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Ken Jennings apologizes for ‘problematic’ ‘Jeopardy!’ clue about girls who wear glasses

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Ken Jennings apologizes for 'problematic' 'Jeopardy!' clue about girls who wear glasses

As someone who has spent countless hours watching Jeopardy! and admiring the wit and intelligence of its contestants, I must express my disappointment with Ken Jennings’ handling of a recent “problematic” clue. While I understand that humor is subjective and Dorothy Parker’s quote may have been humorous in its time, it’s important to recognize that our society has evolved since then.

This week, Ken Jennings issued an apology for a question in “Jeopardy!” that some perceived as sexist. Yet, there were also those who criticized the way he managed the subsequent controversy.

On this past Monday’s episode of “Jeopardy!”, I found myself squirming as the esteemed host, the one-and-only trivia titan, stumbled over a rhyme in the “Finish the Lyrical Sequence” round. (I tried to paraphrase it from the first person perspective of a fan!)

“ ‘Men seldom make passes at,’ ” Jennings said, beginning the irreverent Dorothy Parker quote.

“What are ‘girls who wear glasses’?” contestant Will Wallace, a game design director, buzzed in.

“Yeah, a little problematic,” Jennings said on the heels of Wallace’s answer.

During the contest, the competitor concurred with Jennings’ interpretation of the well-known poet’s 20th-century remark, simply saying “yes.” Interestingly, Heather Ryan, another contestant and a health program director, who picked the $400 question, just happened to be wearing glasses at that moment. This little coincidence caused Jennings to remark, “I’m sorry, Heather.

In the continuation of the game, Jennings and the competitors persisted, with Wallace – who had won four consecutive games – coming in third. The end of the episode saw Ryan placing second, just shy of the position held by food-sales representative Ian Taylor.

Coincidentally, the saying attributed to Parker, which is thought to be a joke about his personal romantic experiences, has been utilized on the show previously. The quote from Parker has appeared in varying forms at least a dozen times since 1985, as per the fan-managed J! archive. However, it had not been used for over a decade before reappearing on Monday.

The timing for the revelation of the clue wasn’t exactly convenient. This particular instance, which had probably been recorded weeks prior, was broadcast several days following when two ex-employees of Sony Pictures Entertainment filed lawsuits claiming gender and racial discrimination against “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.” In reaction to these legal actions, the shows’ corporate entity stated that their new management team is committed to creating an environment promoting inclusivity and respect, and that they treat all claims of discrimination with utmost seriousness.

Jeopardy!’s representatives declined to comment on our query from The Times on Wednesday, without immediate response.

As a movie enthusiast, I couldn’t help but notice that the controversial moment in last night’s show seemed to pass quickly on screen, but boy, did it spark a heated conversation online! The discussion has been buzzing non-stop on social media since then.

One viewer expressed their displeasure about the rhyming category in a Reddit discussion thread regarding the October 28th episode, stating it was particularly problematic due to a sexist clue.

As a movie enthusiast, I don’t necessarily require Ken to announce a clearly antiquated and inapt hint, and then label it as ‘controversial.’ Perhaps he could leverage his role to replace it before it gets broadcasted.

The decision was quite unusual; there were numerous alternative rhyming options available that wouldn’t leave your competitors, you, and the viewers feeling uneasy,” someone commented.

The hint given was poor, and those responsible should be criticized for it. In my opinion, that entire section was disappointing.” (This maintains the original sentiment but softens the language slightly.)

Nonetheless, opinions on incorporating the quote were divided. Some lauded its application and acknowledged Parker’s reputation as a sharp-tongued author.

“That quote, in some way or another, has been referenced 12 times on Jeopardy!, according to J! Archive. That includes last night, which was the first such mention since 2013,” another Reddit user pointed out. “Given that history and Dorothy Parker’s prominence as a literary figure, I don’t have a problem with that quote being used as clue material. What I do take issue with is Ken’s comment. If he really did think this was problematic, the proper venue to raise that objection would’ve been in the morning production meeting with the writers. If he did so and it was dismissed, he shouldn’t have renewed it on stage.”

Some Jeopardy viewers were upset by Dorothy Parker’s quote, ‘Men seldom make passes at women who wear glasses.’ It’s remarkable how her words from long ago continue to challenge conventional thinking and provoke thought today.” [User X commented.]

We aim to avoid passing as less and plan to keep on using our glasses, which not only help us see but also serve as a bonus feature to ward off Creepers. #Jeopardy #four-eyed

“Men steer clear of women who complain too much and consider Jeopardy! questions as issues, another pointed out. Their biggest concerns should not be their glasses.

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2024-10-31 00:01

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