olympic ideals
‘Faster, Higher, Stronger.’ Are the Olympic ideals still relevant today?
FOR
AGAINST
De Coubertin’s idealism and humanistic goals have a shared audience
The evidence is the fact that all nations attempt to participate
Tales of Olympians overcoming adversity constantly underpin the Olympic spirit which confirms the goal of human aspiration and idealism
Amateurism vs Professionalism
De Coubertin did not wish for the games to be a showcase of paid professionals; rather hoping the higher ideals of human aesthetics, health, vitality and fitness would remain the preserve of the amateur. Today professionals are allowed to participate in the games.
It is the most watched event on the planet
Therefore relevance to the humankind is evident
Also athletes and spectators treat the two week event as the pinnacle of human achievement; reflection of the ideals being an end in itself
Today, it’s the age of crass commercialism and complex power-relations; the Olympic motto is more a means to an end then an end itself
Eg: countries use the Olympics for one-upmanship, athletes have individual egos, organizing committees simply want to line their pockets, corporate sponsorship ensures that the Olympic movement is a golden goose
Society is more complex in terms of the post colonial era and identities
Eg: gender and class identities and the aspect of nationalism
Wars and politics whilst clearly evident are still manifestations of mans uglier side.
However, their ability to rise above his baser instinct and to endeavor to achieve sports glory continues to thrill
Politics in early 21st century is much more complex, insidious and virulent with different groups that use the Olympic movement to espouse its ideology
Eg: modern day terrorism
Despite the many political economic and social problems that have ravaged the Games since 1904, the Olympics stood the test of time.
This implies that it is still relevant
Content paragraph :
Due to a gradual
FOR
AGAINST
De Coubertin’s idealism and humanistic goals have a shared audience
The evidence is the fact that all nations attempt to participate
Tales of Olympians overcoming adversity constantly underpin the Olympic spirit which confirms the goal of human aspiration and idealism
Amateurism vs Professionalism
De Coubertin did not wish for the games to be a showcase of paid professionals; rather hoping the higher ideals of human aesthetics, health, vitality and fitness would remain the preserve of the amateur. Today professionals are allowed to participate in the games.
It is the most watched event on the planet
Therefore relevance to the humankind is evident
Also athletes and spectators treat the two week event as the pinnacle of human achievement; reflection of the ideals being an end in itself
Today, it’s the age of crass commercialism and complex power-relations; the Olympic motto is more a means to an end then an end itself
Eg: countries use the Olympics for one-upmanship, athletes have individual egos, organizing committees simply want to line their pockets, corporate sponsorship ensures that the Olympic movement is a golden goose
Society is more complex in terms of the post colonial era and identities
Eg: gender and class identities and the aspect of nationalism
Wars and politics whilst clearly evident are still manifestations of mans uglier side.
However, their ability to rise above his baser instinct and to endeavor to achieve sports glory continues to thrill
Politics in early 21st century is much more complex, insidious and virulent with different groups that use the Olympic movement to espouse its ideology
Eg: modern day terrorism
Despite the many political economic and social problems that have ravaged the Games since 1904, the Olympics stood the test of time.
This implies that it is still relevant
Content paragraph :
Due to a gradual