2014: The year Russia-bashing got ugly – and dangerous
Robert Bridge
RT.com
December 31, 2014
The western media narrative blames Russia’s “aggressive” foreign policy for triggering the collapse of US-Russian relations. Nothing could be further from the truth, and two major events of the last year prove it.
The Sochi Games we somehow survived
In the weeks and months prior to the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Western mainstream media shifted into hysterical gear, spooking the public with every possible thing that could go wrong in Sochi (but didn’t) scenario.
A non-stop, mass-produced litany of tales of wild dogs, strange toilets, and the looming threat of terrorism had the rather predictable effect of prompting many spectators and even athletes to take a pass on one of the most successful Games of modern times.
Although every city that plays host to the Olympics is expected to endure some level of hostile media coverage – invariably over the sheer cost of hosting the international event – the type of criticism aimed at the organizers of the Sochi Games was exceptional for the political edge of the attack, including Russia’s decision to ban gay propaganda in the months prior to the event.
There was a deliberate effort to conflate Russian legislation to protect minors from being exposed to inappropriate sexual messages with some sort of government-sponsored attack on homosexuals. Even Human Rights Watch painted a hugely inaccurate picture of the law, turning it into some sort of state-sanctioned hit parade.
“Russian authorities are sending a dangerous message as the world is about to arrive on its doorstep for the Olympics that there is nothing wrong with attacks on gay people,” said Tanya Copper, a researcher with HRW.
The Rest…HERE
