Your Olympic Effort to Boost Canada’s Reputation

How Canada will be perceived by the international community is of the utmost importance as it will affect national opinions of Canada and Canadian society.

Televised and broadcasted to a worldwide audience, the Olympics give host countries an opportunity to display the nation’s best through spectacle and grandeur, and a chance to showcase culture, convey national affluence, and assert political influence.

These Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games will allow international spectators and worldwide viewers to formulate their beliefs on “What is Canada,” and their opinions are absolutely vital for securing a positive reputation. Simply put, the viewers have some role in Canada’s political future within the international community.

VANOC clearly has very well understood this notion, and their gallant efforts to coordinate public transportation and provide security are very commendable, and will hopefully give the best emotional experience possible to Olympic athletes, spectators, and all foreign ambassadors.

But, Vancouverites should also contribute to the Olympic effort, and do their fair share to promote the most hospitable environment. Vancouverites and Canadians need to act and behave in an ethical manner, and be vigilant that Canada will be under close scrutiny. Although the Olympics feel celebratory and festive, one should remember that this international event is largely a political one. In short, don’t do anything that will make Canada look bad!

Despite how easy it is to get swept away in the moment, for example, when Canada wins the Gold in Hockey, please refrain from destroying public property, acting in an improper manner, engaging in illegal or otherwise immoral activity, and detrimentally affecting international relations with foreign spectators – an important ambassador who will testify for or against the reputation of Canada.

Lastly, one can contribute greatly to a positive Canadian reputation by simply condoning the congested (and the worse is to come) traffic. Remember that the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games is more than a global sporting event, but a chance to showcase the best of Canada.

In summary, Canada will be an international stage for a theatrical performance that can significantly affect Canada’s international reputation, and we are all players. We must act the best we can – Go, Canada, Go!