With its dedication to entertainment, competition and knowledge, “Jeopardy!” is one of the most beloved game shows of all time.
Some “Jeopardy!” fans, however, are expressing their displeasure over a clue and answer from Monday’s episode. Critics say the medically-related clue contained incorrect and also offensive material to those with a particular heart condition. Fans of the popular quiz show took to social media to make their concerns and objections known. Many are not happy, calling the clue a “low blow” to those with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, also known as “POTS.”
“This appeared on Jeopardy tonight,” a tweet from Dysautonomia International says. “Grinch syndrome is an offensive term. Can you imagine Jeopardy making light of cancer or MS patients with a ‘funny’ name for their debilitating health condition? Not acceptable. We’d love to see real questions about the autonomic nervous system.”
The supposedly offensive clue went to contestants by current “Jeopardy!” guest host Savannah Guthrie. It fell under the category of “Plain-Named Maladies.”
“Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is also known as Grinch Syndrome because this organ is too small,” Guthrie says in reading the clue to contestants.
Jeopardy! Fans Sound Off on Medical Clue
“What is the heart?” is the correct response to the “Jeopardy!” clue. Some viewers say that referring to the medical condition as “Grinch Syndrome” is inaccurate and in bad taste. The “Grinch,” of course, is the titular character of a popular Dr. Suess Christmas book. In the book, the Grinch is believed to hate the Christmas holiday because “his heart is two sizes too small.”
Some “Jeopardy!” viewers say being compared to a villainous character, like The Grinch, is hurtful and uncalled for.
Oh @Jeopardy this is shameful. I have POTs and am sad you would resort to this. How low. And I might add, incredibly incorrect. Would you seriously tell a kid he has a condition that makes him Grinch?! I just…can’t believe this. #jeopardy https://t.co/9u5GIgdqE2
— Sandy (@NatureGirlTech) June 22, 2021
“Oh “Jeopardy!” this is shameful,” a social media user writes. “I have POTs and am sad you would resort to this. How low. And I might add, incredibly incorrect. Would you seriously tell a kid he has a condition that makes him Grinch? I just…can’t believe this.”
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is a condition that affects the flow of blood through the body, causing dizziness when standing, according to myheart.net.
POTS is most often triggered when a person stands up after lying down. Symptoms of the condition include lightheadedness, fainting and rapid heartbeat. Symptoms can be relieved by lying down once again,
Guthrie’s tenure as “Jeopardy!” guest host will conclude this Friday with her final episode. She has drawn mostly positive reviews for her performance so far.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta is next up with the opportunity to guest host the game show.
