Thursday, August 26, 2004

Olympic ratings

The ratings are higher for this Olympics than 4 years ago in Sydney Olympics. What is it about watching athletes swim, run, bike, shoot hoops, bump, set, that draws so many fans? Why are more people watching now than ever before?

I have several theories. One is the pure escapism. With all the politics playing out right now, it's nice to take a 2 week break from the mud slinging. Also, our world in the US has changed from the past 4 years. It is reassuring to envelope yourself in something historic and predictable. The athletes representing their countries are competing in harmony and allows us to imagine a world without terror. The Olympics also give us hope. And we witness real human emotion hour after hour, joy, elation, despair, without having to think of our own problems.

Or maybe it's the hard bods in skimpy attire.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Personally, I think it's the synchronized swimming that's mesmerized us.

Those sequined shower caps are amazing.

Michael said...

I'm going with the skimpy attire. I want to join the women's volleyball team.

In 2008, they're supposed to add synchronized monster trucks.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you mentioned this. I was curious how it was doing in the ratings. It seems like everyone I talk to is watching it. I like the escapism. But I watch the Olympics (winter and summer) every year that they are held, so I'm not a good barometer.

Laanba