What do you think the Olympics is really all about?

Question

I know people are always saying that the olympics is meant to bring the world together, but do you think there is more to that?

In my opinion, it gives us an excuse to be patriotic and competitive in a healthy way, and in some instances we tend to take that a little far. Do you agree?

Answer 1

National pride, but it gives everyone a chance to explore the culture of the country the olympics is being held at too.

It brings the world together...literally. A lot of people from different countries in one city together.

Answer 2

Personally, I think it's all about mental strength, sports to the extreme, and people achieving their dreams. Maybe add national pride, yeah.

Answer 3

Yup its really about which country and, to some extent, race of people is better than which. I feel like 2008 is especially so

Answer 4

athletes competing representing their countries.

Answer 5

Agreed.

National pride. Our country is better than yours - type of attitude.

Answer 6

I dont get why people tend to put olympics be race beetween nations? More like invidual sportmans are trying their best. Again couple of persons arent that much as a represent the whole population. There is things like wars to do it in dirty way. Competition whole in economic likely than in sport.

Answer 7

Nastia Liukin :).

Answer 8

Perhaps a healthy and positive sporting rivalry between nations. Lets hope drugs don't taint it too much in years to come. Also a chance for athletes to show how hard theyve worked and to tell there story.

Answer 9

Another reason for Americans to be whiny and to accuse other countries.

Answer 10

enhancing racism and pride. also propaganda.

Answer 11

Good sportsmanship, world peace, and all the good looking foreign girls

Answer 12

Agreed. Its a competition between nations.  

Answer 13

Why cant it be both. Why cant it be showing pride for our counties and bringing the world closer. Did you see the hug between Georgia and Russia( shooting i beleive). Telling each other they would always be friends, but yet not long before that they were competing for the gold and for the countries. I think its for both.  

Answer 14

gives each country something to look forward too...excitement, and patriotism at its best. Especially the situation between Russia and Georgia right now..its nice to see the olympic players from both countries civil to each other. Since Bolt won the 100m, it also gave jamaicans something to be happy about aside from the fact alot is going on over there.