The student news site of Clayton High School.

The Globe

The student news site of Clayton High School.

The Globe

The student news site of Clayton High School.

The Globe

Putin His Foot Down

The International Olympic Committee stipulates that the Games remain non-political–participating athletes are prohibited from expressing their political views. This year, with the games taking place in Sochi, Russia, it may be more difficult than usual for the Games to remain void of political conflict: Russia’s new anti-gay law prohibits the discussion of LGBT issues in front of minors. Thus, LGBT discussion is prohibited during the Olympic games as well.

The Olympic Games give athletes a chance to compete and showcase their talents, however they also shine the spotlight on one major city. Overwhelming international attention will be given to Sochi this year. Not just on the presentation and physical appeal of the city, but also the international message it sends.

LGBT activists fear that because of Russia’s anti-gay law, hate crimes and violence against the LGBT community will spike once the Games have ended. Now, only time can tell if this outbreak will actually happen, but for now, the focus is on the actual message that Russia is conveying through this law.

If history provides any indication of how this will turn out, it is clear to me that this law will cause much more harm than good. Russia’s intent may be to eradicate any controversy having to do with the international LGBT community. If so, this law seems to have caused the conflict that it intended to stamp out.

However, the intent of the law is not as important as the actual impact it will have. The LGBT movement is one of the largest and most important movements of the decade. There are masses of activists and people all over the world who have participated and protested.

As a supporter of this movement, I strongly believe that it should not be silenced, especially in an iconic global event like the Olympic Games. However, with my LGBT bias aside, I think that Vladimir Putin is wrong to attempt to silence such an essential and revolutionary movement.

The Olympic Games symbolize international cooperation and acceptance. The purpose of the games is undermined if LGBT fans or athletes feel that their human rights have been taken away. We have come so far as an international community in terms of granting everyone the human rights that are due. I believe that this law symbolizes a big step backwards.

So here comes the real question: How can LGBT activists and supporters retaliate against this law? Well, some people are refusing to watch the Olympic Games altogether. Watching the Olympics is a tradition for me. Until now, it has been unquestionable that I put time aside to root for my favorite athletes and marvel at their talent.

I do not believe that it is a crime to watch and enjoy the games as usual. However, this year, we must recognize and assertively work against the anti-gay implications that this law may have. If we can globally realize the injustice of this law, there is a chance it will heighten the awareness and acceptance of the LGBT community.

Leave a Comment
Donate to The Globe
$50
$2000
Contributed
Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of Clayton High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

More to Discover
Donate to The Globe
$50
$2000
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (0)

The Globe intends for this area to be used to foster healthy, thought-provoking discussion. Comments are expected to adhere to our standards and to be respectful and constructive. As such, we do not permit the use of profanity, foul language, personal attacks, or the use of language that might be interpreted as libelous. Comments are reviewed and must be approved by a moderator to ensure that they meet these standards. The Globe does not allow anonymous comments, and The Globe requires a valid email address. The email address will not be displayed but will be used to confirm your comments.
All The Globe Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Activate Search
The student news site of Clayton High School.
Putin His Foot Down