Jeopardy! is apologizing on Twitter after backlash from and a clue that used an offensive term to refer to a medical disorder. The long-running quiz show has been on the air since 1984. The program became a hit with how it tests the knowledge of its contestants, as well as audiences watching from home. After long-time host Alex Trebek passed away in 2020, Jeopardy! has featured guest hosts.
On Monday night's episode, a clue read, "Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is also known as Grinch syndrome because this organ is too small." The correct response is, "What is the heart?" This medical disorder is also called POTS, which is a blood circulation disorder that occurs when an individual stands up after lying down. Women make up the majority of these cases, although those with trauma or a viral illness may also experience this disorder. Calling it "Grinch syndrome" refers to the Dr. Seuss story, where the title character's heart was two sizes too small.
Being a quiz show about knowledge, viewers have come to expect a level of expertise on the categories it puts in front of its contestants. Folks who have or know someone who has the condition, as well as some non-profits, have spoken out regarding this clue that uses what is now considered an offensive term for the disorder. Jeopardy! responded publicly to the backlash to address the issue via Twitter. Read the apology below:
Yesterday’s program included a clue about postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). After hearing from the community, we found we used an outdated and inaccurate term for this disorder, and we apologize.
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) June 22, 2021
This is not the first time that someone associated with Jeopardy! has apologized for insensitive words, as Ken Jennings has done so in the past. While the text in this clue clearly offended a lot of folks, it is especially poorly timed given the fact that there has been a recent increase in those experiencing this disorder due to coronavirus (COVID-19). Some individuals have publicly accepted the apology on social media, while others believe that this is a good first step, but stated that there needs to be action behind those words. There are also a group of folks who see this as a non-apology by making an excuse that their research led them to an outdated term, rather than addressing the harm of the term.
Others on social media have questioned why there is any backlash to begin with. Some folks think that the controversy is extreme and uncalled for, while others believe that the apology should be accepted and people should move on. This is an apology that can only be accepted or refused by the community that it directly impacts. Since there is now a spotlight on Jeopardy!, this is an opportunity for the producers to do a segment or a specific mention on air regarding POTS to educate audiences on it further. Perhaps this will at least lead the show to double check the research completed on sensitive topics.
Source: Jeopardy!
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