There are days when I get creeped out when I read certain things... like when I read about somebody having to sign a loyalty oath to attend a political rally. Today's creepiness is on display in
this article about corporate authoritarianism in Athens for the Olympics.
Known as the "clean venue policy," the rules were drawn up by the Greeks and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to shield sponsors from so-called "ambush marketing" - an attempt to advertise items during the games without paying sponsorship fees.
Yes indeed, not only will there be a cast of thousands keeping the terrorists at bay, but the corporate logo police will be out in force. What might they do? Read on.
Strict regulations published by Athens 2004 last week dictate that spectators may be
refused admission to events if they are carrying food or drinks made by companies that did not see fit to sponsor the games.
Fans will be allowed into the Olympic complex if they are drinking Avra, a Greek mineral water owned by Coca-Cola, which paid $60 million US for the privilege of being one of the main sponsors. Officials are under orders not to let in rival brands' bottles unless the labels are removed.
Staff will also be on the lookout for T-shirts, hats and bags displaying the unwelcome logos of non-sponsors. Stewards have been trained to detect people who may be wearing merchandise from the sponsors' rivals in the hope of catching the eyes of television audiences. Those arousing suspicion will be required to wear their T-shirts inside out.
Whatever happened to the good old days when the Olympics were more about athletic competition with a dose of jingoism on the side? ... or was it ever that simple?