Why is everyone up in arms about these masks?

The USOC provided these masks to the American athletes and advised them to wear them. When they were worn, the USOC scolds them for doing so.

The Chinese promised the world that it would have blue skies for the Olympics, but failed to deliver even after taking half the cars off the roads and closing many factories. I would hate to see what the pollution is like there normally.

These athletes have trained for years to prepare for these games and get their bodies in peak shape. They shouldn't have to compete in foul air.

The masks are an insult to the Chinese because they've taken such drastic measures to reduce air pollution. As you said, they've restricted car use and shut down factories in attempts to improve air quality. All this was obviously done at their own economic expense. For four Americans to waltz in the country with heavy-duty face masks not only mocks Chinese anti-pollution campaigns, but sends a firm message to the Chinese people that Chinese air is just not good enough for foreigners. I repeat: the air that 1.3 billion people breathe daily is not good enough for four American cyclists.

I do agree with those who say that athletes shouldn't have to "compete in foul air," but that argument fails to address the main point. While the act of wearing the masks seemed harmless to the athletes, it was a foolish breach in diplomacy- the Chinese people were (and continue to be) insulted by its symbolism.

And yet there are photos of Chinese people wearing masks on the streets everyday?! The Chinese know their air sucks! They know it because it was one of the requirements they improve it to be able to host the Games.

Now, if I was in China I wouldn't wear a mask, but then my body is a finely tuned machine that I've been training full-time for the last 4 years. This is a non-issue.

This is a complete non-issue.

First, who cares if China is insulted by the sight of athletes wearing masks? China has known about its air quality issues for a very long time, and it has known that everyone else knows too. It didn't prevent China from aggressively seeking the Olympics.

Second, athletes -- even Olympic athletes -- are not diplomats. They're athletes. Their only charge is to compete to the best of their ability, and with dignity. They are not required to sacrifice their well-being so that another country can save face. To require an athlete to suck up unknown pollutants and possible carcinogens would be to violate the athlete's basic human rights.

Third, who cares if China is overly sensitive to symbolism? I hate to be so blunt, but China begged for this opportunity so that it could showcase itself, increase tourism, and obtain other benefits of a positive global image. China is auditioning for the rest of the world; the reverse is not true.

slchen3:

The masks are an insult to the Chinese because they've taken such drastic measures to reduce air pollution. As you said, they've restricted car use and shut down factories in attempts to improve air quality.

Notice How they didnt give a damn before the world came in with cameras! If they have taken so many damned drastic measures, none of that would have been necessary!

slchen3:

he main point. While the act of wearing the masks seemed harmless to the athletes, it was a foolish breach in diplomacy- the Chinese people were (and continue to be) insulted by its symbolism.

Who gives a damn what offends chinese people? You want to be proud of your country, do it! Stop being a mouthpiece for your dictatorship, you tool!

"Notice How they didnt give a damn before the world came in with cameras! If they have taken so many damned drastic measures, none of that would have been necessary!"

Most countries govern according to their own people's needs before catering to the desires of others. If the government spends all its time worrying about its image, it starts neglecting its population. Therefore, the "world coming in with cameras," i.e. ethnocentric criticisms, worsens the country's problems rather than solves them.

"You want to be proud of your country, do it! Stop being a mouthpiece for your dictatorship, you tool!"

Dude, I'm American. And I am proud of my country.

modenastradale:

Second, athletes -- even Olympic athletes -- are not diplomats.

True. But as representatives of their country, they are undeniably political beings.

I got slaughtered too.

I guess people haven't quite caught on to the fact that the Olympic Games have stopped being a competion between athletes and have progressed to one-upsmanship between countries. Olympic athletes are very much diplomats.

And yes, had China not been given a free pass until 2012 per the Kyoto Protocol, this pollution would be an even larger travesty and indeed greater evidence that economics trumps environmentalism any day of the week.