elpais.com
Enhanced Games": Doping-Allowed Competition Sparks Outrage
A new competition called "Enhanced Games" will be held in Las Vegas in May 2024, allowing and encouraging the use of performance-enhancing drugs; this directly challenges the IOC and WADA, raising significant ethical and health concerns.
- How does the philosophy behind "Enhanced Games" connect to broader socio-political trends and ideologies in the United States?
- The games represent a direct challenge to traditional sporting organizations like the IOC and WADA, who cite health risks and the destruction of fair play. The event's organizers, however, frame it as a scientific and transhumanist project, aiming to transcend biological limits and improve human capabilities, reflecting an ideological alignment with certain elements within the American political landscape, particularly those linked to the MAGA movement.
- What are the immediate consequences of the "Enhanced Games" announcement for the world of professional sports and regulatory bodies?
- Enhanced Games," a new competition for athletes, swimmers, and weightlifters, allowing and even recommending doping, will debut in Las Vegas on Memorial Day weekend 2024. The event, founded by Aron d'Souza and Christian Angermayer, offers prize purses of $500,000 per event, with bonuses for world records. Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev already received $1 million for breaking a 50m freestyle record, although this will not be officially recognized.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of "Enhanced Games" on the future of athletic competition, performance enhancement, and ethical considerations in sport?
- The long-term implications of "Enhanced Games" are uncertain but could include a shift in the ethical and philosophical approach to athletic competition. The involvement of prominent figures associated with the MAGA movement and transhumanism suggests a potential for wider cultural impact, influencing views on performance enhancement and human limits. The event also presents considerable health risks to participants.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing is heavily biased towards portraying the Enhanced Games in a positive, albeit controversial, light. The enthusiastic quotes from organizers and investors are prominently featured, while criticisms from sporting bodies are presented as warnings or concerns, rather than as balanced counterarguments. The headline, if there was one, would likely emphasize the novelty and potential of the games over its ethical implications. The use of terms like "superhuman" and "improving humanity" positions the games as a progressive movement, potentially influencing reader perception.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language to describe the Enhanced Games and its supporters. Terms such as "superhuman," "improving humanity," and "excellence" create a positive connotation, while words like "orgia" (translated to "orgie") and "apocalyptic warnings" portray critics negatively. The description of the Enhanced Games as a "movement" further emphasizes its significance and potential impact. Neutral alternatives could include more descriptive and less emotionally charged language.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the Enhanced Games and the opinions of its organizers and investors, but omits perspectives from athletes who might choose not to participate due to health concerns or ethical objections. The long-term health risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs are mentioned, but the potential benefits or alternative viewpoints regarding doping are not explored. Additionally, the article doesn't delve into the potential legal ramifications of the Enhanced Games or the potential responses from governing bodies beyond the quoted warnings.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the Enhanced Games as either a revolutionary step towards human enhancement or a catastrophic threat to the spirit of sports. It fails to acknowledge the potential for a middle ground or nuanced perspectives on the ethics of performance enhancement. The narrative simplifies the debate into 'for' or 'against' without exploring the complexities of the issue.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit significant gender bias. While the organizers and investors are predominantly male, the text doesn't focus on gender stereotypes or unequal representation.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Enhanced Games promote the use of performance-enhancing drugs, posing significant health risks to athletes. The article highlights concerns from the IOC and WADA about the potential for catastrophic health consequences, including long-term effects of excessive drug use, addiction, and uncontrolled violence. This directly contradicts the SDG target of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.