...if I wasn't aware of the oppressive way the Chinese authorities have suppressed any hint of dissent ..... not to mention arresting people that might have protested, knocked down other's homes and forceably relocated them and generally acted like the obnoxious bully boys they are. A load of people dancing and a fireworks display just tries to put a flashy face on the disgrace that sits behind all this.
I don't think anyone in the Western world is not aware of this... the buildup to this day has been filled with nothing but such news, and I doubt a single performance changes much in outsiders views...but to be honest, did you expect the authorities to act any differently than they have done given their track record? I expect not.
I'm not arguing in support of the Chinese Government at all, I'm largely an advocate of major reform in China myself, but the ceremony was excellent as a performance - and that's all it should be taken as.
I know a lot of people will want to get on the moral high ground and see it as support for everything the Chinese Government stand for, or similar effect, ...well....that's down to each person's prerogative I suppose.
The Olympic Games provide a platform for international voice, it's a shame it's under such controversy.