Germany can be out of the Olympics due to the anti-gay law | Page 2 | Golden Skate

Germany can be out of the Olympics due to the anti-gay law

karne

in Emergency Backup Mode
Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 1, 2013
Country
Australia
I admit I would find it some kind of poetic justice if Russian athletes did not do well at these Olympics, just because of the anti-human rights path this country has taken.

Are you kidding? You want to hold the athletes responsible for the actions of politicians? Just for that, I hope the Russians medal at every event!

You want to see countries with more "positive, inclusive ideals" do well...and who would that be? (Though if you were suggesting medals for Team Australia, I wouldn't argue. ;))
 

Sk8Boi

Match Penalty
Joined
Feb 17, 2010
Brava to Angela M. taking a firm public stance against the Russian law. This is all I can say, as her move does not appear to involve the athletes directly.
 

koatcue

Medalist
Joined
Aug 31, 2011
Country
Russia
I live in Russia, I don't like Putin and I haven't voted for him but STILL I find such comments, as let Russian athletes lose because we want good countries to win, quite offensive. It's like every Russian is homophobic and so on.. Oh, I forgot. I live on vodka and balalaika music, no?Of cooooourse I'm a redneck cause I'm Russian, yeeah? So, I find it sad when people judge the whole country for the action of their president =/ Prejudice-prejudice..
PS - Sorry for this post
 

Bluebonnet

Record Breaker
Joined
Aug 18, 2010
I live in Russia, I don't like Putin and I haven't voted for him

Then you are minority there. Last month or so, there was a news report in US said that Putin's popularity has gone down to the lowest point of 13 years in power which is 62%.:p

Back on topic. I don't think Russia cares for what Germany does. It is not a few countries dictate the Olympics anymore.

I love Russia's rich culture. I cannot wait to see the Sochi Olympics and the cultural reports of this country on my TV!
 

sky_fly20

Match Penalty
Joined
Nov 20, 2011
Don't you think Olympics should be about peace and unity of countries/continents, not about revenge. :rolleye: I would prefer to see peoples who has more positive attitude, watching and hopefully enjoying from Olympics.

seriously though, registered trolls who used only GS to make some political threads are getting tiresome
I remember a few months back at the height of the the so called Sochi Gay Rights etc. that political trolls were registering then asking why the threads were moved to politics thread , then some were even asking why they need a minimum post before they can post in politics thread,
seriously this is GS for figure skating !!!!! :disapp:

btw, where have most of them gone now ? they just magically disappear
and will probably come back by February just in time to spew another political propaganda
 
Joined
Aug 16, 2009
I live in Russia, I don't like Putin and I haven't voted for him but STILL I find such comments, as let Russian athletes lose because we want good countries to win, quite offensive. It's like every Russian is homophobic and so on.. Oh, I forgot. I live on vodka and balalaika music, no?Of cooooourse I'm a redneck cause I'm Russian, yeeah? So, I find it sad when people judge the whole country for the action of their president =/ Prejudice-prejudice..
PS - Sorry for this post

I agree that ill-wishing any athlete, even just in theory, crosses a line. I'd love Aliona and Robin to win because I love their skating, but if V/T win, it will be because they skate better, and I'll be satisfied.

We mentioned Jesse Owens and Ralph Metcalfe, two black athletes who won in Germany in 1936, earlier on this thread. It's also important to remember long jumper Lutz Long, of Germany, who is reputed to have befriended Jesse Owens with some advice before a jump. Owens won the gold, and Long won the silver in that event. Sports is one place where adversarial countries can meet and maybe lessen tensions, and it's crucial that this remains a possibility.
 

MaiKatze

Record Breaker
Joined
Feb 4, 2012
Brava to Angela M. taking a firm public stance against the Russian law. This is all I can say, as her move does not appear to involve the athletes directly.

It wasn't Angie M., she is our chancellor. Germany also has a president. But our president doesn't hold any political power at all, he is more of a representative figure in our politic system. The current president is Joachim Gauck, and he is the one who doesn't want to attend Sochi. Which is completely in his rights to do so. But nobody expects the athletes to follow that example. I mean, that would be totally unfair. And hey, Germany happily participated at Beijing in 2008. Pretty much hyprocite if they start to cry foul game now at the Winter Olympics. I just think of the athletes first and I think it is unfair to hold them to anything political. Sometimes you just have to wonder why some countries are chosen though. Quatar for the football world cup is one of the worst countries imaginable and yet.....but it is not in the hand of the athlete to decide that. They just want their moment and they should get it. It is hard work to get there.
 

coppertop1

On the Ice
Joined
Sep 19, 2006
I'm really of two minds about this whole thing. Normally, I'd say no. Don't boycott the athletes, the've worked too hard for politics to interfere. Just talk to athlete who couldn't compete in Moscow because of the 1980 boycott or in LA because of the 1984 boycotts. It's not fair to them. I certainly agree that wishing the athletes, who work their whole lives for this moment to suffer for the actions of their politicians is cruel and ignorant. They dedicate their whole lives to the Olympics, why should they pay?

In this case, I understand a boycott more as the laws may put those of the gay athletes, and the gay people in attendance etc in danger, which is more serious. I hope that whoever skates the best wins at the Olympics, whether it's S/S or V/T. I'm glad S/S are going to Sochi, since this will be their last year it would be sad for them to miss the Olympics. I think it would be a stronger message if a country with major human rights issues aren't chosen to host the Olympics. The Olympics is supposed to be about uniting the world in the name of sport, and human rights records should be a consideration.
 

gmyers

Record Breaker
Joined
Mar 6, 2010
Are you kidding? You want to hold the athletes responsible for the actions of politicians? Just for that, I hope the Russians medal at every event!

You want to see countries with more "positive, inclusive ideals" do well...and who would that be? (Though if you were suggesting medals for Team Australia, I wouldn't argue. ;))

Me too!

LOL I hope all the Chinese athletes lose because they represent opresseres of Tibet! LOL! Talk about the wrong target!
 

pista04

On the Ice
Joined
Feb 27, 2007
I like to avoid getting in deep political discussions due to my history as an international relations and political anthropology majors, and the fact that this means I have studied a lot of these so I can go on and on about these topics. But I did want to add that there is an IMMENSE amount of academic literature that confirms the Olympic Games as anything BUT apolitical. The Olympics is a stage for many to act out very political actions and create narratives through presentation and marketing that can have great implications. For example, I just finished a 15-pager on how Turkey's bid for the 2020 Olympics was so immensely political for many reasons.

In general, I don't think it is anything to joke about and think it is very possible that states will make very specific statements during the Olympics and am eager to see how it turns out. It may be selfish but is done by everyone and is reality.
 

Tonichelle

Idita-Rock-n-Roll
Record Breaker
Joined
Jun 27, 2003
I really feel for the Russian athletes with all the talk about countries pulling out, or individual athletes pulling out. The Olympics are what you work for four years (or more) and it's the biggest moment. You want ALL of the best competition to be there.

Reminds me of the feelings of team USA in 1980 wanting to host all of the countries for the Winter Games and Russia was threatening to boycott...

granted we ended up doing it later and Carter would deny that he ever heard from the Athletes (both Winter and Summer) pleas to not boycott the summer games...

I just feel for all of the athletes Russian and International who are basically pawns in this whole mess.
 

MalloryArcher

On the Ice
Joined
Apr 4, 2013
then dont come on this thread, btw this is a ****figure skating thread
this is not the place for political or some funny single country human rights ideas, issues or whatever

lol, wishing failure on athletes for a single countries actions
oh world ? what has happened

First of all, I don't really see how having a different opinion to you really equals "trolling". Word to the wise, you're coming across as really immature.

Secondly, this thread is about politics and figure skating. I'm staying on topic, and I don't see why I shouldn't come here. It's you who doesn't seem to like this conversation, maybe you should go somewhere else.

Thirdly, and most importantly, I suspect it's very easy if you're not gay (or close to a gay person) to just write this off as "politics" when it should be all about the sport. But if you are gay, how do you think this attitude comes across? Gay fans have been loyal fans of skating but have been constantly taken for granted, ignored and insulted by various figures in skating over the years, from prominent organizers, commentators and skaters to even people on this board (though never directly of course, they know not to bite the hand that feeds them). You might all think it's fine just to ignore what's going on for gay people in Russia (and elsewhere, sure, but elsewhere isn't hosting the Olympics and pretending it's somehow part of the democratic world), so you can just sit back and enjoy your skating. That's fine, I understand that, and I don't blame you for it. But it's hardly heroic. I would have REALLY MAJOR respect for anyone who puts others before their own interest and calls out the bs on gays in Russia (like Diva Wagner did :love:) or even goes as far as boycotting (like Germany almost certainly won't, as we now know). Indeed, I totally disagree with others here who say the Russians wouldn't care. Germany is a major winter sports nation and their absence would absolutely be felt. The games would go on, sure, but the sheen would be taken off a bit.

In terms of V/T specifically, I thought I made it clear I don't wish them to skate badly. I certainly won't root for them to fall. I just want other teams to skate better, because of my own personal preferences for nations that are more inclusive and respectful to LGBT people. I don't see how this is different to any other preference a person may have for skaters based on their own home country, or their performance style, or even who's the cutest/sexiest/nicest.

Finally, thank you to the other posters who defended me against this post, I do appreciate it!
 

karne

in Emergency Backup Mode
Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 1, 2013
Country
Australia
The athletes attending the Olympics doesn't mean that what's going on for gays in Russia is being ignored. But don't you understand? NOBODY WINS IF THERE IS A BOYCOTT. For starters, boycotts don't work. They never have. Ever. The only people they hurt are the athletes. They have no effect whatsoever.

Second, and this is a very real possibility that I have read of, is that do you not think the government/anti-gay people could use any boycott as a way to ramp up the persecution? If Putin says to the Russian public, "The gays ruined our golden Olympics", do you think that will have a positive or negative effect?

And last, every statement I have ever seen from the gay rights groups in Russia states very clearly that they DO NOT WANT A BOYCOTT. They want the Olympics to come to town so they can draw attention to what's going on. The Olympics is the biggest media draw in the world. They will have a captive audience. Heck, the NBC is sending a specialist reporter to Sochi JUST TO COVER THE ANTI-GAY LAWS. They are not going to have their sports hacks talking about it, they are sending a specialist political journalist to cover it. I don't think that's ever happened at any Olympics ever!

The Olympics went ahead in Berlin. The Olympics went ahead in China. There is no valid reason why they should NOT go ahead in Sochi.
 

YesWay

四年もかけて&#
Record Breaker
Joined
Sep 28, 2013
A boycott that prevents athletes from competing in an event - that they may have trained their whole lives for - is a violation too. And two "wrongs" don't make a "right".

Use politics to achieve political ends, not sport.
 

Slowdive

On the Ice
Joined
Dec 27, 2010
The athletes attending the Olympics doesn't mean that what's going on for gays in Russia is being ignored. But don't you understand? NOBODY WINS IF THERE IS A BOYCOTT. For starters, boycotts don't work. They never have. Ever. The only people they hurt are the athletes. They have no effect whatsoever.

Second, and this is a very real possibility that I have read of, is that do you not think the government/anti-gay people could use any boycott as a way to ramp up the persecution? If Putin says to the Russian public, "The gays ruined our golden Olympics", do you think that will have a positive or negative effect?

And last, every statement I have ever seen from the gay rights groups in Russia states very clearly that they DO NOT WANT A BOYCOTT. They want the Olympics to come to town so they can draw attention to what's going on. The Olympics is the biggest media draw in the world. They will have a captive audience. Heck, the NBC is sending a specialist reporter to Sochi JUST TO COVER THE ANTI-GAY LAWS. They are not going to have their sports hacks talking about it, they are sending a specialist political journalist to cover it. I don't think that's ever happened at any Olympics ever!


The Olympics went ahead in Berlin. The Olympics went ahead in China. There is no valid reason why they should NOT go ahead in Sochi.
The best post :bow:
 

LiamForeman

William/Uilyam
Medalist
Joined
Nov 24, 2006
First of all, I don't really see how having a different opinion to you really equals "trolling". Word to the wise, you're coming across as really immature.

Secondly, this thread is about politics and figure skating. I'm staying on topic, and I don't see why I shouldn't come here. It's you who doesn't seem to like this conversation, maybe you should go somewhere else.

Word. I also thought it was against posting rules to namecall other posters. I found nothing trollish to your posts. Please continue posting.

I don't wish ill will to any athlete, but I understand your opinion that the Russian athletes do not do well. It's a karmic feeling, instead of Russia being glorified with gold medals. I would like to see S/S win.
 

sky_fly20

Match Penalty
Joined
Nov 20, 2011
First of all, I don't really see how having a different opinion to you really equals "trolling". Word to the wise, you're coming across as really immature.

Secondly, this thread is about politics and figure skating. I'm staying on topic, and I don't see why I shouldn't come here. It's you who doesn't seem to like this conversation, maybe you should go somewhere else.

I would have REALLY MAJOR respect for anyone who puts others before their own interest and calls out the bs on gays in Russia (like Diva Wagner did :love:) or even goes as far as boycotting (like Germany almost certainly won't, as we now know). Indeed, I totally disagree with others here who say the Russians wouldn't care. Germany is a major winter sports nation and their absence would absolutely be felt. The games would go on, sure, but the sheen would be taken off a bit.

In terms of V/T specifically, I thought I made it clear I don't wish them to skate badly. I certainly won't root for them to fall. I just want other teams to skate better, because of my own personal preferences for nations that are more inclusive and respectful to LGBT people. I don't see how this is different to any other preference a person may have for skaters based on their own home country, or their performance style, or even who's the cutest/sexiest/nicest.

Finally, thank you to the other posters who defended me against this post, I do appreciate it!

save the wishful ill fated results from athletes of a specific country for yourself, and most have disapprove of your immature statement
we should refrain from politics and focus in figure skating .
wishful karma for self gain ?. political trollism should not be allowed here

lol at associating athletes as sharing the views of a whole nations stance
and rooting for the sake of a shallow cause

good luck to your cause of having Germany pull out
sounds like a lost cause

In that case I wish for every Russian athlete to podium and win
as said as political justice for the wishful ill fated Karma to happen :)

ps: pls register for skaters and skating not for posting politics :disapp:
 

CanadianSkaterGuy

Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 25, 2013
Good for Germany's prime minister! :agree: Clearly he did not suggest a German boycott. The thread title is misleading. He is simply showing he disagrees with what is going on in Russia and that it makes him not want to go. Some invited political leaders feel obliged to show up at the Olympics so it's a big deal when they don't show up, and many prominent celebrities have also said they will not show up because of the LGBT atrocities. They would rather not go to an illustrious event such as the Olympics rather than show face at an event they do not support.

As much as bigots want to label these efforts as "lost causes", it's clearly drawing more media attention to this important issue. Russia/Putin are simply delusional if they think that there will be no talk of this issue during the Olympics and that they can just play dumb and sweep it under the rug for 2 weeks. :laugh:

Some athletes have trained their whole lives to compete, and have a life-awaited competition or medal on the line, but what happens if an athlete who isn't slated to win steps up, or after the competition when a medalist or non-medalist has competed and then there's the aftermath of the competition/interviews? If Ashley wins bronze and dedicates it to all LGBT people, including Russisans, and says they are beautiful, wonderful people deserving of respect and equal treatment in Russia and every other country, what exactly are they going to do to her? Strip her of her bronze? Throw her in jail? Lower her PCS when she skates in Russia (moreso than they already do to non-Russians)? :rolleye:
 
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