"Jeopardy!" faced criticism for featuring a neopronouns clue in a Tournament of Champions episode. Contestant Cris Pannullo correctly answered a question involving "Xem, Xyrs, Xemself," which host Ken Jennings confirmed as neopronouns.
Neopronouns like xem/xyrs/xemself offer gender-neutral alternatives to traditional pronouns. These pronouns are part of a broader spectrum, including ones like she/her and they/them.
Social platforms like Instagram have embraced a wide range of pronouns and neopronouns, allowing users more personalized identity options.
The clue's inclusion ignited debate, highlighting a cultural divide similar to previous controversies, such as Bud Light's backlash for partnering with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
Critics on X, formerly Twitter, voiced their displeasure, with some calling for a boycott of "Jeopardy!" Comments ranged from nostalgia for the Alex Trebek era to outright rejection of the show's content direction.
Accusations of "woke insanity" and calls to ban "Jeopardy!" emerged among viewers unhappy with the question. Some declared the show lost to them over the pronoun issue.
"Jeopardy!" representatives were contacted for comments amidst the uproar.
Awareness and acceptance of gender-neutral pronouns are growing. A Pew Research Center survey revealed that many Americans are familiar with someone who uses such pronouns.
Opinions on pronoun usage in workplaces vary, with differences evident across generations. Millennials and Gen Z show divided stances on mandatory pronoun disclosures in professional settings.