ah, yeah, i can see that. at least, or especially, when competition gets intense, and cheating/accusations/jealousy get involved, etc. like with women's gymnastics recently. by which i mean... if you're really into it to win, or to see your country win, or stereotype other countries--everything that works to increase those divisions/pride/etc. instead of just getting together and enjoying the event.

i don't think all of it has to be that way, though (but it's probably inevitable that it will when teams are by nation, and the whole event is a competition) and despite the fact that like everyone else isn't, i'm kind of glad that it's in china this year, though i have my reservations. i guess that's just from being in china when it began, with people from other countries who were all just excited to be there and cheer for multiple teams and tease each other. but that's kind of different than watching it in your home country, only knowing your own team, etc.