The article “The Tokyo Olympics and the ‘Death Drive’ of Capitalism” centres around a critique of the capitalist system’s influence on mega-sporting events such as the Olympics. The author contends that these events, notably the Olympics in Tokyo, have become emblematic of capitalism’s destructive nature, leading to exploitation, inequality, and prioritizing profit over societal well-being. The point is that the Olympics’ pursuit of profit-driven goals has resulted in community relocation, labour exploitation, and widening wealth inequality while diverting attention away from crucial societal issues. (Clevenger, S. 2021)
This article made me feel conflicted. On the one hand, it caused me to pause and consider the underlying difficulties surrounding mega-sporting events, frequently masked by the spectacle and enthusiasm they generate. The author’s emphasis on the negative implications of capitalism’s influence on the Olympics brought to light a viewpoint I had not previously considered. However, I was bothered and hesitant by the grim image of the Olympics as a symbol of capitalist excess and the inference that all event components are intrinsically unpleasant. It caused me to furrow my brow as I considered the intricacies and potential contradictions in the arguments provided.
When I read the essay “The Tokyo Olympics and the ‘Death Drive’ of Capitalism,” I was attracted and disturbed by the author’s point of view. Exploring capitalism’s darker side and connection to the Olympics made me pause and furrow my brow. The article dives into the enormous financial expenses, social disparities, and environmental consequences of staging such massive sporting events. It made me face the often-overlooked repercussions of pursuing business and reputation at any cost. While I appreciate the author’s thought-provoking analyses, I also felt uneasy and concerned about the structural difficulties and ethical quandaries at the heart of these worldwide spectacles. It prompted me to critically evaluate the cultural structures and values that drive our sports world and contemplate the potential consequences of unfettered capitalism in pursuing sporting success.
Additionally, this article connects to some of the course content we’ve reviewed, particularly the debates about major athletic events’ social, economic, and political repercussions. We looked at sports as a reflection of society and the power dynamics at work. The post helps me better grasp how capitalism may shape and misrepresent the aim and impact of such gatherings. Furthermore, it causes me to consider the ethical elements and obligations of the stakeholders involved, such as the organizing bodies, sponsors, and governments. It serves as a reminder to critically evaluate the systems and structures that underpin the sports we like and the broader societal ramifications of those systems and networks.
The connection between the articles “The Tokyo Olympics and the ‘Death Drive’ of Capitalism” and “The ‘Savage’ of Savage Race” is their mutual critique of sports commercialization and exploitation. The Savage Race symbolizes the commercialization of adventure races, while the Tokyo Olympics represent the apex of global athletic events. (Clevenger, S. 2017)Both essays highlight how economic interests frequently shape sports, reinforcing prevailing narratives and maintaining historical injustices. They illustrate how sporting events can reinforce racial stereotypes, exploit workers, and contribute to the monetization of experiences. These papers underline the importance of critically evaluating and reforming the sports sector to address structural challenges and promote social justice.
References
Clevenger, S. (2021, July 27). The Tokyo Olympics and the “death drive” of capitalism. Engaging Sports.https://thesocietypages.org/engagingsports/2021/07/27/the-tokyo-olympics-and-the-death-drive-of-capitalism/
Clevenger, S. (2017, September 11). The “savage” of Savage Race. Engaging Sports. https://thesocietypages.org/engagingsports/2017/09/11/the-savage-of-savage-race/
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