The Summer Games in London seems to have really taken the meaning out of the events. The athletes from around the world have trained hard, preparing for most of their lives for the big event. The countries are rightfully proud at the accomplishments of these athletes. And yet the one thing that takes away all of the warmth and well-being of the Olympics has become commercialism.
Yes, we get that McDonalds is serving food to a hungry public. And yes, we know that Visa and all of those other corporations also want their names up in light. But seriously, they didn’t go through 1/100 of the efforts that the competing athletes have in order to get to this historic moment in their lives. So, there’s a lot of grumbling going on because each nation chosen to host the Olympics seems to have forgotten the original meaning of the games (which is actually shrouded in the mists of time).
Well, here are a few opinions about the meaning of the games from the streets:
Banksy – Hackney Welcomes the Olympics
Mau Mau – Clown Town
It feels rather appropriate, don’t you think?
Note: Mau Mau’s contribution to the conversation has already been painted over. Here’s more about that story. This takes even more meaning out of what should be a moment of true gamesmanship.
