Cross-posted at www.angryyoungdem.vox.com
So Chicago didn't win. I guess Obama hasn't healed all old wounds just yet, and I guess he isn't the pied piper. But the choice of Brazil just makes too much sense. I have no idea the IOC's reasons, but here are mine:
- Rio has a real thriving middle class. I was really impressed with the city and its people
- The IOC likes to reward up and coming countries. With the thriving middle class already existent, the economic boom that can come from the Olympics can really put Brazil over the top.
- Brazil could represent the future. It is a growing country with tremendous natural resources. The Olympics could help it on its way to be a real economic leader as its natural resources become more and more needed across the world.
- Brazil is already an international sports country and Rio an international sports city. 2014 World Cup is in Brazil (the 5th country to host it twice).
- Brazil is not perfect. Rio is actually the most dangerous city in the world. However, most of that violence comes from Favellas, little pockets of government housing that are ruled by drug gangs. Most of the violence is contained in the favellas although ordinary street crime sometimes leaks into the city streets (really the beaches). With the Olympics comes scrutiny and with this scrutiny, the Brazilian authorities will have to act. For the most part, from my research and time spent there (which is granted minimal), it appears that the favellas are allowed to self-govern as long as it does not harm international commerce (i.e. tourism). Perhaps something will be done about the abject poverty and conditions that citizens of the favella live under.
Chicago and Madrid would have been noble choices. However, would they really get as much out of the Olympics as Brazil will? Would Chicago really benefit economically from the Olympics as Rio? Could Madrid really use the noteriety as much as Rio?
I was in Rio for 3 days and Brazil for 11. I fell in love with the country and the people. As an American citizen, I am disappointed in the result. As a citizen of the world, I couldn't be more excited.