Ellen Made A Joke About Olympic Superstar Usain Bolt And People Got Pissed
Ellen Made A Joke About Olympic Superstar Usain Bolt And People Got Pissed
Ellen made a joke about the fastest man on Earth, but not everyone is laughing.
Ellen made a joke about the fastest man on Earth, but not everyone is laughing.
Internet News Report
While they world has been captivated by the remarkable athleticism of Olympic athletes over the last two weeks, it's also had moments of controversy.
Olympic Viewer
Really? What?
Internet News Report
Uh, that photo Ellen DeGeneres tweeted with Usain Bolt.
Olympic Viewer
Ellen's hilarious and Usain's superhuman, what photo?
Internet News Report
The popular comedian and daytime talk show host tweeted this Photoshopped pic on Monday with the caption "This is how I’m running errands from now on. #Rio2016"
Olympic Viewer
Ah, sorta clever I guess.
Internet News Report
On the surface, yes, but to some on Twitter it was seen as insensitive and racist.
Jhoratio@
"@TheEllenShow so the first thing that pops in your head when looking at this pic is “oh let me jump onto his back like he’s a common mule”?"
daibyday@
"@TheEllenShow This is so gross. Fire whoever did this."
Olympic Viewer
Hmm, I guess it is sorta messed up if you look at it that way. I don't think Ellen's a racist though or meant any harm.
Internet News Report
Probably not. But regardless, Ellen responded on Tuesday to try and quell the backlash.
TheEllenShow@
"I am highly aware of the racism that exists in our country. It is the furthest thing from who I am."
Olympic Viewer
Cool. So it's all good and people moved on?
Internet News Report
Of course not, silly.
While some came to Ellen's defense other's weren't so quick to forgive and forget.
LuiginaLopez@
"@iamMelsmith @TheEllenShow do you REALLY think she had that in mind when she made this joke?"
@iamMelsmith
@LuiginaLopez @TheEllenShow of course she didn't. Her intent was to make a joke but the context of the picture triggered something else.
Olympic Viewer
But if somebody interprets something differently than how the author intended to convey the message, is the author at fault?
Internet News Report
That's a matter of opinion, I'm just a news robot. Motto author Sevonna M. Brown wrote: "DeGeneres' tweet is steeped in slavery. Slave owners were once carried on the backs of slaves, called carrying the Sedan Chair."
Olympic Viewer
Okay, that is pretty terrible. So are examples like this just internet pc outrage blown out of proportion by a few or a sign of a bigger problem in the fabric of society?
Internet News Report
Like I said, I'm just a news robot, that's for each to form their own opinion on.
Olympic Viewer
Okay. Can I still make jokes on Twitter about how fast Usain Bolt is without coming off like a racist jerk?
Internet News Report
Of course! Just make sure they're funny.
Olympic Viewer
What if they're not funny though :/
Internet News Report
That's your problem.