I found an article that is relevant to both this weeks lecture on homelessness, and the overall theme of state control, colonialism, and imperialism.
According to network member and blogger Gord Hill: "The Olympics have a long history of association with fascists, colonialists and authoritarian regimes ... Since the 1980s they've displaced over three million people and contributed to massive increases in homelessness, as we've seen in Vancouver."
Check it out, let me know what you think...
http://www.vancouversun.com/travel/Louder+madder+more+prepared+Here+come+protesters/2466810/story.html
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The article is interesting but it appears to me as though Gord Hill is making to much of a leap comparing the Olympics and fascism. It is true that the Olympics have become a commercial venue with hordes of corporate sponsors, but then again what sport hasn’t. You don’t hear to much protest when other sporting events come to cities, such as Montreal’s F1, or the Calgary stampede which glorifies cowboys. I believe the Olympics just allows protesters to protest. I don’t know how accurate his numbers are and find it difficult to believe that 3 million people have became homeless since the 1980’s. Although he has the right to voice his opinion on the matter I still believe that the Olympics are a great way for countries to unite and showing off their talent. It also lets amateur athletes be hero’s to the younger generations who look up to them.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that the Olympics, like many other sporting events do unite Canadians as well as other nations. However, this notion does not account for those who do not follow sports. As for the article linked above; his numbers may be off, but look at the Beijing Olympics: countless individuals were moved out of the city, jobs lost, people exploited. I do agree with you, the Olympic games are the perfect stage fr political protest, as they say the world is watching, and what nation wouldn't fear the idea of having their internal problems showcased to the world?
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