World

Zion, Zion Everywhere: ‘Racist’ 2012 Olympic Logo is Offensive to Iran

TEHRAN (AP/The Blaze) – Iran is objecting to the official logo for the 2012 London Olympic games, contending it is racist and claiming it spells the word “Zion.”  In protest, the Islamic nation is warning of a possible boycott of the games.

Zion, Zion Everywhere: Racist 2012 Olympic Logo is Offensive to Iran

The Olympic logo says "2012," not "Zion"

The secretary general of Iran’s National Olympic Committee said Iran sent a letter to International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge. The letter claims the 2012 logo spells out “Zion,” a biblical term widely recognized to refer to the city of Jerusalem.

In comments carried by the official IRNA news agency Monday, secretary general Bahram Afsharzadeh said the letter urges other Muslim states to oppose the “racist logo.”

“There is no doubt that negligence of the issue from your side may affect the presence of some countries in the games, especially Iran which abides by commitment to the values and principles,” the letter said.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called for Israel’s destruction and questioned historical accounts of the Holocaust. Iranian athletes have refused to compete against Israelis.

The London logo shows the numbers “2012” in four jagged figures and until now has been criticized only for its design. The IOC said it received the letter and joined London organizers in rejecting Iran’s complaint.

“Our response is as follows: The London 2012 logo represents the figure 2012, nothing else,” the IOC said.

The London organizers said the design was launched in 2007 after testing and consultation.

“We are surprised that this complaint has been made now,” the committee said.

h/t Sports Grid

Comments (225)

1 2 3 ... 6
  • PubliusPencilman
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:31pm

    Wow. The Blaze is really picking up the important stories. Great journalism! Odd how the recent independent report that Republican budget cuts would cost 700,000 jobs or Beck‘s comparing Reformed Judaism to radical Islam didn’t make the cut!

    Report Post »  
  • taskmaster78
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:30pm

    Wow the Olympics without Iran, what is the world going to do???????

    Report Post »  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:30pm

    It get real boring watching those Iranian female sprinters stumble down that track. The burka keeps on knockingoff the bar off in the Pole Vault at ,lets see, 7ft 5″. The men won’t compete in the same stadium as menustrating women, and want the pork sandwich stands removed.

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • wildjoker5
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:29pm

    Without Iran in the Olympics, who is going to come in last place now? Ohs noes.

    Report Post »  
  • N37BU6
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:29pm

    Remember Beck mentioning it years ago? The replacement of symbolic imagery with abstract trash?

    Again, Europe is WAY ahead in that department as well. Modern “art” is pretty much the only kind that’s allowed for public display anymore. Ironically, even the abstract trash still gets interpreted as offensive by one group of idiots or another.

    Report Post » N37BU6  
  • crolic9
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:28pm

    Pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all! I grew up reciting this every morning in school with my hand on my heart. We no longer do that for fear of offending someone!! Let’s see how many americans will re-post this & not care about offending.

    Report Post »  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:00pm

      I will see your pledge and raise you two!

      I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Savior for whose Kingdom it stands. One Savior, crucified, risen, and coming again with life and liberty to all who believe.

      I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word, I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and will hide its words in my heart that I might not sin against God.

      I do not care who it offends, I will pray they find Christ. :-)

      Report Post »  
  • darlenekay
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:28pm

    It just looks like an ugly logo to me.

    Report Post »  
    • Follower
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:46pm

      Me too. But the scary part is…well… when read backwards, it says 2102.

      Report Post »  
  • Praetor
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:28pm

    Let them take their athletes off the roster, it’ll leave more gold silver and bronze on the table for countries not going out of their way to find something pathetic to whine about.

    Report Post » Praetor  
  • z-ten
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:25pm

    Psssssssssst Iran…MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!

    Report Post » z-ten  
  • 12 gauge
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:25pm

    i thought the logo said “ahmadinejad is a whack job”, my bad

    Report Post »  
  • miles from nowhere
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:24pm

    If it afends the smuck from Iran leave it as is, maybe he will have an ARROGATE spasm he can not survive!

    Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:22pm

    Hey, if it offends Iran, go for it.

    Report Post »  
    • 912828Buckeye
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:20pm

      Just a thought…..Was it done on purpose?
      If so …..WELL DONE!

      Report Post » 912828Buckeye  
  • Diane TX
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:22pm

    Gee Bahram, don’t you think your President calling for the complete destruction of Israel might also seem a bit racist?

    Report Post »  
    • debrarae
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:30pm

      You’ve got that right! But then Obama never supported ISRAEL …..or for that matter OUR VETERANS!

       
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:58pm

      @DebraRae ~
      I haven’t noticed Obama being supportive of American citizens!

      Report Post » Showtime  
  • TheRealElvis
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:21pm

    If you stand on your head with a mirror and read it sideways, it clearly says “Iran Sucks”.

    Report Post »  
    • marine249
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:50pm

      no it say fok iran

      Report Post »  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:24pm

      Speaking of that… I wonder what the FOK news site has to say about this. I refuse to find out, but I wonder nonetheless. See ya FOKKERS!

      Report Post »  
  • DisillusionedDaily
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:18pm

    The government of Iran sees what it wants to. Maybe they are afraid that if they let their athletes go to the games in London they may not want to go back home after the games are over. I am afraid that our quest for political correctness has given them the idea that we will do anything they ask to keep from offending them!

    Report Post » DisillusionedDaily  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:52pm

      Maybe it’s the gold itself, if they were to win one.

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • chips1
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 9:14pm

      If you look at Irans picture of Mohammad long enough, it looks like Martha Rae.

      Report Post »  
  • joefboschsr
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:18pm

    if you play the olympic song backwards it says ” USA, USA, USA”

    Report Post » joefboschsr  
  • Doctor Nordo
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:16pm

    Looks like a couple engaged in carnal activities to me. Am I imagining things?!

    Report Post » Doctor Nordo  
    • betaraybill
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:36pm

      I thought you were a perv, until I looked at again!!!!! You’re right,but I have to get my mind out of the gutter…

      Report Post » betaraybill  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:49pm

      Absolutely ROFLMAO!!!
      I won’t ever look at that logo again and see “2012.” Oh, my stars!!
      It is obscene!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • TexasSueC
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 8:03pm

      I HAD to go and have another look after reading your post! LOL IT DOES look that way!

      Report Post » TexasSueC  
    • LAM2
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 9:34pm

      LOL, Betaraybill.
      Does this mean we agree with Iran that it sucks??

      Report Post »  
    • LAM2
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 9:39pm

      oops — meant to credit Doctor Nordo. The tears from laughing must have clouded my vision.

      Report Post »  
  • dudeman4
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:16pm

    When this is done going through Photoshop, it really WILL spell “Zion”

    Report Post »  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:55pm

      After you run it through photoshop it can read zion, zoin, noiz, nioz and so on and so on.

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
  • anutter
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:16pm

    That is one ugly logo.

    Report Post »  
  • mike_trivisonno
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:14pm

    Gotta agree with the Persians. This is offensive!

    Report Post » mike_trivisonno  
  • dudeman4
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:14pm

    They’re idiots because the supposed “N” is all wrong. With a little Photoshop…

    Report Post »  
  • trolltrainer
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:14pm

    I heard Iran has one heck of a women’s swimming team! They have new, streamlined burkas…

    Report Post »  
  • TumbleBumble
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:11pm

    Using my best imagination, I came up with ZOR. lol! Really? Are they looking for absolutely any reason to stir things up or what.

    Report Post » TumbleBumble  
  • Ziplock
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:11pm

    I see dead people!

    Report Post »  
    • rodamaa
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:27pm

      I see dumb people

      Report Post »  
    • Obama Bin Lying
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:09pm

      I see zionists

      Report Post » Obama Bin Lying  
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:13pm

      I see

      im in the wrong bar

      Report Post »  
    • El Paco
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:14pm

      Worse. I see Modern Art.

      Report Post » El Paco  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:27pm

      I see ugly :( but happy that Iran is pissed :)

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:36pm

      I see that the Iranians have absolutely run out of things to complain about!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • 1TrueOne55
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:44pm

      I see stupid people smoking hashish…

      Report Post » 1TrueOne55  
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:54pm

      I also see

      Gay soccer huligans

      with pink spray paint

      Report Post »  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 8:02pm

      I see how they came up with the design!

      It’s a blocked print of a crumpled up sheet of paper.
      Must have cost a lot for the stamp pad, paper, and Magic Marker.

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 9:58pm

      I see a collection of knuckleheads that deserve to get their arses kicked. And I know that
      You see that I am right!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • smartypoop
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:09pm

    I think its a stupid logo, but in short I think that Iran should stuff it. Please, boycot the games, that will show them.

     
    • bestartist
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:20pm

      I’m with you, really REALLY ugly, bad design but if Iran’s panties are in a bunch…..who cares?
      Art by Committee is ALWAYS a bad idea.
      memo to Iran, “buck up Buttercup, & get over it”

      Report Post » bestartist  
    • debrarae
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:26pm

      I say IRAN can keep it’s bigoted BUTT home! That logo no more spells ZION, than IRAN stands for PEACE! Iran can kiss my GRITS!

       
    • Creestof
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:27pm

      Yeah boycotting the olympics to make a point is just silly. Oh, wait…America boycotted the 1980 Olympics in Moscow to protest the Soviet Union invading and warring with Afghanistan…you know…the very same place we are warring in now.

      But seriously, I want as many Iranians at the olympics as possible…maybe then they won’t plot a terrorist attack against it.

      Report Post »  
    • LOOKING_BOTH_WAYS
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:30pm

      you Smart PooooP…. i didn’t get the sign until they told me it said 2012 . and the colors suck as well.
      ya think they could come up with something better.

      Report Post »  
    • LOOKING_BOTH_WAYS
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:32pm

      I meant to say I’M WITH YOU smartypoop………………………..

      Report Post »  
    • the frog
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:38pm

      I agree the logo is pretty lame if not the lamest, but the fact Iran hates it makes it better

      Report Post »  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:46pm

      It’s a lovely logo. If Ahmadinejad hates it, I love it!

      http://www.americasteapartynews.com

      thepatriotdave  
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:48pm

      since when is zion spelled zoin

      Report Post »  
    • 912828Buckeye
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:50pm

      The sign looks like it was designed by someone on meth…
      But if it keeps the yahoos out I like it.

      Report Post » 912828Buckeye  
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:03pm

      **** THIS JUST IN ****

      After agreeing to boycot the 2012 Olympics in London
      over a dispute of the Olympic Logo. Ahmedinajahd has
      agreed to host his own “ Special Olympics”

       
    • LOOKING_BOTH_WAYS
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:12pm

      not only that DASH.. he is also going to have the women swim in Burka’s
      It’s a new addition to Sharia Law. and
      He’s gonna laugh when they sink to the bottom …

      Report Post »  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:39pm

      @DashRipRock
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:03pm
      **** THIS JUST IN ****

      After agreeing to boycot the 2012 Olympics in London
      over a dispute of the Olympic Logo. Ahmedinajahd has
      agreed to host his own “ Special Olympics”
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      If Iranian people‘s IQ is comparable to Imadinnerjacket’s IQ, the Iranians don’t need to be at the Olympics in London anyway. Besides, isn’t it difficult to do gymnastics (or any other sport) in a burka?

      Showtime  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:43pm

      @DashRipRock
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:48pm
      since when is zion spelled zoin
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      When they misspelled “Zino” (you know, the Zionists In Name Only).

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • drbage
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:43pm

      The left see a racist in every closet; the uber Left see a zionist in each one. Talk about twisting the truth to fit an agenda!

      Report Post »  
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:49pm

      showtime

      lol @ ZINO

      Report Post »  
    • bluematrix90
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:50pm

      I second the motion.

      Report Post » bluematrix90  
    • cnsrvtvj
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 8:02pm

      Who would have thought that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was a nut? Oh, I guess I have thought that for several years now. What a shame if Iran doesn’t compete, I’m sure they would have won several gold medals. Oh well.

      http://www.donsmithshow.com – see the Muslim Brotherhood video

      Report Post » cnsrvtvj  
    • GBECKFAN
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 8:18pm

      I agree…GET OVER IT IRAN!!

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 8:30pm

      Holy Shhh…ia!! That logo invokes the 12th Imam. The “20” is code for where and when (London Olympics). Or,

      It’s the pinko call to wreck the London 2012 Olympics. Or,

      Suck Art.

      Perhaps all three.

      Report Post »  
    • no1jyd
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 9:25pm

      Kinda looks like, well it could be, let me look again, AHHHHHHH screw em what is the literacy rate in Iran anyway.

      Report Post »  
    • butler180
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 9:40pm

      Dear Smartypoop
      I agree it is a dopey logo, BUT if Iran is against it I am for it

      butler180  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 9:53pm

      Everything is offensive to Iran,,,,even us breathing air. Personally,,,I find them EXTREMELY offensive.

      Report Post »  
    • HappyStretchedThin
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 10:16pm

      In both Arabic and Persian scripts, letters are read right to left, top to bottom. Therefore this logo CLEARLY reads: Ozni, which, as we all know, is vaguely reminiscent of a famous satanist shock-rocker whose constantly alcoholic mumblings must somehow be responsible for Ahmediniwackjob’s misunderstanding about the Holocaust itself (or the lack thereof in his view).

      Report Post » HappyStretchedThin  
    • home_of_the_brave
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 10:42pm

      Wait, is this one of those things you have to stare at for a while before you see the image, cuz I’m not good at that. All I see is 2012 if it were written by a five year old.

      Report Post »  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 11:33pm

      to HappyStretchedThin

      That’s a relief,,,,,,I thought this was going to be another one blamed on Bush.

      Report Post »  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 11:35pm

      Iran should boycott the olympics……..they‘ve already demonstrated they shouldn’t be around them………

      Report Post »  
    • Everyone wants to rule the world
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 11:48pm

      I see Zion and it is a good sign. Keep it. Iran boycott, because you cannot get your way. Bullies.

      Report Post »  
    • Advena
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 1:53am

      I used to dislike the logo – now, suddenly I like it!

      Report Post »  
    • *************************
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 3:13am

      WORDS OF WISDOM:
      If you make a muslim angry, then you must be doing something RIGHT.

      rail worker CHARLIE: “Hey, Bart. Is it me, or is the world rising?”
      rail worker BART: “I don’t know. But whatever it is, I hate it.”
      -Blazing Saddles

      Report Post » WeDontNeedNoStinkinBadges  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:22am

      Olympics are stupid anyway.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • rayban5016
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:27am

      I agree Smarty… It is stupid. But I say if Iran hates it, well…. I love it.

      Report Post » rayban5016  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 10:26am

      Third time my comment has been removed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      http://www.theatlanticwire.com/features/view/feature/Israel-Punks-Iran-with-Star-of-David-on-Tehran-Airport-2649

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • gofigureinternational
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 11:07am

      Agree Smarty…Ugly logo but whatever keeps the tyrant home. Imagine what he could find in a bowl of alphabet soup!

      Report Post »  
    • sWampy
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 11:29am

      looks more like a cut up pink swastika to me

      Report Post »  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:51pm

      Rik Clay red ice
      Rik Clay 2012 Olympics

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
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