If the French Can Get Diplomatic Protocol Wrong - Anyone Can.
The Olympic Flag was raised upside down during the Opening Ceremonies of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The opening ceremony of the Paris Summer Olympics was a grand affair, filled with breathtaking performances, stunning visuals, and a celebration of global unity through sports. However, amidst the grandeur, several diplomatic protocol missteps marred the event, causing embarrassment and risked diplomatic friction.
Olympic Flag Faux Pas
The most glaring mistake during the Paris 2024 opening ceremony was the Olympic flag being raised upside down, a significant error during one of the ceremony's most solemn moments. In many cultures, including the United States, raising the National Ensign upside down is a sign of severe distress.
Wearing an Olympic flag as a cape, the ceremony protagonist carries the historic Olympic flag into the stadium.
The issue began with the entrance of the flag, which included one Olympic flag draped around the Opening Ceremonies hooded protagonist as if it were a child's cape as he "galloped" down the Seine - a huge violation of protocol. As the figure entered the stadium, he continued to wear the flag which was touching the ground, while carrying the folded, larger historic flag to the flagpole, while athletes cheered and ran alongside.
The Olympic Flag is carried into the Stadium at the start of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Traditionally, this moment is highly ceremonial and solemn, with the Olympic flag carried aloft by 8 national heroes from the host country, who then help the military personnel raise it with great respect. By not carrying it into the stadium that way, it caused confusion for the soldiers tasked with hoisting it. They had to unfold it and clip it accordingly and unfortunately got it wrong.
Was the flag handed over incorrectly to the caricature? Did he hand it over wrong to the military? We may never know.
What we do know is this - there is always time for creative, dynamic theatrics - but when protocol is at play is never one of those times. Olympic protocol dictates that the flag is only raised at the opening and lowered at the close of the Games. Due to this mishap, the flag had to be lowered and re-raised, marking a rare and regrettable lapse in Olympic tradition.
Sadly the breaches of diplomatic protocol didn’t end there.
What’s In a Name
The opening ceremony’s announcers mispronounced several country names and the names of notable dignitaries. The team from the Republic of Korea (South Korea) was introduced as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), causing South Korean leaders to demand a meeting with IOC President Thomas Bach to complain and demand an apology.
While this might seem like a minor issue, in a diplomatic context, accurate pronunciation is essential to show respect and recognition. These errors were perceived as a lack of preparation and cultural sensitivity, detracting from the event's overall dignity and respect.
Incorrect National Anthems
Playing the wrong national anthem is also a serious diplomatic faux pas. In the opening days of the Olympics, there were incidents where anthems did not match the countries being introduced.
For instance, during the opening basketball game between South Sudan and Puerto Rico, South Sudan supporters were outraged when officials mistakenly played the national anthem of Sudan. The situation escalated to the point where a South Sudan supporter had to be physically restrained by fellow fans. Given the historical context of South Sudan's separation from Sudan, this error was particularly sensitive and upsetting.
Diplomatic Seating
Seating arrangements at such high-profile events are crucial and are typically organized following a strict diplomatic protocol. However, at the Paris Opening Ceremony, there were reports of VIPs and dignitaries being seated inappropriately.
Some heads of state were placed in positions that did not correspond to their diplomatic rank, leading to feelings of slight and disrespect. In some cases, VIPs and major sponsors were given prime seating positions that should have been reserved for government dignitaries and heads of state. This prioritization of commercial interests over diplomatic protocol was viewed negatively by several countries.
Though these issues might seem minor, they risk undermining the Olympics' core purpose of uniting the world through peaceful and friendly competition.
We can all learn from this moment and remember that at every event involving foreign delegations, protocol isn't there to be a hindrance - protocol is there to ensure nothing else is.
Basic guidelines include:
Strict Adherence to Diplomatic Protocol
Ensure that heads of state and dignitaries are seated according to diplomatic rank and precedence.
Balancing VIP and Diplomatic Needs
While VIPs and sponsors are important, they should not be prioritized over the appropriate seating of national leaders. Find ways to make both feel respected but always prioritize Heads of State/Government when required.
Cultural and Regional Sensitivity
Understand and respect cultural and regional affiliations and requirements to avoid uncomfortable interactions.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
Ensure seating arrangements are accessible and inclusive will reflect well on the event's organization and respect for all attendees. Make sure that countries that are in conflict are not seated next to each other to avoid awkward situations that could risk political and diplomatic embarrassment back home.
For many, flags and anthems are symbols of national pride that must be respected and honored, and diplomatic protocol mistakes risk compromising the true spirit of the Games.
As the United States prepares to take our turn at again hosting the world in four years, the organizing committee for LA28 should take note – if the French can get diplomatic protocol wrong, anyone can.
Comments