Funny or not: Has the Paralympics’ TikTok gone too far?

 Source: Unsplash.  

The Paralympics TikTok - we all know it, or at least we’ve heard the discourse online.  

It has become commonplace to utilise meme culture to appeal to younger generations, I mean look at Kamala HQ leaning into BRAT for a presidential campaign - It’s a new wave of ‘professional’ marketing.   

While meme culture can appeal to a mainstream audience, the narrative their TikTok page is creating is a little confusing. A prestigious event and a culmination of some of the best athletes in the world – and they’re hopping on the meme trend? Well, it’s 2024 and TikTok brain rot is at its peak.   

The engagement on the account (@paralympics on TikTok) is certainly undeniable, accumulating 4.7 million followers and over 178.5 million likes. While it could be argued as bringing more eyes to the Paralympics, why do this by conforming to trends and internet culture?   

A lot of the additional controversy of the controversy, regarded the appropriateness of able-bodied people to comment on what’s offensive to and for people with disabilities.   

From an article by the BBC, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirmed the account was run by a Paralympian. The IPC is quoted in the article telling the BBC they’re hoping to “educate an audience who might be less aware of Paralympic sport and the achievements of our athletes.”  

If we look at the content, one of the pinned videos features American swimmer Brad Snyder. Snyder, competing in the Para Triathlon, was reaching the bike portion of the race. While reaching for the bike, making hand gestures that resembled someone playing the piano, the video of him doing this is paired with comedic piano sounds from Beethoven. 

Snyder, 40 years old, has competed at every Paralympics since 2012 and is a blind athlete after losing his eyesight while serving in the US military.   

The comment section of the video was riddled with confusion with some not realising it was even an official Paralympics account. This video had high engagement online with over 38.9 million views and 10.4 thousand comments.  

Despite the angle of humour on the video, the engagement and comments have several users curious on the processes of the games. The visibility of the games has increased, especially amongst a generation that may not have access to platforms that stream the games.   

William Stedman, a Christchurch local and athlete who has competed at the past three Paralympics commented on the issue. “I think humour can be a great tool for breaking down taboo and for engaging people,” he said. 

Stedman pointed out the role social media has played in this current Paralympics, which is undeniable with the growth of the social media account.  

Despite the controversy created, the account isn’t simply just a meme page as it also posts content that celebrates athletes too. By promoting culture and highly emotional moments from the games such as Italian athlete, Giada Rossi winning gold in the Women’s singles table tennis.