At this year’s Olympics, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the United States — but perhaps not for the reason you think.
Recently, the International Olympic Committee announced that Rule 50 of its charter, which states that “no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas,” would be in effect for this year’s games. Despite an IOC survey finding that a majority of athletes believe it is inappropriate for Olympic athletes to demonstrate or express their views during the opening ceremony, on the field, or at the podium, some Americans have already criticized the committee’s decision.
American Olympians came out in opposition of Rule 50, saying that the IOC doesn’t have the authority to tell athletes “how to lead” and that the decision won’t deter them from protesting in Tokyo. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee even stated that it will not punish American athletes if they choose to demonstrate at the games.
Though what will come of this is uncertain, the controversial nature of this debate is not a new phenomenon. Decades before anyone ever heard the name Colin Kaepernick, nearly 20 years before he was even born, in fact, American Olympic athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos received backlash for raising their fists in solidarity with the Black Power movement after winning gold and bronze, respectively, in the 200-meter race at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
Regardless of one’s feelings toward kneeling during the anthem or raising a fist on the podium, peaceful forms of protest are always preferable over the use of violence when expressing one’s beliefs. Besides, the most serious consequences of such protests are felt most by the athletes themselves, such as Smith and Carlos. For the U.S., however, protests at this year’s Olympics have the potential to be different.
After a tumultuous year consisting of increased political polarization, social unrest, growing perceptions of racial and wealth inequality, and a highly criticized COVID-19 response, the U.S.’s reputation has suffered. A poll from the European Council on Foreign Relations, which surveyed citizens from 11 European countries, found that fewer than half of those polled think that the U.S. will be able to solve its internal problems and move on to investing in solving global issues, such as climate change.
Worse yet, nearly 60% of the survey’s respondents said they believe China will be a stronger power than the U.S. will be a decade from now. This comes at a time of rising tensions between the world’s two largest economic and military powers. The Chinese Communist Party has scrutinized the growing racial tensions within the U.S. and the nation’s COVID-19 response. Chinese officials have even tried calling American democracy itself into question in an effort to divert criticisms directed at their gross human rights violations against the Uyghur Muslims.
If American athletes decide to protest at this year’s Olympics, the reputation of the U.S. on the global stage will be further tarnished, which will not only give the CCP another blemish on America’s image to exploit but will also likely contribute to growing sentiments that the U.S. is losing its footing as the sole global superpower.
Demonstrations from American Olympic athletes would serve as a reminder of the instability that currently exists in the U.S. and reaffirm international criticisms and doubts in the nation’s capacity to resolve its internal conflicts. Striking further skepticism in America’s ability to handle its issues domestically would consequently raise questions about the country’s traditional role on the global stage as the arbiter of justice, democracy, and the rule of law.
At the Tokyo Olympics, the U.S. has an opportunity, no matter how small it may seem, to demonstrate that it is still fit to act as the leader of the free world. American athletes have the choice this year either to put their political grievances aside, unite under “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and put the resiliency of the American spirit on full display for the international community — or broadcast to the world that America is but a house divided against itself.
Andrew Sansone (@AndrewSansone15) is a Generation Z freelance writer who specializes in subjects of politics, culture, and crime.
