The Politics of the Rio 2016 Olympics

FEATURING DAVE ZIRIN – A week into the globally popular Olympic Games, being held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, much buzz has emerged in the news and social media about the racism and sexism of media commentators. But there has also been celebration of the diversity of medal winners. Brazil’s own political chaos and economic disasters have also garnered attention, mostly because Brazilians themselves have braved repression and used the world stage to denounce a ‘parliamentary coup’ taking place in their country. Signs of Fora Temer, meaning ‘Out With Temer,’ are sending a clear message to the interim President Michel Temer, the man leading an impeachment of Dilma Rousseff.

Dave Zirin, sports editor for the Nation, author of Game Over: How Politics Has Turned The Sports World Upside Down. His new book is called Brazil’s Dance With the Devil: The World Cup, The Olympics, and the Fight for Democracy.