The GOP’s claim that Rosa Parks helped end racism was met with criticism, sarcasm, and general disagreement on Twitter. The group attempted to backtrack from its original statement, but it appears that only made the statement worse.
The controversy began when the Republican National Convention posted a tweet for the 58th anniversary of Parks’ arrest for refusing to give up her seat on the bus to a white man.
Today we remember Rosa Parks’ bold stand and her role in ending racism. pic.twitter.com/uxIj1QmtkU
— RNC (@GOP) December 1, 2013
While Rosa Parks’ stand was an important part of the movement to end racism, Twitter users agreed, understandably, that racism is far from over in the United States. So, they quickly responded to the GOP’s tweet.
@GOP Pretty hilarious of the party that tries to keep black people from voting to write this. Excellent trolling guys. — Dank MisTLetoe (@dankmtl) December 1, 2013
“@GOP: Today we remember Rosa Parks’ bold stand and her role in ending racism. pic.twitter.com/WwASWc9Am6” oh wow, had no idea. RIP racism — Cespedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) December 1, 2013
.@GOP Hey, asshats. Rosa Parks didn’t end racism. She ended segregated bus rides. Some of your members keep racism alive and well. #kenya — Steffani Cameron (@SnarkySteff) December 1, 2013
@jesseberney @GOP @WritersofColour I think it may be more of an ongoing project … — Deborah Orr (@DeborahJaneOrr) December 1, 2013
.@GOP When exactly did racism end? — Robert Mann (@RTMannJr) December 1, 2013
.@GOP I was thinking racism would be one of those things that’d hinder humanity’s progress for some time to come. Can’t believe it’s over! — Ben Sharpe (@iamsharpe) December 1, 2013
It took a few hours, but it appears the people in charge of the GOP’s Twitter account realized their mistake and backtracked.
Previous tweet should have read “Today we remember Rosa Parks’ bold stand and her role in fighting to end racism.”
— RNC (@GOP) December 1, 2013
However, by that time it didn’t matter, since the original tweet claiming racism was over made the rounds in the media. As one user aptly responded:
— Ian Ferguson (@IanFergusonOH) December 1, 2013
While we can’t be sure, we’re guessing the GOP will vet every tweet for possible mistakes before it posts again … maybe.
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