04-11-2023, 03:50 PMDuff101 Wrote: I expressed that kind of as a more general opinion on why it’s not as easy as just changing a name, but I would also add that I think there is a little more to this than just removing Russia because they are bad. In the modern world, where you’re from is to some extent part of your identity. I am sure the vast majority of us have had the privilege of not living under real authoritarianism or living in a society where propaganda pervades nearly every part of life (I dont want to hear how america is like this because it isn’t) so it’s hard to understand that Russian people aren’t monolithic just because they aren’t all collectively taking up arms and heading for the hills. Playing for Russia can mean more than playing for Putin and the current regime.

I’d like to add an addendum that the whole OAR thing felt like a performative nonpunishment in the real world so I would be kinda opposed to that here on similar grounds.
Also wasn’t that for cheating?

It was previously for doping, yes, but that does not mean that it isn't applicable in other ways. It was a way for non-doping athletes to still compete for both themselves and their nation without the baggage of what competing under the russian flag meant which seems to be like what you are trying to achieve. The OAR tag is meant to represent just the people, not the government, and still give them the ability to compete without crediting a nation who is breaking international law, purposely murdering civilians and actively threatening the world with nuclear war just to name a few of the things they have been up to recently (and none of this is new by the way. See Syria before Ukraine, Georgia before that and Chechnya before that TWICE).

I don't buy this whole 'what doors will it open?' or 'Its not that easy' arguement that I keep hearing. Its pretty cut and dry. As previously mentioned, we dont allow people to represent other hateful groups (governments or otherwise) so why should we make an exception for Russia?