“Are you watching the Olympics?”
It was a simple question posed by a woman on a local Facebook group, less than 72 hours after the opening ceremony. Many people said yes and many, a simple no, and I understand. The sixteen-day focus on sports is not for everyone. Then I saw a wave of other responses like this: (Paraphrased)
When these athletes start respecting this great country, I’ll watch again.
Not this year. I refuse to support these people who don’t represent my America.
They didn’t even stand for the national anthem. When I heard that, I said I’m not watching.
Absolutely not. If they don’t like it here, they can just leave. We don’t want ‘em.
It’s gotten all too political for me.
Whoa. In a matter of a couple of hours, this simple question had exploded like an IED. Something had happened while I was out and about during the day on Monday, so I had to do some research. There it was – It had been (erroneously) reported on Facebook (where only truth lives), and spread faster than a California forest fire, that the US women’s soccer team had refused to stand for the playing of the national anthem. Instead, they kneeled.
My ten seconds of research told the real story. Eleven members of the team took a knee before the game with members of the Swedish team, and a game official, in a preplanned event to signify their support against racism and discrimination. ^1
What’s the issue here? Elite athletes have the position of influence in not just our society, but others as well, and not just today, but for generations. ^2. And just because they take a stand (or knee) on a social issue, does that make them anti-American and unpatriotic? What is that logic? It’s okay if they get paid millions to endorse commercial products but not if they use their (free) voice for loftier messages?
When I dug a little further, I discovered that the International Olympic Committee softened their rules for this Olympics, recognizing more athletes are using their status for social activism. ^3.
What also immediately occurred to me is that all of these folks who previously enjoyed watching at least some of the Olympics, were now being influenced by just 11 of the 613 athletes representing the United States. That’s less than 2% of the athletes. Let me add, the entire soccer team stood, hands over hearts, for the national anthem prior to the first game.
I’ve enjoyed watching the Olympics this week. I’m not glued to the TV, but on Tuesday, I sat on the edge of my chair, fists pumping, doing what I could to help Lydia Jacoby, the high school student from Alaska, win a gold medal.
On Wednesday, I chanted “Go Katie, go Katie, go Katie …” helping Katie Ledecky in the 1500 swim.
Thursday, even when I knew the result, I was screaming ‘Su-ni, Su-ni, Su-ni” stopping to wipe my eyes when the first Hmong athlete won a gold medal. Her family’s journey to get her to this stage is what the American spirit is all about.
This was just week one. Victory, defeat, sacrifice, celebration, heartache. There will be more the second week, and I’ll be watching. Too political for me? Politics has been involved with the Olympics since it started in 1896 ^4, and nothing is likely to change. I may ignore athletes and events I don’t care for, but an entire Olympics? Not likely.
^ 2 https://opendorse.com/blog/athlete-endorsement-history/
^ 4 https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/history-political-activism-olympics-rio/
I heard about some of those comments. I also heard some of the cruel comments addressed to Ms Biles. Gosh! What gets folks so riled about semi amateur, amateur, and pro athletes just doing their jobs they’ve worked so hard for?
It’s the faux patriotism that gets me riled. I am proud there are folks with the guts to express themselves so peacefully as taking a knee or raising a fist. And I don’t even care about sports. Thanks for the commentary.
As one person said, there are complainers who can’t even bend down to tie their own shoes. That was a great perspective, I thought. Thanks, Carol.
I was unaware, or maybe purposely ignorant of the “taking a knee” incident. I am selective in what I watch of the Olympic coverage, but I do enjoy the highlights Ger brings to my attention. And I have loved watching the remote supporters rejoice when their hometown hero wins! I appreciate the research you’ve shared here Pam, and agree 100% with your thoughts. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Sue. The kneeling seems to be a non-story as it should be. I love the hometown scenes, but I also love to root for an underdog, whether it’s sport, country or athlete.
I thought it was cool that all of those teams and an Olympic official joined together to make a statement! How wonderful! Thank you for your story!
Thanks, Teresa. Appreciate the read and taking the time to comment.
I, like you, have cheered for all of my favorites in the Olympics. However, unlike you, I cannot express my excitement so clearly as you can! Great writing
Thank you, Sandy. Let’s go Team USA!
Pam, Thansk for the research and your timely thoughts.
Your mind is always probing and. I learn so much from your blogs.
They get better eaach time.
Miss you. Hope to see you in October
Ellen
Thank you, Ellen. Appreciate the comments. Yes, I’ll see you in October.
“This was just week one. Victory, defeat, sacrifice, celebration, heartache.” Waves of emotions. Whew! I’m exhausted! Can you imagine the surge felt by the athletes themselves? And yet, we expect perfection, we being society in general. We require athletes, some as young as adolescents, to not only win the gold, but to be pillars of the republic. We need to change our demands. Still, the women’s soccer team had the courage and concern for humanity to take a stand. They are megastars, regardless of whether they medal. I hope my grandchildren emulate them.
Great perspective, Katie. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
Thank you for the thoughtful posting. We watch for a few hours each night and marvel at the accomplishments of all who participate–no matter where they are from.
Thank you, Joanne. I do the same and love rooting for the underdogs. The Olympics also provide a lovely respite from other events in the world.
For me the deal is that if someone should get too political or do something I don’t agree with or am not comfortable with, I can turn the channel. I suspect that 99.5% of these athletes are proud to represent their countries, whichever country that may be. For people to say the Olympics have gotten too political do not remember the Boycotts of the Olympics by the US against Russia, they forget the taking off the athletes in Munich in 1972 and Adolph Hitler and the Jesse Owens story of 1936. Watch them, don’t watch them … freedom to choose your option is always yours. I for one watch them. Thanks Pam.
And this response is exactly why we’re friends! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
Love our long lasting – long distance friendship. I cherish it.
Thanks! It’s about respect, isn’t it.