The 2016 Rio Olympic Games were subject to much controversy, both in the events leading up to them and the games themselves. This was well within reason as Rio's crime and violence rates didn't do anything to ameliorate the general population's concerns. However, the games were proving to be pretty successful sans a few glitches here and there, that is, until Ryan Lochte happened.

The 12-time Olympic medalist has shown us, through his various interviews and a short-lived reality show, that he has a rather unique personality. Donning a patriotic grill (diamond and ruby encrusted) in the London games and dying his hair ice-blue before the commencement of the Rio games have been just a few of his noticeable antics. These acts have imprinted on many people's minds that he may be a bit off, but he's ultimately harmless. However, Lochte unfortunately gave us a chance to see just how off he really is after a night of drinking with a few of his teammates.

Lochte claimed to have been robbed at gunpoint, with the thieves stealing only his money but leaving his credentials and cell phone. How convenient. While few were skeptical about his statement at first, many soon changed their minds after a police report was filed and every major news outlet began reporting the incident. Lochte's lie came out, however, when security footage of him and his teammates at the gas station they visited disproved his claims of getting robbed.

While a number of people expressed their disdain about Lochte's actions, many still took to his defense. They said Lochte, age 32, was just being a boy. They said that he made a mistake and mistakes happen. While people do make mistakes, his was so great in magnitude that it's hard to believe that one could actually go through with it. Yet his avid supporters continue to come to his defense while basically condemning gymnast Gabby Douglas for not putting her hand over her heart during the national anthem. They continue to shower him with love even though his actions exploited a serious issue that is prevalent in Rio and perpetuated the negative stereotype associated with the city and its people. This is why Ryan Lochte is the epitome of white privilege.