Now we are getting to the discussion I was interested in. I can see that bringing together people from around the world to compete is a sign of cooperation among nations. On the other hand, I find it ironic that the games we compete in are descended from skills needed in war: think discuss, shot put, javelin and running. We get into naval warfare, and the skills of Michael Phelps come in handy. Or they would have, way back when.
So war and peace in one event. Then you get the political symbolism, and after all, these days, most wars are fought by proxy. Beijing is pounding it’s metaphorical chest with these Olympics, to show how strong and powerful China is now, and how they must be taken as one of the few most powerful nations in the world.
But then, there’s something else bothering me. I like games. I like to watch feats of skill. However, the attention it gets seems to me to be way out of proportion. Michael Phelps is best in 8 short races, two of which he participated in as a member of a relay team, and he is being hailed as the greatest Olympian of all time. It’s as if he were one of the Gods on Olympus—or one of the half-breed bastards they supposedly littered Greece with. An Achilles, perhaps? And for what? For being fast in a pool?
Well he’s one million dollars richer now, and I’m sure he’s put in the work, and deserves it. He’s going to take a break now, he says. Will he come back in four years? Will he do something else next, like become a full time shill for corporate internationale? I’m sorry, it somehow seems not nearly as noble as people imply. Don’t get me wrong. I love watching the Olympics, but I just don’t quite trust them any more.