Sochi Response
Stephen Fry’s blunt response to the acts of political discrimination in Russia are understandable and legitimate. His standpoint on the gay and lesbian discrimination is in no way an overreaction as it is completely fitting with the degree of the current situation. The comparison he drew to the holocaust shows Fry’s level of insight to where the Russian government is headed with the laws they have implemented. It is absolutely essential that the IOC take early action, and in the best case scenario boycott the Olympic Games. What happens when international athletes are discriminated against and abused, forcing them not to compete. That would be a world-wide outrage.
The current political situation in Russia has really resonated with me as I am an athlete who aspires to reach the Olympics one day. Growing up the the forward-minded Canadian society I am very accepting and open to homosexuality. Just the idea that people feel completely opposite to me I find upsetting and alien. I have always seen the Olympics as a joyful inclusive period of time where national pride is promoted and equality is expected. Gay athletes should not feel unsafe in the hosting Country as it is the Countries responsibility to make athletes feel welcome and appreciated. Fry’s open comparison to the holocaust made me uneasy as it really highlighted the prospect of history repeating it self. It would be tragic if even the slightest degree of Hitler’s regime was repeated. The IOC needs to take action for the safety of athletes and spectators alike to make the games the best they can be.
Stephen Fry’s blunt response to the acts of political discrimination in Russia are understandable and legitimate. His standpoint on the gay and lesbian discrimination is in no way an overreaction as it is completely fitting with the degree of the current situation. The comparison he drew to the holocaust shows Fry’s level of insight to where the Russian government is headed with the laws they have implemented. It is absolutely essential that the IOC take early action, and in the best case scenario boycott the Olympic Games. What happens when international athletes are discriminated against and abused, forcing them not to compete. That would be a world-wide outrage.
The current political situation in Russia has really resonated with me as I am an athlete who aspires to reach the Olympics one day. Growing up the the forward-minded Canadian society I am very accepting and open to homosexuality. Just the idea that people feel completely opposite to me I find upsetting and alien. I have always seen the Olympics as a joyful inclusive period of time where national pride is promoted and equality is expected. Gay athletes should not feel unsafe in the hosting Country as it is the Countries responsibility to make athletes feel welcome and appreciated. Fry’s open comparison to the holocaust made me uneasy as it really highlighted the prospect of history repeating it self. It would be tragic if even the slightest degree of Hitler’s regime was repeated. The IOC needs to take action for the safety of athletes and spectators alike to make the games the best they can be.
Private Reading Essay
Social and Political acts of injustice shape the way the world functions. The controversy surrounding the Sochi Olympic Games has left the international community with a bitter taste in their mouth. Many people are in favor of a boycott of the winter games. Although, if Jacob Jankowski, one of the characters from Sara Gruen’s acclaimed novel Water for Elephants were too live in todays society he would not support a boycott. It takes a strong character to see reasons to go forward in the games with all the political unrest. Jacobs hard working and kind demeanor would makes him support the Sochi games and try to improve them for the well being of spectators and athletes alike.
The primary reason the games are so controversial is because of the discrimination against homosexuals. In the 1930’s when the story was set Jacob might not off be exposed to the heterosexual and homosexual debate; but he was immersed in a class system. Even though Jacob is in a lower class then Marlena he still continued to fight for her love and attention. This shows that he doesn’t believe in segregation and the class system. If Jacob were thrown in today’s society he would be accepting of homosexuality and strive for social equality like he did with Marlena. Jacob’s personality is accepting and kind so he would undoubtedly strive to make the Olympic Games a time when genders, races and sexuality were equal.
Jacob has worked hard his entire life. Whether it is on his studies or with the care of the animals at the circus, he is committed to getting the job done. Jacob also understands that large projects take a while to complete. It took years to build a reputable circus with such intricate acts. Jacob would not want all the innocent people in Russia who have worked hard and looked forward to the Olympics to suffer for the government's actions. He would encourage them to continue working towards the honor of hosting the games and inspire them to not give up.
As kind and hard working as Jacob Jankowski is, he is also defiant. He is a strong character who can tell right from wrong and who is good at making informed decisions under pressure. When Jacob informs August that Marlena’s horse Silver Star needs to be put out of his suffering August refuses to agree. Jacob takes matters into his own hands and puts the horse down. Also when August insisted on beating Rosie Jacob refused and insisted there was a calmer way to get through to the animals. This shows that Jacob is not afraid to defy the one in charge. Jacob would openly disagree with Putin on his feelings about homosexuality. He will insist that he be more accepting because it is the moral and ethical thing to do if you are hosting an international event in your country.
In conclusion Jacob Jankowski would not support a boycott of the Sochi Olympic Games. His stubborn, kindhearted, and hardworking demeanor shows that he would stand up for gays, and the people who would like the games to continue. He is not afraid to openly voice his opinion in order to better the way the world is run. He would gain the respect and recognition of the international community for his promotion of equality and acceptance. Perhaps if Jacob Jankowski were apart of today’s society the future of the Olympic Games would be drastically different.
Social and Political acts of injustice shape the way the world functions. The controversy surrounding the Sochi Olympic Games has left the international community with a bitter taste in their mouth. Many people are in favor of a boycott of the winter games. Although, if Jacob Jankowski, one of the characters from Sara Gruen’s acclaimed novel Water for Elephants were too live in todays society he would not support a boycott. It takes a strong character to see reasons to go forward in the games with all the political unrest. Jacobs hard working and kind demeanor would makes him support the Sochi games and try to improve them for the well being of spectators and athletes alike.
The primary reason the games are so controversial is because of the discrimination against homosexuals. In the 1930’s when the story was set Jacob might not off be exposed to the heterosexual and homosexual debate; but he was immersed in a class system. Even though Jacob is in a lower class then Marlena he still continued to fight for her love and attention. This shows that he doesn’t believe in segregation and the class system. If Jacob were thrown in today’s society he would be accepting of homosexuality and strive for social equality like he did with Marlena. Jacob’s personality is accepting and kind so he would undoubtedly strive to make the Olympic Games a time when genders, races and sexuality were equal.
Jacob has worked hard his entire life. Whether it is on his studies or with the care of the animals at the circus, he is committed to getting the job done. Jacob also understands that large projects take a while to complete. It took years to build a reputable circus with such intricate acts. Jacob would not want all the innocent people in Russia who have worked hard and looked forward to the Olympics to suffer for the government's actions. He would encourage them to continue working towards the honor of hosting the games and inspire them to not give up.
As kind and hard working as Jacob Jankowski is, he is also defiant. He is a strong character who can tell right from wrong and who is good at making informed decisions under pressure. When Jacob informs August that Marlena’s horse Silver Star needs to be put out of his suffering August refuses to agree. Jacob takes matters into his own hands and puts the horse down. Also when August insisted on beating Rosie Jacob refused and insisted there was a calmer way to get through to the animals. This shows that Jacob is not afraid to defy the one in charge. Jacob would openly disagree with Putin on his feelings about homosexuality. He will insist that he be more accepting because it is the moral and ethical thing to do if you are hosting an international event in your country.
In conclusion Jacob Jankowski would not support a boycott of the Sochi Olympic Games. His stubborn, kindhearted, and hardworking demeanor shows that he would stand up for gays, and the people who would like the games to continue. He is not afraid to openly voice his opinion in order to better the way the world is run. He would gain the respect and recognition of the international community for his promotion of equality and acceptance. Perhaps if Jacob Jankowski were apart of today’s society the future of the Olympic Games would be drastically different.
Injustice Paragraph
The religious conformity attempts taking place in Quebec have spiked international disgust. Local Quebec residents are being forced to abide by this restrictive regime and are punished if they disobey it. The international community has stood idly by verbally criticizing and expressing their opinions although, taking no action to intervene in the matter. This is an injustice that needs to be addressed. The laws enacted are oppressive and controlling, allowing for no individuality. The visionaries on this planet celebrate individuality and refuse to conform to the societal norms. It is these people who are responsible for humanities great triumphs. The fact that today’s adult leaders want to oppress these valuable attributes, that are meant to be celebrated, is sickening. Immediate change and reform needs to take place to remove these acts of injustice.
The religious conformity attempts taking place in Quebec have spiked international disgust. Local Quebec residents are being forced to abide by this restrictive regime and are punished if they disobey it. The international community has stood idly by verbally criticizing and expressing their opinions although, taking no action to intervene in the matter. This is an injustice that needs to be addressed. The laws enacted are oppressive and controlling, allowing for no individuality. The visionaries on this planet celebrate individuality and refuse to conform to the societal norms. It is these people who are responsible for humanities great triumphs. The fact that today’s adult leaders want to oppress these valuable attributes, that are meant to be celebrated, is sickening. Immediate change and reform needs to take place to remove these acts of injustice.