So Much Tension, and It Didn't Even Matter

In 1936, the Olympic games were held in Berlin, Germany. For those of us not on top of our history facts, this is when Hitler was in power. Hitler only allowed members of the Aryan race to compete for the German team. This, of course, was to demonstrate his idea of racial supremacy. He showed, however, two faces to the world. While he discriminated against any races not his own, he also exhibited political prowess (that could easily be mistaken for tolerance).

This page gives an overall summery of the 1936 Olympic games. It brings up interesting facts that provide interesting discussion based in politics, psychology, and morality.

Politically, Hitler knew the world would not accept his views of racial supremacy as part of the Olympic games. The point of the games is to bring us all together as equals, even though everyone is competing against the others. Knowing he would get in trouble with the Olympic committee, and possibly other nations, Hitler instigated "clean up" programs. This included removing anti-Jew signs and other propaganda from the city. He also did not uphold visitors to the country to his laws pertaining to race, religion, or sexual orientation. This is NOT tolerance. This is a politically genius move to keep him out of trouble with nations he could not defeat.

During the Parade of the Athletes, all of the Olympic competitors march into a stadium normally organized by country. They always pass the leader of the host nation, in this case Hitler. Countries debated whether the athletes should give Hitler the Nazi salute or the Olympic salute, both being very similar. Some countries gave the Nazi salute, even goose-stepped into the arena. Some athletes put their hand over their heart in show of respect for the host nation's leader. Some gave the Olympic salute. The countries in support of Hitler's regime were proud to give the Nazi salute. Other nations were just happy to be present and representing their country.

The United States debated over whether to send a team to these Olympics or if boycotting that year's games was a better idea. They did not want to seem to be supporting the Nazi regime. In the end, The U.S. sent a team. A black man, Jesse Owens, won four gold medals at these games. While I have no proof, this probably upset Hitler just a little. Poor thing. However, after Owens almost did not qualify for the long jump finals, a German athlete (obviously from the Aryan race) give him a few tips. This is proof that once again, hatred between peoples and countries is a product of government propaganda, not individual feelings.

Even during a rough time for humanity, nations still came together to compete in harmony. While some might have feared for their safety while competing, most nations decided to send a team anyway, regardless of religion or race. Many countries fervently disagreed with the Nazi regime. This did not stop most of them from going to Berlin and being a part of world peace, if even for only a few weeks. What is it about the games that draws everyone in, no matter what is going on in global politics? Pride? Competitiveness? The desire for peace? These are obvious answers of course. Though I feel as if there is something deeper within an individual human. I intend to find out soon.