ANDREW FIALA: Inequities sometimes overwhelm the Olympic ideal

In his most recent column for The Fresno Bee, Philosophy Department Chairman Andrew Fiala, writes that the focus on Olympic medal count exposes global inequalities. Problems revealed in Rio indicate that there is much work to be done in the world to eliminate injustice, inequality and other social problems.

This can overwhelm an important message of the Olympics:

The glory of victory is only a small part of the Olympics. The more important message is that the people of the world can play fairly together.

With roots in Greek myth, Olympism is a philosophy of life that seeks harmony of body, will, mind and world. It demands respect for universal ethical principles. And it celebrates “the joy of effort.”