February 13, 2014

Video: Five Ring Fever

The Sochi Games and Celebration Capitalism

Mega sporting events such as the Olympics are increasingly used to redevelop cities, displace populations and quash internal dissent. Meanwhile, international governing bodies like the IOC and FIFA turn blind eyes to human rights violations by host countries, instead considering only who can provide them with the best party favors. The Sochi Winter Olympics, as well as the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil and upcoming World Cups in Brazil and Qatar, represent prime examples of this trend toward what Jules Boykoff calls “celebration capitalism.”

Stefanie Ehmsen Co-Director, RLS-NYC Introduction 0:23

Jules Boykoff, Professor, Pacific University On the Modern Olympics and Celebration Capitalism 1:51

Samatha Retrosi, 2006 Olympic Luger on Athletes Exploitation 7:45

Dave Zirin , The Nation on Sochi Games and LGBT Movements 12:27


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