Monday 6 August 2012

“The Olympics represent the exact opposite of everything polite society requires” [updated]

The Olympics is a fish out of today’s politically-correct water, says Michael Hurd, which is probably why it’s such compelling viewing: because “the Olympics represent the exact opposite of everything polite society requires.”

What I mean by “polite society” in this context are ideas that aren’t necessarily true, or that you necessarily believe—but that you feel compelled to pretend you have adopted…
    Polite society claims that there are no winners or losers. Yet the Olympics clearly distinguish among winners and losers…
    In polite society, you’re not allowed to view matters individually.... Yet in the Olympics, it’s individuals who are cheered, celebrated and rewarded…
    In polite society, we’re expected to believe the hogwash that nobody is exceptional… Yet the Olympics celebrate exceptionalism, based on who actually performs the best.

With so many ideas embraced by the Olympics “considered shameful if not illegal in polite society,” it’s astonishing they’re allowed at all.

PS:  Obama, of course, still maintains they didn’t win that.

UPDATE: Oh, FFS. Romney has been drinking the water of America’s collectivist president, saying: “You Olympians didn’t get here solely on your own.” [Hat tip Trey P.]

1 comment:

Trey Peden said...

Lest we fall prey to the Republicans' rhetoric, here's Romney pointing out the same thing: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/07/23/1112799/-Romney-to-Olympians-You-didn-t-get-here-solely-on-your-own

"You Olympians, however, know you didn't get here solely on your own power,” said Romney, who on Friday will attend the Opening Ceremonies of this year’s Summer Olympics. “For most of you, loving parents, sisters or brothers, encouraged your hopes, coaches guided, communities built venues in order to organize competitions. All Olympians stand on the shoulders of those who lifted them. We’ve already cheered the Olympians, let’s also cheer the parents, coaches, and communities. All right! [pumps fist].”