It wasn't enough for Locthe to cry victim. No, this guy goes as far to say that, not only were him and his fellow Olympians robbed at gun point, but the gun was pointed straight at his forehead, threatening his life. What did Locthe do? According to him, he stood. Yeah, he stood there, looked at the gunman straight in the eyes and defied his command to get down on the ground. Tough guy, Lochte is, right?
The robber, according to Locthe, took everything but their cellphone and jewelry, the valuables any robber would have probably found much worth taking. Sounds fabricated? Yes, it does, and it is.
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What we could learn from Lochte
Every media outlet that I have seen cover this story, are all covering it the same way:
Lochte lied. He is not a victim, but a vandal. Shame on him. And it doesn't get any deeper than that, it is all on the surface.
How beneficial would it be, though, to have Ryan Lochte, instead of being shamed by the media, educate us? Yes, educate us on what lesson he has learned from this, and also why we should not resort to being the stereotypical, entitled American.
If you think about it, this isn't only a one man problem, as it is a national problem. We, as Americans, are perceived as these arrogant, braggadocios, and self-proclaimed dominant people. By Ryan Lochte lying, he has depicted that stereotype, in the biggest stage imaginable, and proven the world right.
Take away his 12 olympic medals, his fame and money, and he is just your typical guy. We can learn from his "fall from grace", analyze his behavior, and reflect on our own behavior. Ask the following:
Am I that stereotypical American? Do I feel entitled? What am I doing to represent this country well? This is a chance to learn, not shame someone.
The overshadowing of The Olympic Games
Not only has this story overtaken the media sphere, but it has overshadowed the Olympics. The Olympics should be a time where, internationally, we are all united, watching these gifted athletes achieve what we, ourselves, dream of achieving. I, personally, feel inspired, and motivated to take on the world after watching Simone Biles win gold on vault. Or watching Michael Phelps win his 23rd gold olympic medal, on the freestyle.
That should be our main focus, but, that doesn't seem to be the case. No, our main focus is a scandal, made by the mistake of one dude, and honestly, blown out of proportion.
Aside from the inspirational moments, seems we like to balance it out with some drama, and that, itself, is the bigger disappointment, not Ryan Locthe.
Conclusion
I am not saying Ryan Lochte should go without being reprimanded. On the contrary, he deserves any consequence that comes with this crime. But we shouldn't keep on beating him over and over again about it. That is cruel.
Although a seasoned and disciplined athlete Lochte is in the pool, out in the real world, he still needs training. That much is clear. He could lose millions in endorsement deals, for a mistake that could have been avoided, and I am sure that is deeply regretting his behavior lately.
And, still, the world is shocked by this. But, what else would you have expected from this over glorified figure? All he has known is luxury and fame. Expecting a different outcome would have been ignorant on our part.
It is not time to shame this guy, but to reflect on our own behavior, and make sure we don't act arrogant, rash or entitled, but humble. That is a true American, a humbled one, with heart and passion, and who is reasonable.
