Guest Post: Another Perspective

The term “Olympics” is a very nebulous word.  There are many things which the “Olympics” represent such as: athletics, competition, hope, freedom, global unity, medals, celebration, ceremony, and men and women who spend their lives dedicated to becoming better at their sport.  All of these things can be very positive experiences; I know athletic competition has played a huge role in both Ashley’s and my own life.  However there is another logistical category which the word “Olympics” encases such as: committees, economic growth, development, funding, selection, politics, policies, security, volunteers, employees, judges, athletes, coaches, trainers, amenities, and housing.  All of these words represent things which need to be planned out for any events to happen or at least for any events to happen in a progressive manner.  These are just some of the words which the “Olympics” can represent to different people.

The “Olympics” in its entirety (meaning these two categories together along with any other word one may be able to put with it) also has, like any cause, an effect.  The effect of the “Olympics” are like the two previous categories.  An effect the “Olympics” may have for example is the beautification and development of a city which plays as host.  Another effect the “Olympics” may have is a form of economic development on account of jobs created, a high influx of people to a certain attraction, or even future attractions of the event center.  All of these things are wonderful, a city should be beautified, create jobs for its citizens, and even should have different landmarks or attractions for the enjoyment of human kind.

There are also, however, certain negative effects which the “Olympics” bring about in a certain location.  The negatives are things which may not be obvious or may not seem significant at all.  They are something which we all have to make a decision about.  A negative effect from the “Olympics” may be the amount of resources or funding it takes to put on a specific event, where that funding comes from, where it could have gone, the way in which the development of a city is handled, individuals who profit from the events, and individuals who may be marginalized or mistreated by the affect the event has on a city.  All of these things can be called into question, some of these things have happened, some of these things may or may not happen.  A question that I have is, if there is a negative effect from an action I take, even if it is an unintended action, should I have a part in correcting that effect?

I recently read a response from the Olympics committee to a letter written by a social justice group based in Vancouver called Streams of Justice in which the Olympics committee was asked to take part in ensuring that all persons are treated with respect equally by putting policies in place which make how well a city deals with its poor and homeless citizens a part of their considerations in judging where the coming Olympic events are to be held.  The response which the group received was that the Olympics committee has nothing to do with how a city functions only if that city is a suitable place for the Olympics to be held.  The committee politely refused, in keeping with its policy, to do anything about the affect which the “Olympics” has had on cities past and future.

I have always enjoyed the “Olympics” and I probably always will because it is a great idea.  I cannot, however, agree with some of the consequences which come about due to this event.  We have the freedom, ability, and power to ensure the safety and care of all people, lets use it for the good of humankind.

Here is a website of a group (Streams of Justice) which has deep roots in the downtown eastside of Vancouver, they are innovated and fact based.  These are people who live downtown and have devoted themselves to an ideal of solidarity.  I highly suggest looking reading through what they have to say.

Thanks for listening.

E