HuffPost Faces Criticism Over Olympic Article
On Sunday, HuffPost published an article titled, “The discomfort we’re feeling right now watching the Olympics has a name,” which drew immediate backlash. Critics shared images of U.S. athletes waving flags and celebrating their successes.
The article was promoted on social media with a message encouraging readers to, “Wave the Stars and Stripes or shout ‘USA!'” It suggested that many people might feel conflicted about their pride in American athletes while grappling with national issues, stating, “This whiplash between pride in America’s competitors and national shame in the federal government is common.”
HuffPost highlighted Olympic athletes voicing their frustrations regarding the current administration, particularly following tragic events like the murder of Alex Preti in Minneapolis. One example, Olympic skier Hunter Hess, remarked, “There’s a lot going on that I’m not a big fan of. Just because I wear the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything going on in the United States.”
Responses from the Sports Community
In response, critics shared images of the U.S. men’s hockey team celebrating their gold medal victory against Canada. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., posted a picture of a bald eagle on social media with a triumphant caption: “Today, tomorrow and every day, I’m proud to be an American. America! America! America!”
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) expressed similar sentiments, stating that lack of excitement about Olympic victories reflects a choice for victimhood over patriotism. Additionally, Rep. Randy Fine, R-Florida, responded sharply to the HuffPost article, declaring, “Get out of my country. USA! USA! USA!” Others joined in, voicing chants of “USA.”
Podcast host Stephen Miller shared celebratory photos of the hockey team, while Chris Fryman, a professor at the College of William and Mary, noted on social media that it’s a strategic mistake for the left to relinquish patriotism to the right without addressing that the right has, in some ways, betrayed American principles.
Andrew Donaldson, editor at Ordinary Times, commented that people who cannot discern the underlying issues might need to improve their mediation skills. Logan Dobson of Targeted Victory referred to a Gallup poll indicating that many people still feel proud to be American, adding to the ongoing discussion.
In a related conversation, CNN’s Audie Cornish and New York Magazine editor Will Leitch discussed the notion of the U.S. becoming a “global villain” in international settings during a recent podcast episode. They mentioned an article by Leach that described the U.S. as a “supervillain” in global sports contexts.
