During the month of August, all eyes will be on Rio, Brazil to watch some of the world's best athletes compete in the Summer Olympic 2016 games. But what is the real cost behind these games?
Over the past few weeks many reports have commented about the current status of the games. As the games approach us, the reports are becoming more and more discouraging. Aside from countries currently being investigated for given their athletes an unfair advantage due to doping, Rio itself faces a great deal of issues due to games.
First, the venues for the games have not been completed. Many of the construction companies have been shut down due to investigation on their prices and executives. Construction workers have even protested against the lack of pay from these companies. The budget given to the games has been overwhelming, and can be detrimental to the economy of Brazil.
Second, the games face both health and safety concerns. The Zika virus is a great concern for all people involved. There is so much uncertainty currently surrounding the Zika virus. Currently fever, rash and birth defects in pregnant women infected have been documented, but the long term effects of Zika are still unknown. As a result, many health officials have suggested the relocation or postponing of the games.
In addition, Guanabara Bay; the bay in which the water sports will take place, has been found to contain a reportedly super bacteria that is drug resistant. This bay is also currently filled with trash both in the water and on the beach. Olympic competitors are currently training in this bay despite these conditions. Body parts have even been found on the shore of one of the beaches where events will take place.
Rio is also known as one of the most violent cities in the world. However, first responders seem unable to protect the people of Brazil and people visiting due to their working conditions. Recently, the Brazilian police force and firefighters protested these conditions with signs beginning with "Welcome to Hell." They reportedly are not being paid enough to be able to protect the city, or even to buy fuel for their vehicles.
Third, the current government and organizations of Brazil is currently unstable. Investigation, scandal, and economic uncertainty have lead Brazil's government to look very unstable. In addition, there is a great deal of civil unrest due to the current state of the government, violence, discrimination and the countries economic situation.
Finally, many Brazilians feel that the games have given Brazilian officials the opportunity to white wash the city of Rio. The games will take place in a new area; Barra, where little infrastructure currently exists. As a result some developers see this as an investment opportunity to make an elite area of the city that will be profitable to their networks. This has resulted in the eviction of small communities deemed unfit for this model in Barra, which in turn led some communities to protest. A small part of one community was finally allowed to stay, but only if the government could build them more aesthetically pleasing homes.
In addition, a stone wall has been built around the area of Mare in Brazil to prevent Brazilian visitors from seeing the poorer conditions of the city upon traveling between the airport and the South Zone; where the famous beaches are currently located. The claim was made that the barrier would prevent communities from being hurt by the sound of vehicles passing by. Bus lines have even been changed to prevent people from poorer areas from going into the South Zone.
The countries leaders need to take a hard look at what the games, and their beliefs and actions are doing to their county. Despite the museums and opportunities the new metropolis is promised to bring, the games pose a enormous threat on the lives and well being of many Brazilian people. The Olympics will come and go, but the effects on the nation will live on forever. What is the real cost of fame and entertainment? Is it worth it?
