The 2024 Paris Olympics, like the Olympics in general, present a paradox for many American viewers.
At a time when the country is deeply divided along ideological and political lines, supporting Team USA comes with significant baggage for people on both sides of the spectrum.
For liberals, there is a desire to see U.S. athletes promote progressive values and represent a forward-thinking, inclusive America. They want the athletes to reflect the current and future ideals of the nation.
Conversely, conservatives often hope to see athletes uphold traditional American values, avoiding using their platform to highlight personal identities or progressive causes. This clash of perspectives can lead to moments during the games where these opposing views intersect, resulting in both celebration and outrage among viewers.
A notable instance of this dynamic occurred during NBC’s broadcast of the Team USA men’s basketball game against Serbia. Commentators Noah Eagle and Dwyane Wade, who have generally been well-received, found themselves in the middle of a controversy.
Wade, in particular, made comments that touched on sensitive topics for some viewers.
In the first half, after LeBron James delivered a powerful dunk to extend Team USA’s lead, Wade commented, “Y’all know his pronouns. We’ll talk about it more later, y’all know he he/him!”
Later, when Kevin Durant started heating up, Wade added, “America, y’all know him as Kevin Durant. I know him personally. His pronouns are he/him.” Wade repeated this phrasing after James made a layup in the third quarter, saying, “America, you know him as LeBron James, I know him personally. His pronouns are he/him.”
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Wade’s comments continued online after Team USA’s 110-84 victory, where he reiterated his bit on social media platform X.
The practice of acknowledging pronouns has gained momentum in recent years as part of broader efforts to accept and respect the identities of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Wade, who has won three NBA titles and a gold medal from the 2008 Olympics, is a vocal supporter of the transgender community. This includes his daughter Zaya, and his Wade Family Foundation funds Translatable, an online community supporting transgender children and their families.
Additionally, the phrase “I’m him” or “he is him” has become popular slang to assert one’s greatness. Wade appeared to blend this slang with the broader social conversation about pronouns, creating a unique and notable commentary style.
Reactions to Wade’s comments were mixed. Some viewers appreciated the inclusion and visibility of pronouns during the Olympics, while others were simply surprised by their mention in this context. Meanwhile, some were offended by what they perceived as unnecessary or provocative commentary.
It’s also noteworthy that Wade was conscious of another broadcasting guideline. During the broadcast, he frequently referred to Team USA as “we” or “us.” Acknowledging that NBC Sports discourages such language from its commentators to maintain impartiality, Wade asked Eagle to keep him in check on this matter.
The incident illustrates the broader cultural and ideological divides that can surface even during unifying events like the Olympics. It highlights the complexities and sensitivities involved in navigating contemporary social issues on such a global stage.
