The Washington Redskins’ social media team just made a big mistake. On Thursday afternoon, the @Redskins account asked Twitter users to tell a senator what they think of the team’s controversial name using the hashtag #RedskinsPride.
It backfired horribly—just like when the NYPD asked Twitter to share stories about pleasant run-ins with cops, and people responded with photos of police brutality.
Tweet @SenatorReid to show your #RedskinsPride and tell him what the team means to you.
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) May 29, 2014
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has been working in Washington to get the Redskins to change its name. Even President Obama has spoken out against the derogatory term. The fans who love the team but hate what it stands for have been vocal on social media—which is why #RedskinsPride had exactly the reaction you would expect.
.@Redskins @SenatorReid Hitler studied American Indian reservations while designing German concentration camps. #RedskinsPride!
— rob delaney (@robdelaney) May 29, 2014
If you like, beer, partying, football, and the extermination of a people, you’ll love The @Redskins! #RedskinsPride #changethename
— Jamie Kilstein (@jamiekilstein) May 29, 2014
#RacialSlurPride RT @Redskins: Tweet @SenatorReid to show your #RedskinsPride and tell him what the team means to you.
— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) May 29, 2014
Dan Snyder should be pushed into traffic MT @Redskins: Tweet @SenatorReid to show #RedskinsPride and tell him what the team means to you
— john r stanton (@dcbigjohn) May 29, 2014
OK. RT @Redskins: Tweet @SenatorReid to show your #RedskinsPride and tell him what the team means to you. pic.twitter.com/L9DBy0KSVA
— Jeb Lund (@Mobute) May 29, 2014
#RedskinsPride Doubling down on the mistakes of yesteryear as you try to dull the pain of everyday life.
— Patrick Daugherty (@RotoPat) May 29, 2014
Tonight’s @Redskins game is brought to you by Nike, Cheerios, and the slaughter of millions of Native people. #RedskinsPride #changethename
— Reasonable White Man (@BlackGirlDanger) May 29, 2014
.@Redskins @SenatorReid don’t take my savages away #REDSKINSPRIDE pic.twitter.com/cTacJEVZEH
— $1.50 COSTCO HOT DOG (@land_squid) May 29, 2014
Illustration by Jason Reed