Bill Rhoden, a seasoned sportswriter for ESPN, has been reporting on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which were postponed to the summer of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Rhoden has extensive experience in sports journalism, he was taken aback by the prominence of American flags at the Games and found their display troubling. For Rhoden, the flags evoked memories of the Capitol Riots, which were perpetrated by Trump supporters, and this association made him uncomfortable.
Typically, the Olympics serve as a unifying event where Americans celebrate their national pride. However, some progressives are concerned that conservatives are co-opting the American flag for political purposes. Rhoden, a prominent figure in sports journalism, expressed his dismay at the numerous American flags visible in Tokyo this summer.
In a recent interview, Rhoden elaborated on his feelings about the flag’s presence at the Olympics. “I’ve always loved the opening ceremonies and the parade of nations,” Rhoden said. “But after these last four years, I’ve realized that nationalism isn’t beneficial. We’ve witnessed the rise of White nationalism, and that’s troubling.”
He continued, “Seeing the U.S. flags, especially in light of the Capitol riots, makes me question what kind of America we’re living in. The flag now seems to represent a faction that may not want everyone to be included.”
Rhoden, representing African American perspectives, did not specify whether he was concerned about potential racist views within the Team USA delegation. His critique also extended to the USA basketball team, which he believed benefited from their loss to France. Rhoden argued that the defeat would help the players and the country confront their sense of entitlement and privilege.
“I think we need to be humbled,” Rhoden commented. “This past year has been about entitlement and privilege, and basketball is a prime example of that.”
He also voiced skepticism about holding the Olympics this year amid the pandemic, noting that athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 were forced to withdraw from competition.
The American flag has recently been highlighted as a symbol of division. A New York Times report indicated that Old Glory no longer unites Americans as it once did. Mara Gay, an editorial board member, noted her discomfort upon seeing an abundance of American flags during a visit to Long Island, describing the experience as “disturbing.”