Winter Olympics 2010 – By Ryan Robinson
Every two years, the Olympic Games, whether winter or summer, bring many feelings, emotions, and thriller moments that our normal everyday lives cannot bring us. The Games bring patriotism, hope, anger, frustration, and sadly this year, death and injury.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who has had this happen; but have you ever learned something, think you’ll never use it or need to remember it, and think it’s absolutely pointless, but at some point, you flashback and say, “Wow! I know what this is!” Well, that happened to me in this Winter Olympic Game.
In my Social Studies class at the High School, (or as they call it for freshmen, World Civilizations) we had just learned about how Nationalism helped unify Italy, and also what would then become Germany, in the 1800s. I thought, “Who in the world would use this information in day to day life?” It’s a tad of information that could probably only come to use if one decides to become a history teacher, or if one decides to try and win some money on Jeopardy! (I’m sure that question would be next to Shakespeare) As it turns out though, I needed it only a few months later during, you guessed it, the Winter Games.
I realized that when an entire nation is rooting for their country, their athletes, and want them to win gold, it is Nationalism at its best. Seriously, looking at the real meaning, Nationalism is “national spirit or aspirations”, “devotion and loyalty to one’s own nation; patriotism”. Is it just me, or does Nationalism really spell “Olympics”?
Just like you, I rooted a little bit for Georgia when their luge athlete died in that horrific crash; and also rooted a little bit for the countries where my ancestors were from, Germany and Armenia. However, there could be no measure of my patriotism and support for the United States team. We overcame so many obstacles, got lucky in some parts, and were struck with misfortune in others.
Overall though, the Olympic Games reflect patience, practice, and perseverance. The athletes make what they do look so easy and effortless that for some, including me would be almost impossible to just do the basics. So, while waving your flag and screaming at the television, you are really taking part of something much greater than yourself, but for an entire country and world.