Olympic Status: A Better Version of the Selfie

As they compete in the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, Olympians are begging for attention—in a good way! They are the ideal antidote to the obsession with selfies that has infected millions of people around the globe. Some psychologists have had the courage to point out that even the world’s top current or past politicians are perhaps revealing their compulsive narcissistic tendencies by indulging in the not-so-infrequent selfie. Olympians are pretty great because they always remind us that our bodies can do lots of stuff and movement. They also show us how to prepare for the ultimate selfie like a true champion, such as when winning at a difficult winter sport and being recognized as one of the best, if not the best, in the world.

The hard-won selfie

Achieving world-class status as an athlete creates the perfect selfie moment. But, let’s face it; they have more on their minds than the usual self-centered obsession behind the constant snapping of selfies. To get to that ultimate selfie moment, Olympians and their families usually have to make deep financial sacrifices. The journey to the top is not easy or pretty on almost any level.

Overcoming perils

One of the humiliating situations honest competitors often find themselves in is taking a supplement of some kind, only to find out that it contained steroids of some kind. Olympic athletes cleared of drug charges are still usually penalized very strictly. This is actually one of the risks of getting to that perfect, winning selfie moment.

The sexism

Media coverage of Olympic events treats male and female competitors completely differently. Women are often objectified, especially during the summer Olympics, when their uniforms are often scarce. It’s just unfair that in their pursuit of a national win, women are given less respect than their male counterparts. As countless selfie-obsessed females seek the perfect sexy snapshot to post on social media, female Olympic winners are lucky if their crowning moments are aired.

The ultimate selfie

In the age of the selfie, it’s a good idea to step back from the insanity of glorifying narcissism on a global scale. The Winter Olympic games provide the perfect opportunity to say that there are many things of far greater value than capturing ourselves at a great angle for public posting. The people who make layers of sacrifices to compete as athletes on a worldwide stage serve as great examples of how to really set up for the perfect photo—on the winner’s platform, of course.