“It’s more about nationalism than internationalism,” agreed a group of Seattle (USA) Red Flag readers who were discussing the Olympics. Only a few watched the televised events. But all agreed that the athletes were taken advantage of by their national Olympic committees and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Most agreed with a comrade who said, “It’s a festival of nationalism driven by profit.”
This year, people worldwide have been looking at the Olympics differently, and not just because of the pandemic. The bosses push the idea that sports have nothing to do with politics but this year that illusion is fading.
Female athletes have been using this platform to fight sexism by taking ownership of what they wear during competitions. And to endorse the fight against racism.
Several women’s soccer teams— including the U.S. team before its opening match against Sweden, as well as Chile, Great Britain and New Zealand — began their matches by taking the knee as an anti-racist gesture.
“My purpose and my mission are bigger than sport,” said US hammer thrower Gwen Berry. “I’m here to represent those who died due to systemic racism. That’s the important part.”
Win Htet Oo, born in Myanmar and now living in Melbourne (Australia) had qualified in swimming. But he decided to forego competing to protest the military junta that has taken over Myanmar.
US gymnast Simone Biles became a leading voice against sexual abuse by speaking up about the crimes of Lawrence G. Nassar, the former doctor for the US women’s gymnastics team and Michigan State University athletics.
Biles, favored to win gold, withdrew for the sake of her mental health, citing the need to protect both her mind and her body from the pressures of the competition.
“What the IOC is interested in, is the financial bottom line and putting on a good show,” said an Australian professor of sport studies. He said that turning a blind eye to human rights abuse is “part of the history of the IOC and the Olympic movement.” The worst example was the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Nazi Germany used the Olympic Games for propaganda, to promote an image of a new, strong, and united Germany while masking its growing racism, anti-Semitism and homophobia.
The real purpose of these capitalist games is to advance nationalism as well as racism and sexism. And to make money for the bosses at the same time!
Questions for Red Flag Readers: Athletics and Communism
Should we have athletic competitions when we have achieved communism? Since there would be no nations or borders, there would certainly be no Olympics, World Cup, etc. But just as certainly, for the health of the masses we would encourage sports, in various forms.
We encourage collectivity and cooperation. What should athletics look like after the communist revolution? Would there be “winning” in the sense there is now?
Since there would be no money, there would not be financial profit from sports. But would competitive games undermine a basic premises of communism – that humans do better when we work together?
Please send us your ideas about what sports might look like when we have achieved communism and there are no more nations or money or bosses!
Front page of this issue
