American Exceptionalism or American Egotism?

[MineralMan]

Today's selection of Rio as the site for the 2016 Olympics, with Chicago coming in a distant forth, has led to lots of whining here on DU.

There are several themes in this whining, but all of them ignore the fact that the Olympics are an international thing, and the committee that selects the sites is made of of folks from all over this planet.

Yes, Chicago needs jobs. So does Rio. Are we really that more important than Brazil? Really?

We've hosted the games numerous times in the USA. The games have never been hosted in South America. South American countries send teams and individual athletes to the games, just as we do. Their populations follow the games, too.

Are we not being a bit egotistical to whine about not getting the Games again? It is not the American Olympic Games. It is an international event. South America seems a natural as a choice, especially since it has never before been chosen.

We'll get the games again, I'm sure. In 2016, another country gets them. An international committee made the decision, not an American committee. There it is. Why are we surprised? Do we think we somehow deserve the games? Why? Are we more important than Brazil when it comes time to select a site?

I don't think so. I'm sure the teams that will attend will compete to the best of their ability, and isn't that the purpose?

American Exceptionalism is an American thing. Other countries have their own exceptionalism. No doubt Brazil is celebrating today. I wish them well in hosting the Games in 2016.

[MineralMan]

1. Thanks for the recs.

[BlooInBloo]

2. Whining about losing is stupid. Going for it isn't.

[MineralMan]

4. True. Trying to get the Olympics is worthwhile.

Some you win...

[BlooInBloo]

6. "Some you win... (some you don't)" - I'm always shocked how few people get that...

Guess that's just something that a sports background gives one a visceral, intuitive feel for.

[MineralMan]

7. It doesn't necessarily take a sports background.

Competition exists everywhere. Someone gets the job; the rest don't. It's a fact of life.

I like just quoting the first part of the quotation. It's sufficient to express the idea for anyone with a brain.

But, you're right. Sports are the main way people learn it. Some don't like it, even in sports. Funny, aren't we?

[BlooInBloo]

8. Yep, didn't say it was the *only* way - there are certainly other ways.

[undeterred]

3. I'd have felt a little guilty if Chicago won

even though I think it would have been good for our economy. But its an international event and it was time for South America to host.

[MineralMan]

5. I don't know that I'd feel guilty. After all. it's an international

committee that selects the site, and everyone in the running tries very hard to be selected. From what I understand, other heads of state went to make their case. Since they got rid of the bribes and corruption in the selection process, it has all seemed pretty reasonable.

Any of the cities could have hosted successfully. One was chosen. I think the lack of any Games in South America was probably the chief factor.

[Caliman73]

9. I don't think that there is necessarily anything wrong with being disappointed regarding Chicago

I don't think that it is a sign of exceptionalism nor egotism either. Athletes or competitors often cry or express frustration at a loss. Emotions are a part of competition too. I agree that wallowing in self pity or claiming that the process is unfair, or that we are somehow more worthy than anyone else would be a sign of egotism and poor sportsmanship. However, simply wanting your "team" to win, and being saddened by their loss is not indicative of any darker motive or lack of character.

[Posteritatis]

10. Disappointment's one thing; the sheer rage some posters have shown is another. (nt)

[MineralMan]

12. Very good point, and that's what I was thinking about when I wrote.

[Throd]

11. This is DU. A lot of folks would be whining if Chicago was chosen.

I wish the Brazilians success in hosting the games.