The Olympics is about the athletes for me. They can't help it that it's in China, that China sucks, or that the world in general sucks right now. Many of them have dreamed of this and worked hard for it since childhood. I will watch to support them and their hopes and dreams. Four years is a long time in the life of an athlete. For some this may be their last shot at being an Olympic athlete. I will be there for them.
I also love the opening ceremony. I have always seen it as a ritual, the only one I know of that is celebrated worldwide. It always inspires me, as do the athletes who stretch themselves to their limits. For themselves. To know for the rest of their lives that they could and did. But back to the ceremony, it has always been, for me, a ritual of peace and unity. It is my hope to feel that again in some part however small it may be.
I'm fine with those who want to boycott it. I respect your reasons, and agree that the Chinese government is horrendous and has committed, and will continue to commit, many atrocities. But I don't plan to boycott watching this. As I see things, me not watching this won't fix anything that's wrong.
All that said, I am not a sports person. I generally detest team sports. But this is different for me. I love the individual sports where, most of the tine, they are actually competing with themselves more than with each other. And for most, they respect and cheer each other on. That is always heartening to see.
My favorite sport of the winter Olympics is, of course, figure skating. (In the summer, it's gymnastics and swimming, and some track and field.) There is artistry and skill, and sometimes sheer perfection so beautiful it takes my breath away. I NEED to see this. I need to feel it. I need to experience it. So, yeah, fuck China. But I will be there watching with you. And this is why.
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