Yay, Canada...?
I'm watching the Olympics more than I have since... ever. And I'm really enjoying it. I feel like a little kid.
But when there's so much unrest... I don't know how to feel.
Sure, there have always been groups that protest the Olympics.
And of course it leaves every host city in financial ruins.
But when I'm about to embark on a career with Canada's Indigenous peoples, I'm not sure where I stand on this issue of Olympics being held on "stolen Native land" and it's pretty infuriating.
Most of Canada is stolen Native land.
And oh, they "let" Native people participate in the opening ceremonies. In fact they were pretty much the focus.
But of course that doesn't make up for the years of abuse and oppression (which is still happening today).
But is it fair to demonize the Olympics as a whole?
Canada's at fault for not putting solutions in place, even after numerous research has been done to shed light on the issues and their possible solutions.
Doesn't the Olympics encourage healthy pride in one's country, and team spirit?
But isn't it just blind nationalism? Made possible by corporate sponsors that are slammed in our face at every turn (notice the giant polar bear during the opening ceremonies? Ohai Coca-Cola)?
I feel like I'm not educated enough on all the issues involved. But I'm trying.
And I feel like the next 10 or 20 years of my life are going to be filled with people asking me my opinion and then challenging it.
And telling me why I'm wrong, and why all my efforts will be fruitless.
At the very least, I'm glad that this Olympic winter games has brought attention to the issue (albeit for those who are paying attention).
P.S. Canada just won a bronze in the ladies' 500m speed skate. Woop woop.
But when there's so much unrest... I don't know how to feel.
Sure, there have always been groups that protest the Olympics.
And of course it leaves every host city in financial ruins.
But when I'm about to embark on a career with Canada's Indigenous peoples, I'm not sure where I stand on this issue of Olympics being held on "stolen Native land" and it's pretty infuriating.
Most of Canada is stolen Native land.
And oh, they "let" Native people participate in the opening ceremonies. In fact they were pretty much the focus.
But of course that doesn't make up for the years of abuse and oppression (which is still happening today).
But is it fair to demonize the Olympics as a whole?
Canada's at fault for not putting solutions in place, even after numerous research has been done to shed light on the issues and their possible solutions.
Doesn't the Olympics encourage healthy pride in one's country, and team spirit?
But isn't it just blind nationalism? Made possible by corporate sponsors that are slammed in our face at every turn (notice the giant polar bear during the opening ceremonies? Ohai Coca-Cola)?
I feel like I'm not educated enough on all the issues involved. But I'm trying.
And I feel like the next 10 or 20 years of my life are going to be filled with people asking me my opinion and then challenging it.
And telling me why I'm wrong, and why all my efforts will be fruitless.
At the very least, I'm glad that this Olympic winter games has brought attention to the issue (albeit for those who are paying attention).
P.S. Canada just won a bronze in the ladies' 500m speed skate. Woop woop.