The Polympics

THE POLYMPICS

The involvement of politics and ideals in sport is not something that should be avoided or kept separate... or is it?

The very essence of the Olympics is international diplomacy and cooperation. To say that the ideals of race and freedom are not involved is to deny the essence of the Games themselves. The interactions between nations is something that is highly prized and should be promoted as diplomatic and international cooperation.

Sportsmanship is an idea that is very involved in the tradition of sport. There can be good sportsmanship and bad sportsmanship... One of the qualities we demand from our Olympians is good sportsmanship. What better way to represent ones country than a good show of sportsmanship in the sporting arena?

The idea that sports and politics will stay separate is an ideal outcome for the act (playing) of "Sport" itself. However in the build up or entrance to the arena is where politics is most prevalent. Surely politics in sport is permissible if it doesn't interfere with the sport itself? In the case of Damien Hooper it is difficult to decide who is in the right... From what we can tell Hooper wasn't making a political statement, at least he hasn't claimed to be making one. He was simply trying to represent his family and his culture.

Is this the right solution to the problem?

This does raise the question of "what about the rest of us?" some people of non-aboriginal decent may feel as though it is unfair (for Hooper an Olympic athlete funded by taxpayer dollars of all ethnicity to only represent the Aboriginal flag)  as the Australian flag represents all Australians whereas the Aboriginal flag represents only those with Aboriginal descent.

When discussing issues of representation, the flag is first and foremost the hot topic of discussion. Would a change of flag solve all of our problems though? Surely if one athlete wearing a flag printed on a t-shirt can spark such outrage and hot discussion and warrant a warning from the Olympic committee that is where our problem lies? And although Hooper claims not to be making a political statement, surely if he was wouldn't it be best made on an international stage such as, say an Olympic sporting match broadcast to billions of people worldwide? If it was a statement then what are we going to do about it? It's out there now, he's been told to stop... if it was a tattoo would he have been told to cover up? In the end is it only a piece of clothing... I'll ask you this: 

If this is acceptable...

Why isn't this?

And don't even get me started on this.