The Olympics Stops the World in Wonder

I’m not much into sports. I know that some involve throwing things or dancing. Let’s say that’s pretty close to the extent of my understanding.

Still, this weekend, I sat at a restaurant high-rise table and was mesmerized by the athletes on the television. What a beautiful demonstration of people coming together to celebrate our communities and what we are capable of. Perhaps it’s the context that meant the most to me.

These last few decades, in America especially, we have faced significant turmoil. With so many existential, ecological, and political threats on the horizon, one’s hopes for the future can be challenged.

Even in our single country, few would argue that we are not in a state of deep division. Yet, for a moment, a large part of us could be united in our awe. For a few days, people from all over the world have put a pause on everything to focus on these games.

Intolerance and Hate
Lately, intolerance feels like the norm, and tolerance is such a low bar. Tolerance is, “I don’t like you, but I will let you be here.” I will tolerate a headache, for example. Intolerance is closer to hate.

Of course, some things should not be tolerated. For example, it makes sense to hate cancer, abuse, and racism. Where we lose track though, is when that exclusion extends to people. Especially groups of people and people we have not met. Things get scary. We get isolated and hear only ideas from other people like us or people we think are like us who we see on the internet.

It’s easy to adopt ideas that aren’t ours because it becomes us and them, good and bad. We want to be one of the good ones. We know it’s more complex than that. Yet, groupthink can cause dissent to feel (and sometimes be) dangerous. Intolerance can turn into othering and hate.

A Break from Divison
This past week or so, I smile. Like many, seeing Simone Biles return to her sport and slay it after taking time for her mental health and watching as she models the value of self-compassion was amazing. I felt a spark.

When I watched the first all-black gymnastic podium and two superheroes bow to a third, I drew a breath of optimism for what we as Americans and humans, can accomplish. When we can support each other, the possibilities are endless. Though, there is still much work to be done,

I have hope.