10 Reasons Against Holding the Olympic Games Ever Again and Burying Them Forever Where They Belong – In the Large Cemetery of Humanity’s Nefarious Experiments
The Olympic Games, once hailed and often heralded as a celebration of athletic excellence and international unity, have long been a contentious event during its transformation into a global spectacle marred by numerous controversies. Despite the grandeur and spectacle, the darker backstages of the modern Olympic Games have proven it to be a toxic institution that perpetuates a host of societal ills: global socio-cultural inequality, economic exploitation of the host cities, negative environmenatl impact, thus reflecting many of humanity’s most problematic tendencies. This article outlines ten compelling reasons why the Olympic Games should be discontinued and buried in the annals of history, thus consigned to history’s graveyard of misguided experiments.
1. The Billion-Dollar Industry Comparable to the Warfare Industry
The Olympic Games have evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry akin to the global arms trade in terms of financial magnitude. This enormous expenditure is often justified by the promise of economic benefits and global prestige; nonetheless, the reality is that most host cities and nations incur massive debts and suffer long-term economic damage, as they invest vast sums of money in infrastructure, security, and organization, often leading to crippling debt. The 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, for example, cost an estimated $13.1 billion, leaving the city with abandoned venues and a strained economy for decades to come. This financial burden is not unlike the devastating economic impact of warfare, diverting resources from essential public services like healthcare and education to fund a fleeting event. In addition, the construction of stadiums and infrastructure often results in the displacement of local communities, so that rather than serving as a boon, the Olympics can devastate local economies and burden taxpayers longterm.
2. Sexism and Gender Inequality
Sexism remains rampant in the Olympics, and they have clearly long been serving as a platform for the perpetuation of sexism and gender inequality, from the differential treatment of male and female athletes to the disproportionate media coverage that emphasizes women’s appearances over their athletic achievements: female athletes are often subject to sexist scrutiny regarding their attire, bodies, and behavior, which definitely detracts from their accomplishments; they frequently receive less media coverage, sponsorship, and prize money compared to their male counterparts. Instances of sexist commentary and the sexualization of female athletes continue to tarnish the Olympic Games. The gender gap is stark, as evidenced by the 2012 London Olympics, where men competed in more events than women, highlighting the persistent inequality within the institution. The leadership and decision-making bodies of the Olympics themselves are predominantly male, perpetuating gender inequalities within the organization: this systemic sexism undermines the principle of equality that the Olympics purport to uphold.
3. Ageism and Discrimination Against Older Athletes
Ageism is another pervasive issue within the Olympic Games, particularly through the exclusion of older athletes and the emphasis on youth: while young athletes are celebrated, those who continue to compete at an older age often face prejudice, discrimination and lack of support, being overlooked in favor of younger, seemingly more marketable competitors. This bias is evident in sports like gymnastics and swimming, where athletes peak at a younger age, leading to early retirements and limited opportunities for older athletes to compete at an elite level. This ageist attitude not only devalues the contributions of older athletes but also reinforces harmful stereotypes about aging and athletic capability. By promoting a narrow view of athletic excellence, the Olympics fail to recognize the diverse potential of athletes across all age groups.
4. Lookism and the Obsession with Physical Appearance
The Olympic Games propagate another toxic element: lookism, the discriminatory practice of favoring individuals based on physical appearance. Athletes are frequently judged not only based on their performance but also on their looks, precipitating an undue focus on aesthetics rather than skill and dedication perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards. This emphasis on appearance can contribute to body image issues, mental health problems and eating disorders among athletes, particularly women, striving to conform to specific ideals, detracting from the true spirit of sport. The commercialization of the Olympics exacerbates this issue, as media and sponsors prioritize marketable looks over athletic merit.
5. Anachronism in a Modern World
The Olympic Games are an anachronism, a relic of a bygone era that no longer fits in the modern world, rooted in traditions that no longer reflect contemporary values and/or realities. The Olympics’ rigid adherence to rituals, including outdated gender norms and ceremonies, clashes with contemporary values of inclusivity and progress, harking back to a past often painful and toxic, often glorifying a Eurocentric, colonial vision of the world: such a fixation on outdated protocols stifle progress and innovation, preventing the Olympic Games from evolving to meet late-modern needs and standards, as does the insistence on maintaining antiquated practices and customs which increasingly diminishes their relevance Games in rapidly and ever-evolving societies.
6. Western Supremacy and Cultural Hegemony
Related to the previous point, the Olympic Games have historically been dominated by Western nations, reinforcing Western cultural hegemony and perpetuating Western supremacy, often marginalizing non-Western nations and cultures as well as non-Western sports and athletes. The selection of host cities, the sports included in the Games, and the media coverage all tend to favor Western interests and perspectives, which are being repeatedly validated by the disproportionate number of medals won by Western nations and the prioritization of sports popular in the West, thus continuing a global hierarchy that excessively benefits the West. In its turn, this imbalance buttresses global inequalities and preserves a hierarchy where Western countries dominate both in terms of organization and athletic success. The Olympics thus serve as a platform for the projection of Western power and influence, rather than a true celebration of global diversity.
7. Colonial Legacies and Postcolonial Challenges
The colonial legacy of the modern revived Olympics is evident in its origins and continued practices: apart from having been founded by Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937), a French aristocrat with colonialist views, the colonial legacy persists in the way the Olympic Games are organized and promoted, often reflecting a Eurocentric worldview that overlooks the histories and contributions of colonized nations. Thus, the Olympic Games carry a colonial legacy that continues to impact former colonies long after their official independence: many countries that were once colonized struggle to compete on an equal footing due to economic and infrastructural disadvantages. The Olympics’ emphasis on nationalism and competition often exacerbates postcolonial tensions, rather than fostering genuine international solidarity and understanding. From this perspective, the Olympics’ postcolonial challenge lies in addressing the historical injustices and ensuring that the Games are inclusive and equitable – a goal that the current structure and governance of the Olympics make it extremely difficult if not impossible to achieve.
8. Dumbing Down of the Masses: “Panem et Circenses”
The concept of “panem et circenses”, commonly translated as “bread and circuses” or “bread and games”, coined by the Juvenal (55-128 AD) in his satirical poems in reference to the mass spectacles and contests in ancient Rome, is alive and well in the presence of Olympics, aptly describing their role in contemporary societies. The Games serve as a distraction from pressing social, economic and political issues, providing superficial entertainment which diverts attention from systemic problems and pacifies dissent. This dumbing down of the masses through entertainment undermines critical thinking and civic engagement, contributing to a complacent, disengaged, apathetic and les informed populace. The Olympics, in this sense, act as a modern-day opiate, numbing societal awareness and activism.
9. Perpetuation of Inequality and Discrimination
The Olympic Games perpetuate various forms of inequality and discrimination on a global level. From the arbitrary exclusion of certain countries and athletes due to political and economic reasons to the biased treatment of competitors based on nationality, race, and gender, the Olympics are rife with injustices. The IOC’s decision-making processes and the uneven distribution of resources additionally entrench these inequalities, making it difficult for marginalized groups to compete on a level-playing field. Furthermore, athletes from wealthier nations have access to superior training facilities and resources, giving them an unfair advantage over competitors from less affluent countries. This inequity undermines the principle of fair competition that the Olympics purportedly uphold. Last but not least, host cities often displace marginalized communities to make way for Olympic infrastructure, exacerbating social and economic disparities – bringing the Olympics’ failure to live up to their ideal of promoting fair competition and international solidarity to extreme lengths.
10. Environmental Impact = Environmental Degradation
The environmental impact of the Olympic Games is profound and often overlooked. The construction of Olympic venues and infrastructure leads to deforestation, habitat destruction, and increased carbon emissions: the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic), for instance, saw the construction of new facilities that contributed to significant environmental degradation. The short-term nature of the Games means that many of these venues are abandoned or underutilized post-event, resulting in wasted resources and long-term ecological harm as well as lasting environmental scars, with many Olympic sites being left abandoned and deteriorating after the event. Moreover, the influx of tourists result in environmental degradation and carbon emissions – not to mention the psychological warfare on local residents, confronted with visitors with little to no interest in regional particularities and driven by more often than not questionable emotions. The short-term benefits of hosting the Olympics by no means justify the long-term environmental costs, which are borne by local ecosystems and communities.
Conclusion: Is Replacement Possible? Is Replacement Even Necessary? Is Replacement Realistic?
Given the numerous issues associated with the Olympic Games, it is imperative to consider viable alternatives – and whether alternatives of this magnitude are even necessary. Potential replacements could focus on more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable forms of international competition. Regional sporting events, virtual competitions, and pluricentric models that distribute hosting responsibilities could mitigate many of the problems associated with the Olympics. These alternatives would prioritize environmental sustainability, gender equality, and fair representation of all countries and cultures.
One possibility would be the decentralization of the Games, where events are hosted by multiple cities or countries, reducing the financial and environmental burden on a single location. Such an approach could also promote greater inclusivity and diversity, allowing a broader range of countries to participate as hosts. Another alternative would appear in the promotion of regional and continental games, such as the Pan American Games or the African Games. These events can foster regional unity and competition without the exorbitant costs and global inequalities associated with the Olympic Games. Additionally, they can highlight sports and athletes that may be overlooked on the global stage, promoting a more inclusive and equitable sporting environment.
On a different note, virtual competitions and e-sports are gradually emerging as potential replacements for traditional sporting events. Their platforms offer global participation without the environmental and financial drawbacks of physical events, while attracting a younger, tech-savvy audience, and therefore ensuring the continued relevance of competitive sports in the digital age.
It is important to acknowledge that the replacement of the Olympics does not go without challenges: their long history and significant cultural footprint makes it difficult to envision a world without them. Additionally, powerful interests vested in the continuation of the Olympics, including sponsors, media companies, and political entities, would likely resist any attempts at radical reform or abolition. It is true that the Olympic Games, once a lofty symbol of global unity and athletic excellence, have become a toxic institution and multi-billion-dollar industry rife with sexism, ageism, lookism, which perpetuates inequalities, inconspicuously continuing to cultivate colonial legacies, resulting in the exploitation of the host cities and environmental degradation, and playing its not-so-obvious role in dumbing down of the masses – socio-economic harms to be quantified only in the midterm future. The exploration of alternatives towards their discontinuation, such as decentralized events, regional games, and virtual competitions, offers pathways towards a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for global sports, at the same time with paving the way for a new era of sporting excellence and international competition which truly embody the principles of fairness, diversity, unity and solidarity. The task may be daunting, but the potential benefits for the world and the planet make it a worthy endeavor.
