I recently read an article by Rebecca Fannin about the rise of China’s technology entrepreneurs. She refers to their tech culture as the “Silicon Dragon”. Maybe I’ve been asleep at the switch, but I hadn’t heard the term before.
Fast forward to this evening’s Olympic opening ceremony. Watching it in HD on NBC, my jaw dropped repeatedly. I challenge anyone to point to any comparable event for the sheer scale, aesthetics, creativity and technology demonstrated in Zhang Yimou’s incredible display.
From the huge LED display to the projections on the roof of the stadium to the enormous array of closely coordinated fireworks, the combination of technology with Cirque Du Soleil style choreography was stunning. And it just kept going.
Yes, China has many problems. But like Japan and Korea before it, China is clearly evolving from a cheap copy-cat nation to a powerful innovator who’s voice will be heard. You’d be a fool to ignore it.
p.s. I have a ton of affection for my homeland, but I really wouldn’t want to be in their shoes come 2012.
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