Lolo Jones: Hurdler's Controversial Tweet Not Worth Outrage
Politicians and professional athletes: The two groups of people the public loves to crucify the most.
Lolo Jones is now educated on this reality. If you slip up once, say something the least bit controversial, brace yourself. Jones tweeted a joke from the 2012 Olympics that wasnโt well-timed or thought out, but any legitimate outrage over it is a joke in and of itself.
After USAโs menโs archery team fell short this past weekend, Jones reacted with this tweet:
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"USA Men's Archery lost the gold medal to Italy but that's ok, we are Americans... When's da Gun shooting competition?
โ Lolo Jones (@lolojones) July 28, 2012"
Just over a week removed from the tragic Colorado shootings, many were quick to label the tweet insensitive. Ironically, those demanding sensitivity refused to give mercy to Jones. After multiple responses on Twitter condemning the joke, including this one, Jones defended herself.
"@lolojones just heard about these tweets. I hope you lose, you insensitive... diva! #Olympics
โ Mehul Patel (@captainmehul) July 30, 2012"
Perhaps the most opinionated response from the media came from Chris Chase of Yahoo! Sports. A few notable jabs in his response include, โThis tweet would have been insensitive no matter when it was sent,โ โLolo was competing in a triple jump of stupidity,โ and, โSo, there. It's your fault you're thinking of violence while people are still recovering in the hospital from an attack that brought upon the most casualties in American history.โ
I hate to play devilโs advocate, but are you serious?
Jones has a reputation as an ideal role model. If you go out of your way to correct her for a tweet that obviously had absolutely nothing to do with the Colorado shootings, you need to check yourself.
Intent is everything. Despite Jones' innocent intent, people still attempted to twist her tweet and connect the dots from her joke to a monstrosity to create controversy.
Hunting is a major part of American culture in many parts of the nation, and Jonesโ joke was directed toward that. But if youโre like Chase and believe her tweet was "insensitive no matter when it was sent," then go cry to your local politician about gun control.
And while youโre at it, Iโd look for your personality, because you lost it.
David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicatedย writer.
