Why are the Chinese not more proud of there recent history? All of the opening and closing ceremony were about the distant past. Is it ashamed of the way it is run?
l was thinking more about communism. Mao, the littlre red book and the cultural revolution
Well my country was part of the Roman Empire so that means it has been civilised for at least 2000years. Sorry to disappoint you

Distant past is more fun.

A grand finale, nicely arranged

l think China wanted to tell the story of their history to the world considering not many people know about it. After all, all the super powers never really thought much of them, and the things they've done to make the world what it is today. Right now people know about China is recent history (being in a big boom, with advanced technology, big budgets and what not)

like what would America show from ITS OWN RECENT HISTORY if Olympics were held in America? Paris Hillton antics? ''Bravery'' of Dubya fooking up Iraq and Afghansitan? American recession? Gitmo`s fun history? l could go on FOREVER.

Because the Opium Wars with the British Empire destroyed China & it went from being one of the most powerful & richest countries in the world to one of the most impoverished. Its not nice to remember a fall such as that.

l imagine the Chinese people r quite happy with their government; sure u may think about freedom of speech etc but that does not affect the average Chinese citizen, getting 10% richer year on year does. Chinese people want to be a world power & thats what their government is giving them.

You are right. They should include their recent history of protesting in the United Nations against America is Bush regime is illegal and unilateral war in Iraq that killed thousand of civilians and children. l am sure that show will draw thunderous applause from everywhere in the world.

To put it in context, China is a 5000 year civilization. Their idea of ''recent'' history is about the length of your country is entire existence.