The Crying Games

National Journal ^ | Feb. 8, 2002 | William Powers

[bleudevil]

I know there's a lot of commentary on the Olympics on FR, but I thought this one was really good. I've noticed more and more "sob stories" in the mainstream media lately, not just Olympic-related. This guy makes some good points, that we Americans really have it good compared to the rest of the world - we aren't helping the poor people of the world by gorging ourselves on sad stories.

[thucydides]

At a deeper level, this is a narcissistic phenomenon in our very self-regarding culture. It is about feeling good about oneself for having such wonderfully compassionate feelings - but there is no follow up. It is a moral preening.

[glock rocks]

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[garbanzo]

Actually it's because network executives are stupid - they think it's what the public wants. They can't actually understand why people might watch figure skating or luge only during the Olympics and they think it's because of the sob stories - not cheering on the home team or novelty or anything like that.

[meowmeow]

The most pathetic one I ever saw was in some summer games awhile back. NBC was trying to create a dramatic human interest story covering the long tough road of the equestrian team. I forget if it was the Brits or American or what, but it was obvious that they were a bunch of spoiled rich kids whose “terrible trials of life” could have easily been prevented by simply using sound judgment (e.g., maybe sleeping with the trainer’s wife is a bad decision). At least people who overcome some terrible disease give others in the same situation a bit of inspiration. I had a hard time generating any sympathy for Buffy’s pain when she learned of Biff’s sordid love triangle or whatever it was.

[tbg681]

Good article.

The Olympics suck.

So does television, women, Lifetime cable movies about breast cancer, women, Social Security, confiscatory tax rates, sappy soft focus interviews by bubble headed news babes, CNN, affirmative action, women, the Clintons, Lifetime cable movies starring washed up '70's actresses, Maureen Dowd -- and this nasty hangover!!!

[MarkWar]

>The Olympics suck. So does television, women, Lifetime cable movies about breast cancer, women, Social Security, confiscatory tax rates, sappy soft focus interviews by bubble headed news babes, CNN, affirmative action, women, the Clintons, Lifetime cable movies starring washed up '70's actresses, Maureen Dowd -- and this nasty hangover!!!

Yikes. Perhaps it would make you feel better to look at some pretty pictures painted by a woman who had her own share of hangovers: A Life of Deco and Decadence (That's "deco" not "disco" -- it's safe...)

Mark W.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

I disagree with the whole premise of this article.

We will never forget Dan Jensen trying to overcome the death of his sister while being a medal contender.

He is just one of many stories that show the strength of the human spirit. This isn't Monday night football!!

I can't imagine a person being back in his or her sport in the first YEAR of a Liver Transplant!!! That is just amazing.

Or competing after a bout of cancer. If any of the athletes win, after facing the tremendous challenges they have faced (the training they faced to just get there is amazing, and in and of itself deserves a medal!!)

Guess this article shows how true it is, that some see the glass half empty like the author of this piece, while others like the people he mentions, who face diversity and under extreme conditions.. see it half full.

For me and mine.. we'll take the glass half full crowd.

We also enjoy having a "face" put on all of this. Some of the stories are truly inspiring. They show kids that you can DO anything if you set your mind to it.

Without these stories.. only rich kids would try to be Olympic Mmedalists. Only those in perfect medical condition would ever try.

The inspiring stories of past.. are what have made the Olympics become such a wonderful venue to show how any of us, can and do overcome adversity.

I say "YEAH WAY TO ROLL!!!!"

USA, USA,.. USA!!!!!! :o)

(PS. Thanks to this story, I will be watching with great interest the Liver Transplant patient!!!) So THANK YOU for posting it!!! It "inspired me".. though I know that wasn't your intent!

[stainlessbanner]

I agree - they get too carried away with personal stories in general. I would prefer to see more sports, less stories.

I really don't care that a Olympian from Zimbabwe lost his pet hamster when he was 5yrs old.

[Pay now bill Clinton]

MPEG video: The Taliban Olympics (2.7 MEG)

[unamused]

...we aren't helping the poor people of the world by gorging ourselves on sad stories.

And we are obligated to "help the poor" for exactly what reason?

[bleudevil]

Well, we're not obligated...I just think sometimes people think that feeling bad for someone is helpful to them, when feelings in and of themselves don't help.

And BTW, in response to another poster, I'm all in favor of people who overcome adversity to triumph at the Olympics or anywhere else. I just don't like the feeling I get from some media that they're looking for something sad in everyone's life.

[bleudevil]

Thanks for the post about the artist - nice style.

And tbg681, here's one woman who's hoping you're over that hangover. :->

[Tall_Texan]

((**sniff**)) That's beautiful, man! (sob)

Pass me an Olympic condom. I think that speedskater is hot!!

[Snow Bunny]

Vets_Husband_and_Wife , I agree with YOUR post completely! This stupid article is awful and I disagree with it! Good thing I will never meet the idiot that wrote the article.I would not give two cents for a person like this in any way shape or form.

I love the Olympics and it is important to learn of the lives that have worked so hard to overcome things in their lives to commit to their dream. It is the hope, the glasd half full the wanting to better themselves and be all they can be.

ONLY liberals hate people that want to succeed and better themselves and be the best they can be in any chosen field, even sports.

This article makes me sick! Thank God America is NOT about being negative,but being positive and to reach for the brass ring, the better life and to better oneself.ONLY liberals want handouts and things handed to them .

[bleudevil]

Do you really think the author hates the liver-transplant athlete? Think.

[IVote2]

Thanks for the ping. I found myself wishing last night that ABC still covered the games. They were inspiring and fascinating to watch. We have yet to see how well NBC does.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

You forgot to mention women.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

pingen

[Tennessee_Bob]

Danke,

Hey...I had a hangnail once - and another time, I had about a gallon of JP-4 dumped over my head by a newbie troop. Had chemical burns in both eyes. Reckon I can get in the Olympics???