Dave Zirin, a passionate and outspoken sports journalist, wrote an interesting article that appeared in the Toronto Star for Tues, May 22nd of 2012. His focus was the always highly anticipated Summer Olympics event being held this year in London, England, in the United Kingdom. In preparation for this event, London has been masterfully decorated with armaments such as: missiles, sonic weapons, and electric fences, just to name a few. Zirin points out that London is loaded with surveillance cameras, which I think should give many the impression that Big Brother really is watching over you. If the surveillance cameras aren’t convincing enough, perhaps the aircrafts will be more persuasive. The police have even been authorized to take aggressive action in the event that they feel security is being breached. I’m surely going to be keeping close count of the injuries and/or deaths (whatever comes easier) caused for the purpose of maintaining security.
I ask myself why London might see such extreme measures as necessary for the Summer Olympics. As I become submerged in my thoughts, I find that I start to think of ways to ironically defend London, though I think ill of the over policing. I say that they have the Royal Family to defend, who represent strong conservative ideologies. I say they have citizens to defend from external visitors and from themselves. I say that they will be inviting people from all over the world with different beliefs and motives who have the potential to do just about anything. I stop myself at this thought because I feel that this last thought is the most important one. I think essentially this is what everyone should be focusing on when the event takes place. This means for me that the Olympics should be about celebrating human potential, irrespective of social issues, international relations, and other conceptions which may lead to violence.
I think Zirin does well to express how concerned civilians will be about the security precautions. I myself am very concerned for everyone who will be in London for the Summer Olympics, in addition to those watching electronically. My hope is that our hearts will be filled with pride rather than pain during this unpredictable period. Starting July 27th through to August 12th, I’ll be watching for what I believe it should be about, but, unfortunately, I like many others will be watching for other reasons as well.