In "Section from President Carter's Speech/A Former Olympian's View," both authors agree that participating in the Moscow Olympics is a meaningful gesture between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Question

How do the two authors interpret this fact differently?

Section from President Carter's Speech/A Former Olympian's View

Responses

President Carter views participating as an approval of the Soviet Union's military action. Philip Shinnick views participating as a gesture of goodwill between ordinary citizens.
President Carter views participating as an approval of the Soviet Union's military action. Philip Shinnick views participating as a gesture of goodwill between ordinary citizens.

President Carter views participating as a chance to make peace between the two nations. Philip Shinnick views participating as a way to show the Soviets that the United States is better.
President Carter views participating as a chance to make peace between the two nations. Philip Shinnick views participating as a way to show the Soviets that the United States is better.

President Carter views participating as standing by other Western allies. Philip Shinnick views participating as leaving behind those countries that choose to go.
President Carter views participating as standing by other Western allies. Philip Shinnick views participating as leaving behind those countries that choose to go.

President Carter views participating as an admission of the superiority of the Soviet Union. Philip Shinnick views participating as a chance for the United States to win.

Answer 1

In "Section from President Carter's Speech/A Former Olympian's View," the two authors interpret the significance of participating in the Moscow Olympics differently, reflecting their distinct perspectives on the political context and the implications of such participation.

1. President Carter's Perspective: He sees participating in the Olympics as an endorsement of the Soviet Union's actions, particularly its military actions. He believes that participation would equate to approving of their aggressive foreign policy, thus undermining the moral stance of the United States during a time of conflict.

2. Philip Shinnick's Perspective: In contrast, he views participation as an opportunity for goodwill and connection among ordinary people, rather than a political endorsement of the Soviet government. Shinnick believes that the Olympics could serve as a platform for athletes from both nations to come together, promoting peace and understanding between the citizens of the two countries.

In summary, while Carter emphasizes the political ramifications of participating, suggesting it would imply support for Soviet aggression, Shinnick focuses on the potential for positive human connection between athletes, viewing participation as a means to foster goodwill rather than a political statement.