Smile Like You Mean It: Beijing Police Are Asked To Appear Happier

IOC Asking Beijing Police To Appear Friendlier Toward Tourists

Beijing's police force has been "told to smile more by the authorities, but now they are being taken to task" by IOC Marketing Commission Chair Gerhard Heiberg for their "continuing grim expressions," according to Clifford Coonan of DAILY VARIETY. Heiberg has "urged Chinese officials to encourage a happier and more welcoming attitude." He indicated to Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten that Beijing volunteers are "helpful and smiling." However, he added, "The police and military, on the other hand, need to act differently. Their faces look like they are made of stone. They're seriously scaring the foreigners in Beijing. The fact that they're armed and look sinister just makes thing worse. ... I've asked them to get people to smile more" (DAILY VARIETY, 8/12). Heiberg added, "The Chinese are scaring the wits out of foreigners. We can't have it like this. When, in addition, they have weapons and look scary, it is even worse" (REUTERS, 8/11).

HELPING HANDS: Writers continue to comment on the organization of the Games. In Las Vegas, Ed Graney writes, "Think efficient. The Chinese have a way of making things look easy." The transportation system for the Olympics has been "revamped to a flawless level" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 8/12). BOCOG has "found citizen volunteers to do everything for every visitor" (SEATTLEPI.com, 8/12). In Portland, John Canzano reported, "When it rained on Day 2 of competition, volunteers showed up with umbrellas -- and I am not making this up -- they popped them open and walked alongside reporters, smiling, nodding and holding things over the visitors' heads." One visitor said: "They're beginning to creep me out" (OREGONLIVE.com, 8/11).