Sports, Politics and the Olympics

The 1936 Olympic games were held in Berlin Germany during the days of Adolph Hitler.  Hitlers Aryan obsession fueled propaganda and anti-Semitism (as well anti-Roma Gypsies) in the sporting events.  Many Jewish, part-Jewish or Roman Gypsies were banned from competing in the games for Germany.  Hitler stressed the physique of the Aryan which acted as a prerequisite for the military.  In protest of Germany's violent racism, there were multiple attempted boycotts that failed.  Hitler, on the other hand, had basically all evidence of violent racism hidden from view for the few weeks the olympics lasted.  He put on a peaceable front that many believed would last a long time, but had a pro-Aryan undertone the entire span of the games.  

During the opening ceremony, the tradition of the relay torch bearing run was founded.  According to ushmm.org, "It perfectly suited Nazi propagandists, who used torch-lit parades and rallies to attract Germans, especially youth, to the Nazi movement.  The torch itself was made in 1936 by Krupp, a German company better known for its production of steel and armaments".  Hitler believed that the games would filter out the "weak, Jewish, and other undesirables" (Wikipeida).  Ironically, the African American sprinter, Jesse Owens turned out to be the most popular hero of the 1936 Olympics. Propaganda was one of the political uses of sport in Germany.  Hitler used the games to assert more control over the German people and introduce Nazi culture to the entire world.  

According to my research and class discussion, I do not agree with the statement, "Sport is pure and devoid of political interference".  This statement is clearly incorrect in regards to the 1936 games in Germany where Hitler blatantly used propaganda to promote his dictatorship and ideals.  Even in sport today in America, politics are clearly involved and arguable completely run sports in society.