Gwen Berry turned her back on the U.S. flag during the national anthem, defying the International Olympic Committee’s policy on “neutrality.” Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images Gwen Berry hurled a hammer more than 241 feet during Saturday’s track and field Olympic trials, cinching her spot on Team USA. But her athleticism isn’t what made headlines.
“Neutral” is revealing word choice for a system that files the plea for racial justice under “interference.” As the IOC’s own history demonstrates, “neutrality” can wind up looking a lot like tacit approval. See: Adolf Hitler opening the 1936 Berlin Olympics, for example, or the longstanding acceptance of South Africa’s whites-only teams.
Yet even as athletes risk their careers for speaking their mind, they are also — in many cases — contractually bound to answer questions from the press, or suffer the consequences. After announcing that she would skip press conferences during the French Open, for example, Naomi Osaka incurred a $15,000 fine, plus threats of more aggressive sanctions from the French Tennis Federation, Tennis Australia, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, and the U.S.
And they should do just that. Shut up and dribble. Better yet...go home. Move to another country.
JuddApatow claire_lampen Well nobody has imposed more censorship than the Left
claire_lampen This is settled first Amendment law. Look up Barnette (1943).
claire_lampen Money making grandstanding. Pure $ self interest.
Nate_ready2go claire_lampen My heroes to be all-round brave and just. Not just fast. My heroes are real people, who suffer personal loss, who show how to overcome, who persevere, who speak truth to power, who push the limits. You can't be a winner unless you push the limits.
JuddApatow claire_lampen You want to represent your country while simultaneously showing disdain for it? Pro athletes, that’s their job, if they wish to make a statement, feel free. Olympics represent your country. The whole point is to be the athlete on the top podium listening to your country’s anthem
claire_lampen I wonder if Americans would be as incensed if a Russian athlete showed a sign of protest? I understand why people are upset with this. But might be a good idea to wonder why an athlete would risk doing so. It’s one way to get people’s attention.
claire_lampen It's also none of people like Kirstie Alley's business how and if anyone else reacts to the flag and the anthem. BLM
claire_lampen Looks like she hates not only America, but white people, Chinese people, and Mexican people.
claire_lampen Here’s an idea - if you hate your country don’t represent it in the Olympics
claire_lampen 'By banning protests, the Olympics joins the chorus telling athletes to shut up and dribble” What a ridiculous statement.
claire_lampen Why are we picking and choosing which censorship matters, when our world is full of so many dangerous examples of it? It’s all bad or none of it is bad. Let’s make up our minds here.
claire_lampen Public criticism is natural too. Athletes aren’t somehow exempt from it.
claire_lampen No, and here's the difference. If you're on the Lakers or the Celtics you're on a professional team. If you're in the Olympics, you are THERE to represent your country. If that offends you, don't do it.
claire_lampen So giving the a finger during the Anthem is OK too? That’s basically what she is saying FU. She has the right to behave like a vindictive brat but you subject your self to the consequences. You are there to represent The US and you give us the finger. We don’t want you either!
claire_lampen I'm 💯% American 24/7 - I have the right to peacefully protest ANYWHERE at ANYTIME! TeachCRT
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