The backlash against social justice continues in the Olympics. After banning athlete protests and political messages from the Games, the IOC decided to ban “Black Lives Matter” apparel as well.
So now if an athlete raises their fist, takes a knee or wears anything “BLM” related at Olympic venues, they face punishment. The same goes for coaches, trainers and officials.
While the IOC has had a long maintained policy of banning “demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda” on the playing field, the medal stand, or during the Games’ official ceremonies, the explicit mention of “Black Lives Matter” is particularly alarming.
The IOC will allow words such as “peace,” “respect,” “solidarity,” “inclusion” and “equality” on apparel, possibly as a means of taking some of the attention off of their decision to ban BLM messaging. But it really doesn’t feel that way.
So where did this all originate from?
According to the IOC, they polled athletes and 70% disagreed with protesting during competition, and 67% said it wasn’t appropriate on the medal stand.
“They (the Olympics) are not and must never be a platform to advance political or any other divisive ends,” said IOC President Thomas Bachs. “Our political neutrality is undermined whenever organizations or individuals attempt to use the Olympic Games as a stage for their own agendas, as legitimate as they may be.”
Bach quoted the aforementioned Rule 50 and Rule 40 as support for the decision. The former prohibits any “demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda” in Olympic areas. The latter prohibits an athlete’s ability to promote his/her own sponsors during a time in which they receive a large amount of attention.
So will athletes be able to bring attention to social issues during the Games? The IOC says yes, but only in these venues:
During press conferences and interviews, i.e. in the mixed zones, in the International Broadcasting Centre (IBC) or the Main Media Centre (MMC).
At team meetings.
On digital or traditional media, or on other platforms.
It’s obvious the IOC doesn’t want any additional attention on the Games, particularly after they were postponed for a year due to Covid.
“The eyes of the world will be on the athletes and the Olympic Games” said Bach.
But after their latest ban, eyes are directly on the IOC, especially side eyes.
