I abhor the Olympics.

[goliath6711]

It's so popular that the distance London went to prepare for it is horribly ludicrous. Did anyone read that article Cracked wrote about that? You should be offended. A new lane on 39 kilometers of roadway reserved exclusively for Olympic workers, athletes and sponsors, NOT emergency services. A gigantic wall to protect Olympic buildings even larger than the Berlin Wall at its prime. The largest, smartest network of CCTV cameras, wasted on searching for counterfeit merchandise of that garish mascot Wenlock when they could be used to catch, I don't know, drug dealers and murderers!
All that money they spent on sports could have gone somewhere useful. Like the medical industry.
And it saddens me.

I really hate it when people try to use that as their point when they lash out against something that they personally hate. The "There are so much more important things that money could be spent on" excuse. Let me ask you this: What entertains you? What thing out there gives you personal joy? Whether it be movies, music, television, literature, games (other than sports), or any type of art, there definitely has to be something out there to you that gives you some form of personal entertainment. And I guarantee that whatever that is, the time, effort, and/or money spent on that would be better used to help the less fortunate or to better stabilize the portions of society that are vital for survival. Are you willing to say that your favorite thing in the world needs to go away for the betterment of society? And I'm not talking about when a widespread crisis occurs because anyone can say it then. I'm talking about right now, when it's minding its own business just being presented to those who want it like all entertainment. And that's what sports is in general and the Olympics specifically; entertainment. It's also one of the few times when most (if not all) of the world can join together in something that doesn't involve killing each other. Do you really want to get rid of that?

 

[In Search of Username]

I never understood the appeal of sport either. Maybe participating, but WATCHING sports is just a completely weird thing for people to find entertaining, to me. And specifically rooting for one team against the other - why? They're just two teams of people trying to win, neither of them is representing any kind of idea or something. I don't understand how you'd even pick between them.

But, whatever, I'm not as angry about it as you, it's just another thing I don't understand. And sure, the money could have been spent on better stuff, but at least money spent on the Olympics isn't being spent on wars, or tax-cuts for the ultra-rich, or any of that other bullshit. At least this is something a lot of people consider good. Could be worse.

 

[Dwarfman]

You want to the end one of the few events, in the history of humanity, that has managed to unite people from everywhere under one common banner and transcends the squabble of politics? The Olympics is a symbol of global unity. For a short time, people put aside national politics and petty squabbles and compete together. Aside from maybe the Pope, and the UN the Olympics rest as one of the few things that the world universal recognizes as something good or at least sacred. Even people who try to bomb the Olympics do so knowing its something that would affect the entire world. It more then sports, its a global event event. Even if you think its pointless at least recognize that there is more to it then just a few competitions.

I was trying to work out how to reply to the OPs ramblings but you sir have hit the nail on the head. I think some people need to realise that these events exist for the sole purpose of bringing people together and to have fun. If people don't understand this then they really need to get out more often.

 

[TheRightToArmBears]

Eh... Your arguments are dumb. Yeah, I agree it's on everything and that's annoying, but I don't have a problem with the actual event.

But I don't understand how watching or playing sports is any more of a waste of time than playing games or doing any other recreational activity. It just happens that you don't like it. The fact that it's reality tv doesn't really make it worse, that's just silly. Sure, Bullet For My Valentine are metal, and I think they're shit, but I can still love Anthrax.

 

[MammothBlade]

I'm glad, I agree with the OP. The Olympics are terrible... although I have my own reasons for hating it, as an unnecessary display of commercialism, groupthink, and wasteful pomp. It's the absurd corporate exclusivity which really pisses me off above all. You want it to be an exercise in groupthink and collectivism yet strictly enforce branding regulations... how ridiculous.

 

[Geo Da Sponge]

Suddenly I'm reminded of this Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal comic:

I mean, I don't like sports but you have to seriously loathe it to hate the Olympics. At the very least they're worth it as an excuse to do a load of impressive stuff just for the hell of it, since I think the world is rather lacking in the impressive-yet-pointless department.

My only problem with the Olympics is the way the media starts talking about the results. The competitors are no longer competing for themselves, they're competing "for the nation", as if it was all a big team effort. Proving that you are the third best person in the entire world at something is no longer impressive, it become "settling for bronze".

 

[The_Waspman]

Its not so much that I hate the olympics, its that I honestly dont care. What bothers me most, as a UK resident, is that we're supposed to be so happy with ourselves for the fact we're hosting the event. Happily overlooking the fact that its going to cripple our already piss poor economy.

Also, the press. Yes, it is very nice to get away from all this 'which celebrity is in which sex scandal today' bullshit, but I checked the papers today, and its all 'Hooray! We (well, I say 'we', by that I really mean "someone from our country") came second place in one event. Lets all cheer and be really proud of ourselves!'

Now I'm not knocking the athletes (well, except footballers, seriously, fuck those guys) because frankly, the amount of time and dedication it takes to reach that level of, uh, athlete-ness is admirable. I cant even survive one track of a spin class without shedding half my bodyweight in sweat. But like I say, its that everyone goes so batshit crazy over it.

Y'know what else I find sad? This whole issue over the fact that they couldn't get enough security for the event. I find it sad that a major sporting event like this, which is supposed to be something akin to world unity or something, needs to have so much secuirty because there is a very real chance that some terrorists are going to try and blow it all up.

 

[Techno Squidgy]

snip

Okay, I'm not a big sports person either, however most of the people in the world are. The Olympics is a great event for international relations, its pretty much a politics free zone. The Olympics also brings a great sense of national pride to the host. Watching that opening ceremony reminded me that we British have a lot to celebrate. We were the vanguards of the industrial revolution, dragging the world kicking and screaming in to a new age of prosperity. For decades we were the biggest influence on music with bands like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin, Cream, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden... We even brought Jimi Hendrix, an American, into the spotlight.

The actual sporting events aren't important, it's what the Olympics stands for, Peace and friendly competition.

 

[Dwarfman]

And specifically rooting for one team against the other - why?

Because it's YOUR TEAM & COLOURS & CITY & STATE. You take pride in it the same way someone takes pride in their uniform or flag or customized gaming computer. That pride turns to passion and single-minded patriotism. It makes the blood boil and endorphins surge through your body. It makes you giddy and exhillerated, angry and lust-filled for more.

You mightn't understand these things because you have only watched these thing on TV and in a small way I was like you once. I never liked or understood football (soccer). To me it was dull and boring and served no purpose. Then I was invited to a game by my Exec. Chef who is Scottish - enough said! I had my doubts and even turned him down at first. But then I went. It was only a small crowd. Maybe a few thousand. But the roars, the cheers, the expectations and let downs and then at long last GOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!

The team we were watching actually lost that night. But no matter I was hooked. Nowadays when ever I get the chance to see a game I'm there with the rest of the orange army to see my TWO TIME! TWO TIME! A-League champions Brisbane Roar in action.

 

[Fasckira]

I see no point in the Olympics, or any sport for that matter, whatsoever. Take hockey, for example. You watch twenty or so burly blokes whack a puck around and MAYBE get it into the net for about an hour. What could you have done in that hour? Could you have cooked that recipe you always wanted to try? Could you go watch that movie you heard was pretty sweet? Could you perhaps, by any chance, exercise so that you would be fit enough to maybe play hockey yourself?

I watch hockey to pick up tips and ideas for when I play hockey. Oh, that and the fights, gotta love the fights.

Its fine that you dont like sports though, I used to be pretty much the same. Couldnt see the point in watching them and whenever people would try to engage me in sports-related conversation I'd just dismiss them.
Thing is that the majority of people do like sports and thats what justifies things like the Olympics and the cost involved. Sports aside, its also a great time for the UK to show off (point in case - the opening ceremony on Friday night).

 

[Iron Criterion]

The only thing that annoys me about sports is the whole 'we' or 'my' thing - such as "good match last night, we totally beat you". No you didn't, it was your team that won whilst you just sat at home and watched the event on television.

I don't mind sport, if it offends me I just ignore it, which unlike what you suggested is entirely possible with the Olympic games.

 

[Dwarfman]

I'm glad, I agree with the OP. The Olympics are terrible... although I have my own reasons for hating it, as an unnecessary display of commercialism, groupthink, and wasteful pomp. It's the absurd corporate exclusivity which really pisses me off above all. You want it to be an exercise in groupthink and collectivism yet strictly enforce branding regulations... how ridiculous.

Now this is something I can partly agree on - although I don't understand what you mean by groupthink or collectivism and pomp is never wasteful. Just excessive. And fun when done right.

Back in the day the modern olympics charter stated that only amateur sportsmen/women could compete in the olympics. It was never about companies or specific teams or brands. It was about scarily talented people putting in their personal best for their country and themselves. Of course naturaly this ticked off the companies and sponsors and big name pro-athletes. And so certain sports such as basketball and tennis wound up in the olympics and with them came the corporate branding and bad pomp - Remember nothing worse than bad pomp.

And of course all the sports that really have no place in the olympics. Like BMX. What the heck is BMX doing in the olympics. What's next? Golf? Heck! Why not Beer Pong, hell I was surprised it didn't happen at the Sydney Olympics.

 

[ChildishLegacy]

I just like the way counties of the world can come together and do something other than fight, bicker, and wage war

That's the reason I like them. I really am not a sports enthusiast by any stretch of the imagination, but it's the whole world coming together and saying "let's just have a bit of a game shall we?", and any disputes are left at the door. I actually think we should extend this idea further than sports, because it's a fucking good idea.

 

[Jeremy Meadows]

While I'm not super excited about the oylimpic sports (gymnastics, diving, etc.), I don't mind watching it. I'd rather we place more emphasis on these types of altheltes then the ones we pay millions of dollars for only playing close to 6 months out of the year. These people work thousands of hours to day to become the best and compete agaisnt the best. Major league altheltes just get signed and make millions regardless oh how good or bad the team does. And I don't think that's right. So I'll support the oylimpics and watch whatever I can on my breaks from work.

 

[randomrob1968]

pro sports is a form of controlled violence that defines the relationship and strategic nature of the corporate class to itself and society. Marshall McLuhan spoke of this idea in his 'The media is the message' interviews(look on youtube). Norman Jewison's sci-fi film 'Rollerball' (1975) was a bleak commentary on this premise.

 

[Daverson]

I'm sorry, but no. You may well have a point, but saying anything is worse than reality TV is just plain unforgivable. I honestly can't respect your opinion on anything now that you've said that.

 

[keosegg]

I always found the rules of every sport to be too bleeding arbitrary. You want to make sure you get the basketball in the hoop? Pick it up, walk down the court and toss it in. You want to get the cricket ball as far away from the people on the field so you can run down a tiny strip of grass as many times as possible? Pick up the ball and toss it over the crowd, then you'll have all the time in the world. I'd personally find sport to be FAR more interesting if it was a competition between two teams to see which one of them can get the game finished quicker and more efficiently so we can all go home sooner.

So when the Olympics rolls around it just makes me all the more confused.

"Why are they wasting their time with those ridiculous steps in shotput? Just put that thing in a sling and toss it! It'll take fewer steps and you won't look as ridiculous doing it!"

But at the same time I understand that my opinion is in the minority and other people like this sort of thing so I don't see why it needs to be taken away just yet.

I say "just yet" because once I get my doomsday device working I shall take over the world and then abolish all sports. Then I'll force all athletes to wear dunce hats. Then I'll make it a law that people have to laugh and point at anyone who wears such a hat. NOW WHO'S LAUGHING RITCHIE MARCUS?! I AM! I AM THE LORD AND MASTER OF ALL CREATION AND YOU'RE JUST A STUPID DOODIE HEAD!

*ahem*

In all seriousness, if the Olympics offend you that much you can just change the channel or go on the internet. It hasn't permeated into everything just yet.

 

[AnarchistFish]

All that money they spent on sports could have gone somewhere useful. Like the medical industry.
And it saddens me.

Lol. You're not from here are you? The NHS gets a shitload of money, its budget has gone up immensely, but all it's done is make it a bureaucratic mess.

Anyway, I, and a lot of other people, actually really like the Olympics. It generally encourages sport and it's something fun to watch every few years. I'm sorry your particular opinion made you feel you had to create a whole thread to vent it.

 

[Scarim Coral]

I just like the way counties of the world can come together and do something other than fight, bicker, and wage war

That's the reason I like them. I really am not a sports enthusiast by any stretch of the imagination, but it's the whole world coming together and saying "let's just have a bit of a game shall we?", and any disputes are left at the door. I actually think we should extend this idea further than sports, because it's a fucking good idea.

Sorry to burst your guys bubbles.


This video shows that that is not the case. It's only 4 minutes, it's not much.

While I don't denined the events happened in that video (if they view it to be so rotten, would Park Si-Hun accepted Roy Jones the Gold medal with honour instead?) but I assume the majority of the many Oylmpics matches in the past and present (so far) had been pleasant well without a scandal at best?

 

[LooK iTz Jinjo]

Australia doesn't want you. An angry mob is coming to your home now to remove you from our country. I'm not a huge fan of the Olympics themselves as an event (the spectacle is amazing), but you sir have just offended every fibre of my being.

Everything you just said can be related back to video games, watching movies OR ANY FORM OF ENTERTAINMENT. Get over it. It's people like you why Australia went from the FITTEST and HEALTHIEST country in the world, to now being the very FATTEST.