The Olympics, and those who don't care about them

[Ron Jeremy 2,032]

Now, we all know that that Olympics thing is going on. How can't we? It's everywhere. The news, TV, ads, site designs, you can't help but know about it. That's fine and dandy, right?

 

What about those who don't care?

 

Events such as the Olympics and that super bowl get forced in peoples' faces via the media, which is fine for those who enjoy them. But for some of us, we don't care. It's just a bunch of people running around on fields playing a game. But we have to see it everywhere. Grab a bag of chips, an Olympics ad. Grab a can of soda, an Olympics ad. Turn on the TV, Olympics. Browse the internet, Olympics. Check your email, Olympics. Check your (social networking site here), Olympics. Get a newspaper, Olympics. Get a hamburger, Olympics.

 

I mean, to those who don't care about whatever big event is being plastered everywhere, it's annoying and obnoxious. It's like people are all "Don't care about this? Well, tough ****, you have to see it everywhere!". It's kinda selfish, actually.

 

Let me put it in a way those who aren't on my side of the coin will get it. What if there was a video game you disliked, say, Call of Batman 1,234. Now, you have a right to your opinion, but you're constantly ostracized for disliking Call of Batman 1,234. You see constant references to Call of Batman 1,234 everywhere, nobody ever seems to stop talking about Call of Batman 1,234, and there is little you can do without seeing something advertising or referring to Call of Batman 1,234. Wouldn't you start getting kinda angry? When you couldn't even go to a store that doesn't even sell video games without seeing a Call of Batman 1,234 advertisement?

 

Now, I don't have any problem with those that like the Olympics, that's not what I'm saying. I'm just saying, why do things like the Olympics have to spill into absolutely everything? Oversaturation of any subject is frustrating. I mean no offense posting this, I just think that in this current flood of Olympics discussion, it might be nice to have a thread about this problem, and I'm curious to see what others think on the subject.

[Otter 1,942]

I really don't care for the Olympics. Well, the summer ones. At least the Winter Olympics has snowboarding. Maybe I'd be interested if longboarding/speedboarding was a Summer Olympic event. However, I don't really mind all the advertisements. I have AdBlock, and I rarely go to the supermarket, so I've only seen a handful of promotional materials for the event.

[Doctor XFizzle 8,669]

It's a worldwide phenomenon that involves a lot of corporate involvement via sponsorships and advertisements, of course it will be hard to escape. Don't blame the Olympics for that, blame every corporation under the sun who wants to tag their brand to the Games.

[letterone 1,204]

It's a worldwide phenomenon that involves a lot of corporate involvement via sponsorships and advertisements, of course it will be hard to escape. Don't blame the Olympics for that, blame every corporation under the sun who wants to tag their brand to the Games.

 

^This. I agree with this post. That's exactly what I would've said if I was any good at writing.

 

Also, someone please make a Call of Batman 1,234. That sounds epic.

[Titan Rising 2,156]

Well geez sorry, I didn't realize ads were affecting your life so negatively #firstworldproblems

 

If you want to know why it's shoved in your face it's because its a giant political event and they want your money, end of.

 

I don't see why this matters to you though, as if you actually do care about any of the other ads that were replaced by the olympics over this 2 week period lol...

[Whiteshade 1,426]

Now, we all know that that Olympics thing is going on. How can't we? It's everywhere. The news, TV, ads, site designs, you can't help but know about it. That's fine and dandy, right?

 

What about those who don't care?

 

Events such as the Olympics and that super bowl get forced in peoples' faces via the media, which is fine for those who enjoy them. But for some of us, we don't care. It's just a bunch of people running around on fields playing a game. But we have to see it everywhere. Grab a bag of chips, an Olympics ad. Grab a can of soda, an Olympics ad. Turn on the TV, Olympics. Browse the internet, Olympics. Check your email, Olympics. Check your (social networking site here), Olympics. Get a newspaper, Olympics. Get a hamburger, Olympics.

 

I mean, to those who don't care about whatever big event is being plastered everywhere, it's annoying and obnoxious. It's like people are all "Don't care about this? Well, tough ****, you have to see it everywhere!". It's kinda selfish, actually.

 

Let me put it in a way those who aren't on my side of the coin will get it. What if there was a video game you disliked, say, Call of Batman 1,234. Now, you have a right to your opinion, but you're constantly ostracized for disliking Call of Batman 1,234. You see constant references to Call of Batman 1,234 everywhere, nobody ever seems to stop talking about Call of Batman 1,234, and there is little you can do without seeing something advertising or referring to Call of Batman 1,234. Wouldn't you start getting kinda angry? When you couldn't even go to a store that doesn't even sell video games without seeing a Call of Batman 1,234 advertisement?

 

Now, I don't have any problem with those that like the Olympics, that's not what I'm saying. I'm just saying, why do things like the Olympics have to spill into absolutely everything? Oversaturation of any subject is frustrating. I mean no offense posting this, I just think that in this current flood of Olympics discussion, it might be nice to have a thread about this problem, and I'm curious to see what others think on the subject.

 

Nationalism Corporatism will bring us victory! Note that the athletes themselves aren't doing anything of what you are saying, and all they want is to compete on a decent level and maybe win a medal. Corporations, however, use the Olympics to boost their revenues. Why? 1. Because they can. 2. Profit. Obviously they will promote it everywhere and beyond.

[Starshine 16,333]

<replace olympics with MLP:FiM>

<and you guys still wonder why even most of sane people hate us>

 

I no longer have any television in my house, so I barely seen anything about it.

It's just a whole herd of overenthusiastic marketing fads. Things will go down after a few while

[MrL0LZ 866]

I only ever see Olympics from people here posting status updates. I'm not sure how people are stuffing it in anyone's face. Maybe its just me who doesn't see any Olympic ads.

[Pinkazoid 3,493]

To be Honest, all I've seen about the olympics so far is the statuses from members here, I can easily tolerate that x)

[Doctor XFizzle 8,669]

Two and a half weeks every two years isn't all that bad for marketing blitzes. When there's a global audience of millions, probably even billions, all watching the same spectacle on TV, you bet companies are going to do all they can to get their name on it. It's money.

 

Could try your best to ignore it because it's certainly not going away. It will probably only get stronger as we reach 2014, 2016, and beyond.

[SPLinux 380]

I am not a sports guy at all honestly, i mean i like some sports, but i don’t enjoy watching it on TV

i would much rather be playing the game then just watching it.

 

I actually haven’t seen any Olympics ads at all, wasn’t until my friend mentioned it to me today that I even knew it was on today...(don’t hurt me)

Edited July 28, 2012 by superponylinux

[Pinkazoid 3,493]

I only ever see Olympics from people here posting status updates. I'm not sure how people are stuffing it in anyone's face. Maybe its just me who doesn't see any Olympic ads.

 

D: ninja'd

and it's the same thing I said.... now I look so unoriginal, I must edit my post quickly!.... na'h xD

[NavelColt 22,880]

Don't like sports. Don't like the Olympics either. Don't watch, don't care. The only way it's effecting me right now is distracting a certain nameless person from RPing, in fact </3

[3005 332]

I enjoy the political indulgences versus actual competitions. The fact that the world will still band together for events like this injects me with new hope in the world.

[null1 606]

I never was a sports person, but I enjoy the Olympics for the hell of it. The opening shows are always nice. It's got alot of marketing, but I don't mind. There's just that togetherness feeling that I like about it, such a small world.

Edited July 28, 2012 by DeltaTangent

[Bohtty 1,775]

I didn't know the Olympics was going on until I read this thread... So I guess I'm not really having your problem? I won't care about the Olympics until it adds pro gaming. I don't think I would be bothered by the ads though because if it was the Olympics it would be some other bull shit they want me to buy. I mean I don't get a soda because of the design, what do I care if they made it olympic themed lol.

[Nas 2,873]

I personally love the event because of the ginormous amount of celebration, as well as collaboration and sportsmanship shown and represented bu the nations' teams at the Games. And it only comes one every two years, so as a sports fan in general, I personally stay behind it until the very end. I also like it because anyone who decides to follow it can easily jump on, as there are few are left out from the list of participating nations.

 

To me, and a lot of others, but not everypony, it's a worldwide phenomenon of a sporting event. Yet, it doesn't bother me at all that there are people out there who are indifferent about it, just the same way there are people out there indifferent about many of the other things I love, like NASCAR, MLP, etc., and there's nothing that's going to make me want to force it down people's throats.

[Somebody 570]

I just realized my Powerade bottle has some dude with a basketball on it, promoting the Olympics. LOL, I care not! All I see is a banner, a bunch of rings linked together to form a logo, and my reaction of "Ooooh, pretty colors!!"

[OptimisticNeighsayer 478]

Honestly, I haven't heard as much hype about this year's Games than say, the Sydney or Beijing games. Might have something to do with the fact that it's in a location that already has hosted the Summer Games three times already, so I don't exactly see why you're complaining it's being advertised all over the place.

 

Aside from the fact that others had mentioned that the multinationals love the revenue it brings, it really is, in theory at least, a break from the strife between nations and all the problems we have in this world. That's why it should be a hugely advertised event. And yet the competition and national pride, I feel we are losing the idea of the Games themselves being more important than the medals won. With nations taking pride in how many medals they bag, we're getting very far away from Pierre de Coubertin, the Father of the Modern Olympics's philosophy that "the important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle". Maybe this has a lot to do with all the endorsement contracts that the gold medalists are sure to be offered, especially in a meeting of what are supposed to be amateurs.

 

*edited for reversed words

Edited July 28, 2012 by JustFairness

[Ron Jeremy 2,032]

I personally love the event because of the ginormous amount of celebration, as well as collaboration and sportsmanship shown and represented bu the nations' teams at the Games. And it only comes one every two years, so as a sports fan in general, I personally stay behind it until the very end. I also like it because anyone who decides to follow it can easily jump on, as there are few are left out from the list of participating nations.

 

To me, and a lot of others, but not everypony, it's a worldwide phenomenon of a sporting event. Yet, it doesn't bother me at all that there are people out there who are indifferent about it, just the same way there are people out there indifferent about many of the other things I love, like NASCAR, MLP, etc., and there's nothing that's going to make me want to force it down people's throats.

 

 

I just had to.

 

I think a lot of you are misinterpreting this thread. I'm not saying I hate the Olympics, really. I'm saying how there's pretty much a "Don't like it? **** you!" attitude around it. You're expected to like it, when a lot of us don't see the point behind the hype. To me, and others, it's just a bunch of people jumping through hoops and stuff, and we don't want to see it everywhere. It's a specific, annoying form of in-group bias and exclusion: Either like the Olympics because it's the cool thing to do, or be tormented by it.

 

Know those bronies who force the show on those who don't like it to the point that it drives people who would be otherwise indifferent to it or possibly enjoy it grow a deep hatred for it? This is the same thing, but instead of the MLP fandom, it's the Olympics fans, and instead of forced pony references where they're obnoxious to those who dislike the show, it's forced Olympic references where they're obnoxious to those who dislike them.

[Nas 2,873]

 

 

 

I just had to.

 

I think a lot of you are misinterpreting this thread. I'm not saying I hate the Olympics, really. I'm saying how there's pretty much a "Don't like it? **** you!" attitude around it. You're expected to like it, when a lot of us don't see the point behind the hype. To me, and others, it's just a bunch of people jumping through hoops and stuff, and we don't want to see it everywhere. It's a specific, annoying form of in-group bias and exclusion: Either like the Olympics because it's the cool thing to do, or be tormented by it.

 

 

Know those bronies who force the show on those who don't like it to the point that it drives people who would be otherwise indifferent to it or possibly enjoy it grow a deep hatred for it? This is the same thing, but instead of the MLP fandom, it's the Olympics fans, and instead of forced pony references where they're obnoxious to those who dislike the show, it's forced Olympic references where they're obnoxious to those who dislike them.

 

I mean, by shoving it down other people's throats, I mean by constantly telling people personally why they need to watch it and know every single little thing that happens till the very end as it happens. By my avatar and signature, it just shows that I'm passionate about it, and am representing it. In the same sense, the event is one of the most popular and talked-about in the world, for each time it comes out every two years, which is a process that really can't be stopped. The people who watch it, or at least the people who watch it that have a similar purpose to me, want to make the most out of the event as loyal fans by living it out until the final day, because that's what fans do.

 

Honestly, I don't understand the people who do the kind of things you mentioned in the latter paragraph, it's just unnecessary. If people are indifferent, they are indifferent and just want to carry in with their normal lives. I, myself, want no one involved in a conversation about a subject who doesn't want to be involved.

 

In other words, the "Don't like it? **** you!" people should just take a few minutes (more or less) alone and think about what they are doing in their lives, altering others for something they don't want to be/do.

[Guest]

 

 

I just had to.

 

I think a lot of you are misinterpreting this thread. I'm not saying I hate the Olympics, really. I'm saying how there's pretty much a "Don't like it? **** you!" attitude around it. You're expected to like it, when a lot of us don't see the point behind the hype. To me, and others, it's just a bunch of people jumping through hoops and stuff, and we don't want to see it everywhere. It's a specific, annoying form of in-group bias and exclusion: Either like the Olympics because it's the cool thing to do, or be tormented by it.

 

Know those bronies who force the show on those who don't like it to the point that it drives people who would be otherwise indifferent to it or possibly enjoy it grow a deep hatred for it? This is the same thing, but instead of the MLP fandom, it's the Olympics fans, and instead of forced pony references where they're obnoxious to those who dislike the show, it's forced Olympic references where they're obnoxious to those who dislike them.

 

Honestly, I don't get that feel, bro. The Olympics is an amazing sense of unity between all the representing countries. Many of you may not have watched the Opening Cerimony (know that I AM judging those of you who only look at the marketing aspect of the games), but there was not a single glint of spite between rivaled nations' athletes. They're only there because of the massive amounts of training they put into mastering their stunning capabilities. You think it doesn't piss me off to see the swoosh symbol subtly pinned across everyone's chest like a tattooed medal? it does. I'm not going to run in the streets ad deter people from watching something amazing, though. I'm sorry if I'm coming across as "one of those guys", but honestly. If you haven't gone through the experience of unity you feel from gathering around with people you know, cheering on your country's representing athlete, you've truly missed a splendid opportunity. Many of the people I've seen who're depressed, cynical, or just generally negative towards everything in life admit they are that way because they want to be. I would know -- I used to love going unnoticed, being able to tell someone "Oh, I don't have friends. I'm just gonna sit here." But that's not true. For some reason, even though I tried and tried to stay away from others, there were always the random few who would approach me. It's not because they want to disturb you -- it's because they want to see happiness. It's a little something everyone everywhere calls, "Being open to growth." As soon as I realized that, I stopped seeing the world as a massive pile of shit, and started looking at the better things this world has to offer. The Olympic Games is not a giant market ploy -- at least, for everyone who enjoys it they aren't. The Olympic Games doesn't even have to be about sports, for you guys. I hate watching sports! I watch the games because they are inspirational. This year's opening ceremony (again with the opening) handled the lighting of the torch quite uniquely. It put a smile on my face to see the act performed by a team representing the future generation. I'm sorry if any of the games offend you, but I love the hype. You can look beyond the games and deduce what you may from it, but I still believe the basic ideals and principles of have fun, do well still apply. People ask me if I have an inspiration and I'm always at a loss for words -- I've never put a name other than mine to credit any of the actions I take. You don't have to feel any pressure in watching the games -- you're responsible for yourself. Just know that there are billions of others partaking in a historic event that has united the world for many, many decades. And buddy, I can tell you one thing. It's not because they want to eat a fucking happy meal.

[Chigens and Kay 3,832]

I'm gonna' put my two cents in here.

 

I don't care for the Olympics. Plain and simple.

 

I also don't like when I see it everywhere to be constantly reminded about it.

[Flow 1,628]

I like the Olympics and MLP, but I am not the type that forces my opinion towards others, I respect people's opinions whether they like it or not.

 

I have to agree that the hype about the Olympics is just too much, with the corporations doing it for advertisement

[Ron Jeremy 2,032]

Honestly, I don't get that feel, bro. The Olympics is an amazing sense of unity between all the representing countries. Many of you may not have watched the Opening Cerimony (know that I AM judging those of you who only look at the marketing aspect of the games), but there was not a single glint of spite between rivaled nations' athletes. They're only there because of the massive amounts of training they put into mastering their stunning capabilities. You think it doesn't piss me off to see the swoosh symbol subtly pinned across everyone's chest like a tattooed medal? it does. I'm not going to run in the streets ad deter people from watching something amazing, though. I'm sorry if I'm coming across as "one of those guys", but honestly. If you haven't gone through the experience of unity you feel from gathering around with people you know, cheering on your country's representing athlete, you've truly missed a splendid opportunity. Many of the people I've seen who're depressed, cynical, or just generally negative towards everything in life admit they are that way because they want to be. I would know -- I used to love going unnoticed, being able to tell someone "Oh, I don't have friends. I'm just gonna sit here." But that's not true. For some reason, even though I tried and tried to stay away from others, there were always the random few who would approach me. It's not because they want to disturb you -- it's because they want to see happiness. It's a little something everyone everywhere calls, "Being open to growth." As soon as I realized that, I stopped seeing the world as a massive pile of shit, and started looking at the better things this world has to offer. The Olympic Games is not a giant market ploy -- at least, for everyone who enjoys it they aren't. The Olympic Games doesn't even have to be about sports, for you guys. I hate watching sports! I watch the games because they are inspirational. This year's opening ceremony (again with the opening) handled the lighting of the torch quite uniquely. It put a smile on my face to see the act performed by a team representing the future generation. I'm sorry if any of the games offend you, but I love the hype. You can look beyond the games and deduce what you may from it, but I still believe the basic ideals and principles of have fun, do well still apply. People ask me if I have an inspiration and I'm always at a loss for words -- I've never put a name other than mine to credit any of the actions I take. You don't have to feel any pressure in watching the games -- you're responsible for yourself. Just know that there are billions of others partaking in a historic event that has united the world for many, many decades. And buddy, I can tell you one thing. It's not because they want to eat a fucking happy meal.

 

I see where you're coming from, man. Before I say anything else, I just want to get this out there in case I haven't yet: I don't have any specific grudge against the Olympics themselves, it's the extreme overexposure and overmarketing.

 

That said, I honestly can see how some could enjoy the Olympics, I'm not doubting that. It's just that, for some of us, the Olympics aren't really our cup of tea. We don't see that angle the hardcore fans do. And when all that overmarketing and overexposure is dumped in our faces, it's kind of offensive. We get annoyed seeing the athletes' faces on everything from cereal to bubble gum. Some of us see it as a slap in the face, especially when you consider that if the same level of hype were toward a video gaming event or anything else, all those involved would be called "No-life permavirgins". Sports events get a special "pass" that other things don't.