Katie Couric’s Little Ice Breaker: A Dutch Speed‑Skating Slip‑Up
During the Pyeongchang Winter Games’ opening ceremony, one of the world’s most‑watched U.S. news anchors made a comment that, while well‑intentioned, ended up skating herself into a hot spot. Katie Couric proudly told NBC’s millions that the Dutch prowess on the ice was simply because “skating is an important mode of transport” in cities like Amsterdam. Short‑sighted? Not at all. Long‑winded? Definitely.
Who’s the Dutch “Ice Taxi”?
After a scintillating medals haul in Sochi 2014, the Dutch speed‑skaters are continuing to flash their gloved glory at Pyeongchang. Couric tried to explain their edge in lay‑man’s terms: “Why are they so good, you may be asking yourselves? Because skating is an important mode of transportation… in a city like Amsterdam.” Funny because the cold one‑two‑three weather days that made canals slick is actually a thing of the past in the Netherlands – now it’s more ice‑cream than ice‑blocks on the river.
Donald’s Comments, Davidsick’s Backlash
- Couric’s Gambit – “Amsterdam has lots of canals that can freeze in winter…” comes out as a brilliant exposition of history but misses a vital fact: modern Netherlands is a sunshine‑city with minimal sub‑zero degrees.
- Instant Twitter Storm – Users marveled at the “stereotypical” view of a land that practically never slumps into a cold‑weather abyss.
- Couric’s Apology – A polite tweet; “Congrats Netherlands on your (medal) count so far! My apologies for being on thin ice…” it’s a base‑ball apology wrapped in courtesy.
Invitations on Ice (and a Dutch Embassy twist)
Not one to miss an opportunity, the Dutch embassy answered back in a phrase that would have earned a Pulitzer: “Hi Katie Couric, please come visit the Netherlands. We’d love to show you all the innovative ways we get around…and of course we can also visit our famous skating rinks. Let’s break the ice!” The bold, inviting message turned casual social media brouhaha into a friendly welcome, complete with a Dutch‑style bar‑full proposition for further excitement.
It’s Not Just Couric – NBC Strikes a Chord
- NBC Cuts Ties – Their own commentator, Joshua Cooper Ramo, was dismissed for remarks about Korea’s historical relationship with Japan that offended audiences in Seoul.
- The Fallout – An unnamed NBC spokesperson told the Korea Times, “It was possible for him to do more with us here. Now it is no longer possible.”
- Short‑sorted Messages – Coupled with Twitter’s “Rush Hour in the Netherlands” photo, the tone had shifted to a place where swift moves are necessary.
Couric’s Future on the Ice?
Now, while the 61‑year‑old journalist keeps calling herself “journalism’s most insightful interviewer” on her podcast, the world won’t forget the memo on how important a little sense of place can be. Couric’s “famous skating rink” comments may be a memory that sticks somewhere in her diary, yet there will be plenty of moments when she can turn it into a conversation starter—or an ice‑breaker—at any future event.
