1972 Munich Games

Sport is an incredibly important aspect of culture, both in local circles and international spheres. Not only do sporting events attract many similar people, but sport can also build a sense of camaraderie among people who might not otherwise have anything in common. Because of this, the Olympic Games are particularly unique events. This ancient competition between nations unites people from all over the world in their love for sport and country. However, while sport can be used as a unifying force, it can also be a medium for divisive and harmful attitudes. For example, the idea of sport being used as a platform for negative ideologies has been raised when it comes to Germany and the Olympics. In particular, the 1936 Berlin Games and the 1972 Munich Games were very divisive. Both of these games had significant racial controversy surrounding them. In this essay, I will address the history, controversy, and cultural impact of the 1936 Berlin Games and the 1972 Munich

Rather than racism and xenophobia being present through propaganda, the Munich Games are remembered for a violent terrorist attack that occurred during the event. During the 1972 Olympics at Munich, on the morning of September fifth, a group of Palestinian terrorists stormed the Olympic Village. They went into the apartment of Israeli athletes, killing two and taking nine hostages. The terrorists were part of a group called Black September, in exchange for the release of the hostages, they demanded that Israel release over two-hundred Arab prisoners and two German terrorists. During the following shootout at the Munich airport, the nine Israeli hostages were killed along with five of the terrorists. The Games were suspended for 24 hours to hold memorial services for the murdered athletes. After a general memorial service was held for the athletes at the Olympic stadium, the games were ordered to