Olympics about both competition and harmony
Q. Can you please help my friends with a disagreement. We all watched the Olympics – three of us had COVID so we were stuck home anyway, but we all got into it. We talked about the winners each night. Some of us think the Olympic competition is healthy and good for the world as a community. A few of us, including me, think there’s too much controversy and nasty comments about some athletes and that is spoiling the goal of the Games – which we think is harmony. Others feel the purpose of the Games is only winning, for the individuals and the countries.
One suggestion we had was to stay off social media. Another was to avoid the controversies and focus on the camaraderie. Yet another of our group of friends believes the Games are just a microcosm of life, and we need to become tough enough to handle nasty comments if we’re going to be adults.
What’s your opinion? We trust you. Is the goal of the Olympics harmony or is it pure competition for the glory of individual athletes and their countries? – 15-year-old
Mary Jo’s Response: I love the way you and your friends discuss what matters to you. I appreciate your perspective. I enjoy the openness and respect I sense from your conversations and hope you can maintain these excellent friendships as you grow older.
I enjoyed the Olympics this year a great deal. Team USA took home many medals, and I loved watching all the athletes. Such commitment, such dedication, such passion!
Interestingly, I was part of a discussion at our Common Ground Teen Center with comments like yours. Teens told me they watched the Games, and they shared their favorite parts. They also talked about the nasty comments they saw on social media. I almost feel as if their words mirrored those of you and your friends.
You asked for my opinion. This is what I posted on social media the first day of the Games: “To me, the Olympics is a manifestation of excellence and a chance to honor the USA. Such amazing athletes from all over the world!” I try to use social media to teach and to model respect/kindness.
I think it is possible for the Games to be about both harmony and competition. And I think that’s perfectly fine. Competition is healthy. Winning or losing is good for us. Harmony among nations is a wonderful goal.
As to the nasty comments, not everyone uses social media respectfully. It’s not necessary for you to tolerate disrespect, no matter your age. Use social media wisely and with kindness, now and when you’re older. I asked our peer educators for their thoughts.
Peer Educator Response: Google says, “The Olympics seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good examples and respect for the universal fundamental principles of ethics.” We like that definition. We also think the main point of the Olympics is harmony. It’s something people all over the world can watch and enjoy. Winning is also fun!
No matter what, there will always be nasty comments about anyone and anything. It’s our job to not make those kinds of comments ourselves, about the Games or anything else.
Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email podmj@healthyteens.com.