I am very glad to see that the United States Olympic Committee responded quickly to the Ravelympics debacle.  So often, large organizations like this dither over their response or send no response at all, not understanding how important it is to respond quickly to crises, particularly when so much of it is playing out over social media channels.

This said, their first try was a bit wanting. I was particularly amused that, as a peacemaking gesture, they suggested that we send them handmade gifts. Ok, that’s not fair. They suggested we make handmade gifts for the athletes, not for the members of the USOC.  Still, there’s a reason they call it “offering the olive branch” instead of “asking for the olive branch.”  Silly monkeys.

The USOC posted an update to their apology later in the day that I think more successfully apologizes for the “denigration” insult that had us all up in arms.

“As a follow-up to our previous statement on this subject, we would again like to apologize to the members of the Ravelry community. While we stand by our obligation to protect the marks and terms associated with the Olympic and Paralympic Movements in the United States, we sincerely regret the use of insensitive terms in relation to the actions of a group that was clearly not intending to denigrate or disrespect the Olympic Movement. We hope you’ll accept this apology and continue to support the Olympic Games.”

Thank you, USOC. That’s what we were looking for.

It’s too bad that Ravelry will still be required to change the name of the Ravelympics, but I think we knew that would happen. Like it or not, the USOC does have a trademark on usage of “Olympic” and has the right to enforce it.

To tell you the truth, I’m relieved that this mess has come to a swift conclusion. I want to go back to talking and thinking about knitting in positive and joyful ways again. I enjoy the occasional sparring match, but I’m not a political junkie by nature.

Now it’s back to my Rocky Coast Cardigan. Back to writing my FO Friday post, sadly neglected for two weeks. Back to projects and the thing that inspire me.

Related articles

• An Olympic volunteer and knitter feels insulted (bromiskelly.typepad.com)
• The Olympic Committee just messed with the wrong old ladies (hotair.com)