On Monday night’s episode of the beloved game show “Jeopardy!,” the popular segment “Speech! Parts of Speech!” sparked controversy among viewers with a clue about neopronouns. The clue at the center of the controversy, featured under the $600 category, read, “xem, xyrs, xemself,” and was answered correctly by a contestant as “What are pronouns?” with host Ken Jennings acknowledging the use of neopronouns.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the prefix “neo,” meaning “new,” is often used to describe things that are new or novel. In recent years, neopronouns have become more commonly used by individuals who do not identify with traditional gender pronouns such as “he” or “she.” Instead, neopronouns offer gender-neutral alternatives for individuals to express their gender identity.
While some viewers were applauding the progressive step taken by “Jeopardy!,” others were outraged and took to social media to express their disapproval. Many viewers claimed that the show had gone too far, with one viewer commenting that “in order to win at ‘Jeopardy!,’ you need to be able to keep up with whatever bull the wokes are coming up with?” The overall sentiment from these viewers suggested that they felt the show should stick to more traditional topics and steer clear of what they viewed as political or polarizing issues.
Several viewers also took issue with the timing of the question, noting that it seemed to be in poor taste as “Jeopardy!” is still adjusting to the loss of longtime host Alex Trebek, who passed away in November 2020 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Some viewers suggested that Trebek, who was known for his professionalism and stoic demeanor, would have never allowed this type of question to be featured on the show.
Despite the uproar over the neopronoun question, some viewers were more supportive of the show’s decision to include it. Many expressed excitement at seeing the question and appreciated that it was treated seriously and not just as a punchline. Others pointed out that it was a good question for the show, as neopronouns can be confusing and it would make contestants think critically while on air.
Overall, it seems that the neopronoun question was a hot topic among viewers of the show. Thousands of people took to social media to discuss the segment, with popular accounts like Libs of TikTok posting the clip, which quickly went viral. The post currently has over a million views, with many of the comments discussing the viewers’ varied reactions to the question and the ensuing debate. Some viewers were shocked by the negative reactions from others, while others were outraged by the question and the fact that it was featured in the first place.
This isn’t the first time that “Jeopardy!” has sparked controversy among its viewers. Last week, a viral clip showed a contestant confusing American figure skating legend Scott Hamilton for Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton. The video sparked reactions ranging from amusement to shock, with several viewers commenting on the mix-up and expressing their disbelief.
Despite the controversy, “Jeopardy!” continues to be one of the most beloved game shows on television, with a loyal fanbase and viewership spanning generations. However, it seems that the inclusion of a question about neopronouns may have stirred up some long-held views about the show’s direction and responsibility as a prominent fixture in mainstream media. As society continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how “Jeopardy!” will handle such controversial topics in the future.
