Most Boston.com readers aren’t watching the Olympics. Here’s why.
"Congratulations to the athletes, but the pomp and circumstance can't hide what's really happening there."
The Winter Olympics are in full swing, but many Boston.com readers won’t be tuning in for this year’s events.
The games, which are being hosted in Beijing and will continue through Feb. 20, are being held amid the pandemic and a number of controversies involving alleged human rights violations. When asked if they planned to watch this year’s games, most of the 253 respondents to our poll said they’d be skipping the Olympics this time around.
For many readers, it’s not the games themselves that are the issue, but the fact that they’re being hosted in Beijing. China has come under fire from the international community for its alleged abuses against the Muslim Uyghur population. Amnesty International accused Chinese authorities of using the games as a “sports-washing opportunity” to distract from heightened scrutiny.
Another criticism of the Chinese government comes in response to its censorship of Chinese tennis champion Peng Shuai, who disappeared from public view last month after she accused a senior government official of sexual assault.
Peng recently told a French newspaper that she never accused an official of sexual assault and said the concerns about her well-being were “an enormous misunderstanding” by the international community.
The U.S. didn’t send any diplomats to represent the nation in protest over the alleged abuses, and warned athletes against using their personal phones while competing in Beijing, citing concerns about “malicious cyber activities.”
John from Falmouth said he won’t be watching “in solidarity with the persecuted Christian and Muslim populations in China.”
“China is a corrupt, totalitarian nation who tortures and imprisons their own people, sponsors thefts of others’ property around the world, and threatens its neighbors,” he said. “By watching, I would be giving credibility to a terrorist state.”
The poll results are a reflection of a larger downward trend in Olympics viewership over the past decade. The 2018 Winter Olympics were not widely watched, and last year’s summer games in Tokyo received the lowest viewership of any Olympics on record. For many former fans, the allure of the games is no longer there.
Some readers like Kurt E. from Lynn complained that the Olympics have just become “a corporate advertisement.”
“Not enough coverage of the actual events,” said Mac from Bedford. “Too many special interest segments or pushing of political agendas.”
For the readers who will be tuning in, however, it’s the sportsmanship and spectacle of the games that keep them watching. American athletes have already won four medals in skiing, snowboarding, and figure skating events.
John B. from Winthrop said that while he felt the committee “certainly could have picked a far more desirable location” he was still excited for the competition.
“The Olympics has long been the greatest binder that cohesively combines the world’s cultures, bringing all together for a few weeks of sportsmanship, perseverance, and sharing their finest to the world!”
In typical New England fashion, readers said they’re most excited about the alpine skiing competitions. Data from previous years has shown that alpine skiing is the most popular event in Massachusetts. Figure skating, ski jumping, bobsleigh, and snowboarding are also popular events among readers.
We asked readers to tell us why they would, or wouldn’t, be watching the Winter Olympics this month. Below, you’ll find a sampling of responses from readers on how they feel about the games this year.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Will you be watching the Winter Olympics?
No, “I cannot in good conscience watch these games.”
“The majority of spectators and athletes can’t attend due to COVID. We all know exactly where China stands with human rights violations of their own people, not including the lack of free speech. There’s a reason every other government is telling athletes not to bring their personal phones for fear of the Chinese government spying and cracking down on protests. Congratulations to the athletes, but the pomp and circumstance can’t hide what’s really happening there.” — Leanne, Brookline
“China is trying to make themselves look good on the world stage but dictatorships never are good for the people that live under repression. Watching would give China credit for their political system.” — Mike L., Burlington, Vt.
“After the stories of what happened to the gymnasts and how high up that went, I can’t really trust anything associated with the Olympic committee.” — Tim, West Roxbury
“Watching China host the Olympics feels almost like watching games hosted in Berlin in 1936. Given the human rights abuses and suppression of free speech, I cannot in good conscience watch these games.” — Jon, Boston
“Because they are in China. No reason to reward a communist country. It’s shameful we are sending athletes. Especially where the Chinese government can not be trusted. The athletes are already being told to not bring cell phones because the Chinese government can’t be trusted. Putting our athletes at risk by sending them.” — Joe, Norwood
No, “it’s not what it used to be.”
“I will not be watching. For all the high ideals of top-level athleticism and global good sportsmanship — worthy virtues, indeed — the modern Olympics have become primarily a television event and with that, the sports have been subordinated to commercials and commercialism. Moreover, while the Olympics have never been far from politics, China, with its abysmal human rights record and single-party autocratic system, is an absolutely undeserving nation to host the Olympics. I’d rather watch a good game of street hockey or the neighborhood kids sledding nearby.” — Murray F., Roxbury
“It’s not what it used to be, too political. I just want to see the athletes compete for their county’s glory. I don’t care about their thoughts on the issues. I tune in to be entertained not preached to.” — Stanley F., Jamaica Plain
“Beyond the politics, why would I watch other people’s kids compete in hyper-specialized events on fake snow?” — Tony, North End
“Too many commercials, too many things strung out over too many platforms. It’s just not as important or fun to me as it used to be. I miss Jim McKay and the old days. Now Olympics are nothing but a big commercial, product placement, a $$$$$ enterprise.” — Amanda, Stoneham
“The schedule of events is impenetrable. Yes, there seem to be lots of coverage but navigating it is a nightmare (compounded by the time differences). Also, the commentators on most events are horrendous, intrusive, and sometimes simply obtuse. Figure skating coverage is completely ruined by the constant inane chatter during performances. It’s great that you can watch whole events, but the constant repetition of the same commercials is wearing, to say the least. It seems that they want to stream but haven’t figured out how to get the audience involved. The interface is at best confusing and at worst simply not worth the time.” — McKenna, Lexington
Yes, “I love the Winter Olympics.”
“I find the Olympics incredibly inspirational. Many of these athletes train their whole lives for this one opportunity to compete. They otherwise go unrecognized for their achievements by the general public despite being some of the most physically talented people. I believe they do it to test the human body and mind, and to represent their country in a positive way.” — Tina S., Back Bay
“I love the Winter Olympics. I feel so inspired by the hard work and dedication of the athletes. Watching the world come together. Plus the Winter Olympics have speed on ice and snow…disaster around the corner. Keeps you on the edge of your seat.” — Julie, Natick
“I’ve been watching the Olympics since the 70s. Every 4 years we get to ‘visit’ a different country and watch young athletes give everything they have to compete. Years of training leading up to the Olympic experience. Most of us will never do anything as well as they do. It’s unique. It’s often beautiful and sometimes dangerous. I enjoy seeing athletes from different countries and sports I don’t see all the time like the biathlon or ski jumping! The endurance required for some of the sports is what makes them so compelling. And of course the perfection of figure skating! It’s all good!” — Carolyn B., Rockport
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
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