, and I love the little background stories that the Chinese have whipped up for them.

Chinese culture is so different from the US. Sometimes it's hard to imagine how are two countries can become close and work together, because it seems impossible for us to agree with each other. What I hope is possible is that Americans and Chinese can learn to understand each other well enough to communicate and form working relationships where each side knows what to expect from the other side. We don't have to want to be like each other, if we can comprehend, accept, and respect each other. Maybe the Olympics really can embody the spirit of this kind of cooperation.