CNN criticizes Patriot Games as ‘overwhelmingly White’ in social media analysis
CNN’s Audie Cornish criticized the Patriot Games on Wednesday, describing the event as ‘overwhelmingly White’ based on a CNN analysis of social media content. The event, sponsored by Freedom250 and attended by President Donald Trump, took place Aug. 9-11 at Spire Academy in Geneva, Ohio.
Cornish said during her morning show that many of the participants featured on the event’s Instagram page appeared to attend private Christian schools and that the application process did not specify race. She also played clips from social media describing the games as similar to the Hunger Games, calling the event dystopian.
Cornish noted that the contestants, aged 14 to 17, were selected without qualifying events and through video essays. She pointed out that some students were chosen to represent states where they did not reside. The event aimed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States and awarded a $250,000 scholarship to male and female winners.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle responded to the criticism, praising President Trump and the organizers for providing national opportunities for youth athletes. Ingle dismissed claims of racism, calling them a product of ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome.’
The Patriot Games brought together teens from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and tribal nations for athletic competitions and challenges. The event was organized by Freedom250 and was part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Cornish’s panel discussed the event, with Carine Hajjar of the Steamboat Institute defending it as a patriotic idea, though she acknowledged poor planning and some misguided criticism. She said, ‘This has become a farce because of both sides.’ CNN previously compared the event to Hunger Games and described it as a televised competition with obstacle courses and patriotic testimonials.
Cornish also remarked that the event seemed to lack celebration of America250 and called 2023 a ‘weird year.’
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