Jeopardy! contestant Heather Ryan recently addressed a controversial clue on the game show that went viral in late October. The clue, part of the “Rhyming Phrases” category, stated, “Men seldom make passes at…” with the answer being “at girls who wear glasses.” Heather, the only female contestant on stage wearing glasses, found the clue to be an odd and uncomfortable choice.
Host Ken Jennings acknowledged the problematic nature of the clue in the moment and apologized to Heather, with fellow contestant Will Wallace agreeing. The comment was attributed to poet Dorothy Parker.
Heather shared her thoughts on the incident, expressing concern for young girls who may feel self-conscious about wearing glasses due to stereotypes perpetuated by such clues. She emphasized the importance of being able to see clearly for education and overall well-being.
Despite the unexpected moment, Heather enjoyed her time on the show, appreciating the opportunity to be part of Jeopardy!’s longstanding legacy. She reflected on the welcoming environment and the cultural significance of the show in American history.
Looking ahead, Heather suggested that the show consider using more thoughtful and inclusive clues in the future to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes. She hopes that by speaking out about her experience, she can raise awareness and promote positive representation for all contestants.
Overall, Heather’s experience on Jeopardy! was positive, despite narrowly missing out on victory in Final Jeopardy. She valued the opportunity to be part of such an iconic television program and cherished the role she played in its history.
As discussions around diversity and inclusion continue to evolve in the entertainment industry, incidents like this serve as reminders of the importance of thoughtful and respectful representation in all forms of media. By addressing these issues head-on, individuals like Heather are contributing to a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
