The Olympics and the FIFA World cup are both massive multi-billion dollar events that draw supporters and athletes from across the globe. No matter what the venue, there has always been and will be controversy about the host cities involved. The cities come under the microscope and the world finds out about the social issues occurring in the country, well before the event. Examples include South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 & 2016, Qatar 2022, and even Vancouver 2010. With the next big event coming up, Sochi 2014, there is a cloud of controversy surrounding the recent surge in violence against homosexuals and even a law put into place banning gay “propaganda”. With this law there has been a massive backlash, especially in the online community where thousands have signed their names for petitions calling on the IOC to change the venue of the Olympics, or telling them to call out Russia on its LGBT laws.
Stephen Fry’s letter was terrifically written, but the introduction was a little over dramatic, as it was farfetched to compare the anti-LGBT law to the persecution of Jews, to me, this looked like apples and oranges. He did bring up some key issues occurring in Russia and gave readers his view, which made the letter extremely personal and heartfelt. Despite this, his call to action was not right. Stephen Fry called for a change in venue. This is preposterous to even hypothesize such a move. Russia put in their bid for the Olympics 6 years in advance, and has spent $51 billion on these Olympics. Having spent all that time and money, all that they are going to be left with, are sophisticated stadiums and unnecessary infrastructure improvements. Stephen Fry should instead be advocating a boycott of the Olympics, this way, Pro-LGBT countries can express their dissatisfaction with Russia, and Russia can still have an Olympics under its belt.
http://www.businessinsider.com/sochi-olympics-cost-russia-51-billion-2013-2
Stephen Fry’s letter was terrifically written, but the introduction was a little over dramatic, as it was farfetched to compare the anti-LGBT law to the persecution of Jews, to me, this looked like apples and oranges. He did bring up some key issues occurring in Russia and gave readers his view, which made the letter extremely personal and heartfelt. Despite this, his call to action was not right. Stephen Fry called for a change in venue. This is preposterous to even hypothesize such a move. Russia put in their bid for the Olympics 6 years in advance, and has spent $51 billion on these Olympics. Having spent all that time and money, all that they are going to be left with, are sophisticated stadiums and unnecessary infrastructure improvements. Stephen Fry should instead be advocating a boycott of the Olympics, this way, Pro-LGBT countries can express their dissatisfaction with Russia, and Russia can still have an Olympics under its belt.
http://www.businessinsider.com/sochi-olympics-cost-russia-51-billion-2013-2
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