By: Jessica Turner
Article Anaylsis
The article I chose to analyze was “Would Getting the Olympics Be Good or Bad for Chicago?” from Time.com. The article has a strong opening about President Obama. The president’s name immediately draws in readers. They want to know what the president is supporting and why. In this article the president is supporting Chicago’s 2016 Olympic bid. I had a layover in Chicago this summer and it is very apparent within the city, they want to host the Olympics. When I saw this article, it peeked my interest immediately.
After the lede, the writer immediately presents the problem. He goes on to state problems that past Olympic hosts have faced. By emphasizing the problems, the reader wants to keep reading to find the solution. The use of exact costs of the Olympics also strengthens the article. The writer took time to research instead of guessing or making estimate. This diligence shows the reader this is a serious article.
I liked how the writer went in depth with examples of past Olympic host cities. I did not know hosting an Olympic game cost so much. To me the Olympics bring prestige and publicity, not debt and disgrace. The article makes a point to note the success of Atlanta’s 1996 Olympic game, but it was privately funded. When I think of the Olympics I think of the greater goodwill of man. If the Olympics is privately funded it is almost as if it is owned by a business. How can a business own the Olympics? The article brings up the question if it is justifiable for the Olympic to be privately funded if it will save cities and states from going into debt?
I have always been in awe of the Olympics. One of my life goals is to attend an Olympic game. I do not think many Americans know that Chicago is in the running to host an Olympics. This article not only brings that to the forefront, but it asks the hard questions. Is it worth it? Should Chicago transform its city for the Olympics?
I think the writer does a good job at showing both sides of the debate. It is expensive. Past host cities have gone into debt, while hosting a successful Olympics. Atlanta is an exception. They found a way to host a successful Olympics without much debt. I like how he leaves it up the readers to make their own decision. He understands if you put one plus blank equals two, the reader can fill in the blank without your help.
Overall, I liked this article. After I read this article. I’m excited to see if Chicago will make it to the next round and what their plans are if they host the 2016 Olympics.
