[Google Fast Flip] The USA Pavilion Is a Disgrace
The USA Pavilion Is a Disgrace
By John Mahoney Posted 05.06.2010 at 3:00 pm 11 Comments Many of the pavilions at the 2010 Expo in Shanghai are phenomenal, both inside and out. The USA pavilion, however, is neither. But far worse than being visually unimpressive (which it is), the essence of our representation at the largest World’s Fair carries an even sadder message. I’ve been inside some pretty mind-blowing pavilions this week, which makes the failings of the USA’s–the world’s largest economy–even more shameful. The pavilion consists of three eight-minute films shown in three different chambers, dubbed “Overture,” “Act One” and “Act Two.” The first, which visitors watch on a few smallish elevated screens while seated on the floor or standing, mostly consists of non-actors on city streets being coached through basic greetings and welcoming messages in Mandarin while they are filmed. Americans off the street are not the best Mandarin speakers, and this is played up in the film endearingly. Many Chinese folks get a kick out of westerners trying their broken Chinese, so the film’s numerous stumbles are received with some laughs from the audience. OK so far. Celebrity appearances are included amongst the Joe Blow…
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