The U.S Olympic Team Uniform Controversy

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The U.S Olympic Team: The Uniform Controversy In 2012 the world tuned in to see athletes from all over the world proudly demonstrate their national colors and wave their county’s flag as the best athletes in their country. Athletes traveled to London to represent their nation in the Summer Olympics in hopes of winning Gold. On July 27, 2012 the London Summer Games commenced with the highly anticipated opening ceremony. During the ceremony one by one each country’s athletes were showcased in their national uniform. Although most countries were proud of their representative’s attire some countries found other countries’ attire to be hypocritical and disrespectful. The U.S received countless backlashes due to the American’s not-made-in-the-USA uniform. Originally created by world renowned designer and American brand Ralph Lauren; Ralph wanted the uniforms to embody America in the traditional sense of patriotism. The uniforms were in fact designed in America and inspired by America but were made and assembled in China. When news leaked of these “made in china” uniforms U.S citizens were outraged. Some U.S political figures went as far as to demand the uniforms be burned and replaced (Minter, 2012). This particular statement about “burning” China-made goods sparked a reaction from the Chinese government. Controversy about the uniforms began to create a feud amongst China and America. Although familiar with cynical political remarks from America over the years, China now felt that Americans were being hypocritical and bigoted. Bloggers and Social Media outlets in China raved about other China-made items Americans should burn as well, including technological devices such as smartphones and computers, cars and other articles of clothing like shoes. The Chinese Republic felt that Americans were contradicting their stance on ever expanding globalization and increasing
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