Bell urges the much-honored Phelps to step aside and let a U.S. fencer who symbolizes the nation’s diversity to have the honor of carrying the flag

W. Kamau Bell: A noble gesture for Michael Phelps? – CNN.com

I love the Olympics. I love how they (and the American Teams competing at them) are becoming more and more diverse. I love how it brings people from cultures all around the world together to meet on the same playing field. I love the mystique of the PAX Olympiad. I love watching young people do their absolute best for medals, glory, or simply the love of sport. I love all of it.

Except this narrative.

I think the story of the fencer in hijab is great and it highlights a road towards a more inclusive society and world.

However, the Olympics – at their best – are not about politics and they certainly aren’t about religion or race. They’re not about commenting on racial or socio-economic strife in one’s homeland either. The Olympics are about sport.

This is the Olympics! Not some partisan, let’s-divide-everybody -up-into-categories-instead-of-seeing-them-all-as-athletes bullshit!!!

Michael Phelps is the most decorated American athlete at these games. He should be the one leading the team in. Not a first timer who isn’t going to medal.

Fuck that noise, fuck taking the flag away from Phelps.