Google “Doodle” on Olympic Event Draws Charges of Racism

Each day during the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Google has featured a new doodle celebrating the various sports in which the 205 countries are participating, including everything from archery and pole vaulting to synchronized swimming. But on Aug. 7, some members of the African American community criticized an interactive doodle of a Black athlete running hurdles.

Some Google users were alarmed that the pink track, outlined with a thick white border and surrounded by green grass, resembled a cut watermelon.

Social media sites including Twitter rang out with criticism of the graphic.

@essjaysilva said, “Anyone else see how todays google doodle is blatantly racist?”

In a brief debate which ensued between two Twitter users- @riddlemepissed said to @Benjo_t, “Are you suggesting that is it not a watermelon. I guess you need to see him win a bucket of fried chicken to get it.”

Other Twitter users did not see any racist undertones to the doodle.

@Miss_Talie said, “Wait a minute. People are saying Google’s doodle is racist. You Twitter Wannabe Black Panthers need to give me a d*mn break.”

Google representatives did not respond to calls for comment.