Earlier this morning, my co-workers and I were sharing links to various articles discussing the current situation in Sochi, Russia. Most of these articles focused on the visual proof via Twitter, Instagram, or the like, of the inadequate hotel conditions over there: snapshots of broken door knobs, yellow water, missing toilet stall dividers, and bricklayers still at work. Later in the day, my coworker sent me a Times article, which focused on the fact that 5,000 containers of Chobani yogurt are currently sitting in a freezer near Newark Liberty International Airport. Russia allegedly claims that the United States has not sent over the proper paperwork. Then, in the early afternoon a Huffington Post story claimed that Budweiser has allegedly dropped its traditional Club Bud party spot from the games as well. The whining continued throughout the day with another article highlighting the lack of swag in the press gift bags. I admit that when my co-worker asked me what press gift bags usually include, I hadn't the slightest clue. But, that isn't the point here. The point is that everything you get is free. Every item in that big, as pathetic as it seems to you, comes from somewhere, was made by someone.
Then I read this opinion piece by Margaret Coker.
Let's just take a second here to focus on the negativity so quickly spread via social media once the Tweet or Post buttons are clicked. Let's focus on how repulsed we are that there are signs stating no toilet fishing rather than the fact that the games have begun (even if the Opening Ceremony isn't until tomorrow.) Let's focus on the fact that we tend to highlight all of these awful things that are not in the slightest bit surprising elsewhere in the world. (The reporters complaining about the lack of privacy or toilet paper have yet to use a Turkish toilet, that's all I have to say). What bothers me the most is that, as Coker pointed out, these journalists expected the best. After traveling around Europe and North Africa, I have come to understand the whole "patience is a virtue" philosophy. Don't ever expect your train to be on time. Always bring Kleenex, even to a club, because chances are there's no toilet paper or paper towels left (nor was there ever.) Bring snacks and bottled water no matter how long your journey.
You should relish the moments which challenge and frustrate you; those are the ones that teach you the most about yourself. But hey, there's that thing called a learning curve, right?
In any case, I beg to wonder what half of these reporters would do if they had sparkling five star hotel rooms. Would they still find something to complain about, or would they tweet songs of praise to Russia? Furthermore, are these journalists the farthest they've ever been from America, thus explaining their ignorance of how the rest of the world works? Or, have they ventured far and wide, speaking with citizens of all races, religions, income levels, and sexual preferences and thus reserve the right to deem their treatment the worst out of any past experiences? Why are we so quick to judge? And, most importantly, why aren't they reporting on what they went there to do?
I ask you to think about it. The Olympics, social media, the press, the ignorance of Western countries, the ignorance of Eastern countries, the reasoning behind the hatred and disrespect of others that do not eat, drink, speak, pray, or shit like you.
What is the underlying cause for your judgement and what comfort line are you unwilling to break at any cost?
Then I read this opinion piece by Margaret Coker.
Let's just take a second here to focus on the negativity so quickly spread via social media once the Tweet or Post buttons are clicked. Let's focus on how repulsed we are that there are signs stating no toilet fishing rather than the fact that the games have begun (even if the Opening Ceremony isn't until tomorrow.) Let's focus on the fact that we tend to highlight all of these awful things that are not in the slightest bit surprising elsewhere in the world. (The reporters complaining about the lack of privacy or toilet paper have yet to use a Turkish toilet, that's all I have to say). What bothers me the most is that, as Coker pointed out, these journalists expected the best. After traveling around Europe and North Africa, I have come to understand the whole "patience is a virtue" philosophy. Don't ever expect your train to be on time. Always bring Kleenex, even to a club, because chances are there's no toilet paper or paper towels left (nor was there ever.) Bring snacks and bottled water no matter how long your journey.
You should relish the moments which challenge and frustrate you; those are the ones that teach you the most about yourself. But hey, there's that thing called a learning curve, right?
In any case, I beg to wonder what half of these reporters would do if they had sparkling five star hotel rooms. Would they still find something to complain about, or would they tweet songs of praise to Russia? Furthermore, are these journalists the farthest they've ever been from America, thus explaining their ignorance of how the rest of the world works? Or, have they ventured far and wide, speaking with citizens of all races, religions, income levels, and sexual preferences and thus reserve the right to deem their treatment the worst out of any past experiences? Why are we so quick to judge? And, most importantly, why aren't they reporting on what they went there to do?
I ask you to think about it. The Olympics, social media, the press, the ignorance of Western countries, the ignorance of Eastern countries, the reasoning behind the hatred and disrespect of others that do not eat, drink, speak, pray, or shit like you.
What is the underlying cause for your judgement and what comfort line are you unwilling to break at any cost?
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