The Olympics are supposed to be a time to come together as a nation and celebrate the achievements and hard work of the world’s most accomplished athletes. While some have done the right thing and made the decision to put their political views and affiliations aside maintaining civility and respect, others have used the games as an opportunity to take shots at those they disagree with.
On the final day of the 2018 Olympic Games, White House Advisor Ivanka Trump attended the Closing Ceremony in Pyeongchang, South Korea. American freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy attacked her presence via Twitter just before the ceremony kicked off:
So proud of all these people! Everybody here has worked so hard to make it to the Olympics and have the opportunity to walk in the closing ceremony! Well… Everyone except Ivanka. Honestly, tf is she doing here?? pic.twitter.com/sfJKi0VTDb
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) February 25, 2018
Not only is this extremely off-putting and disappointing – especially for Americans who follow the games to support their country and the athletes who represent it, not the athletes’ political views – it is completely unacceptable. No woman deserves to be treated this way.
Team USA bobsledder and silver medalist Lauren Gibbs, on the other hand, took a very different approach and put partisan politics aside. After visiting and posing for photos with Ivanka Trump and White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders (which Gibbs requested), Gibbs tweeted:
“It’s important to remember that we don’t have to agree on everything to get along, be civil to each other and enjoy each others company. #itsforamerica it was a pleasure to meet you both.”
The link to the Tweet is no longer available. It seems that Gibbs felt pressured to take it down after she came under fire by critics who were outraged by her civility and respect.
Gibbs is right that we don’t have to agree on everything to get along and respect one another. We must insist that all women, regardless of background and perspective, be treated with dignity and respect.
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