Georgetown Law Professor Janel George claimed that a photo of the 2024 United States Olympic swim team was proof of Jim Crow’s “legacy” that still survived decades later.
George shared a photo of the team — decided after last week’s trials in Indianapolis, Indiana — and argued that the majority-white team was ultimately a result of segregated swimming pools.
“When people say that Jim Crow was so long ago, it’s important to remember the lasting effects of segregated spaces — like segregated swimming pools — and the continued impact across generations. This visual reflects that legacy,” she said.
When people say that Jim Crow was so long ago, it’s important to remember the lasting effects of segregated spaces — like segregated swimming pools — and the continued impact across generations. This visual reflects that legacy. https://t.co/YqvEePbBJI
— Janel George (@JG4Justice) June 24, 2024
Critics responded to her claims by pointing out that the United States, despite being the only competing nation that had Jim Crow laws, was not the only competing nation where most of the swimmers were white.
“Canada didn’t have Jim Crow. How many black swimmers do they have? You do know that every single statistical disparity isn’t a result of racism, right?” one asked.
Canada didn’t have Jim Crow. How many black swimmers do they have?
You do know that every single statistical disparity isn’t a result of racism, right?
— 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐠 (@HarmfulOpinion) June 25, 2024
“Imagine looking at a photo of a group of athletes that trained insanely hard and qualified for the OLYMPICS and thinking ‘how can I use this to complain about racism?'” another posted.
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Imagine looking at a photo of a group of athletes that trained insanely hard and qualified for the OLYMPICS and thinking “how can I use this to complain about racism?”
— Samaritan Prime (@SamaritanPrime) June 24, 2024
Several pointed out that while the majority of American swimmers were white, the majority of athletes on some of the other Olympic teams were not.
“I love your theory, but I need to compile some more evidence to confirm it. Do you have a picture of some of the other US teams? Men’s and women’s basketball, perhaps?” one pointed out.
I love your theory, but I need to compile some more evidence to confirm it.
Do you have a picture of some of the other US teams?
Men’s and women’s basketball, perhaps?
— Grateful Calvin (@shoveitjack) June 25, 2024
“Congratulations on having the dumbest tweet on X today[.] Now do basketball,” former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines added.
Congratulations on having the dumbest tweet on X today
Now do basketball https://t.co/xvsvOGQtQd
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) June 25, 2024
“If this is true, please explain NBA and NFL rosters,” Paula Scanlan posted.
If this is true, please explain NBA and NFL rosters. https://t.co/vChor24Z3Q
— Paula Scanlan (@PaulaYScanlan) June 25, 2024
