Out of left field, NASCAR favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. took to social media to respond to a Muslim Twitter user over the weekend, noting that his own family escaped religious persecution.
my fam immigrated from Germany in 1700s escaping religious persecution. America is created by immigrants.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 29, 2017
Since President Trump’s divisive executive order on immigrant travel bans for specific, Muslim-majority nations, celebrities have taken very public stands, most recently at Sunday’s Screen Actors Guild Awards.
However, any response by one of the most popular drivers in NASCAR—widely perceived as conservative territory—is sure to make waves. In fact, NASCAR CEO Brian France endorsed Trump.
There were some exceedingly positive responses to Earnhardt’s tweet:
Dale Earnhardt Jr. stands up against the immigration ban. He is a good man.
No way the right boycotts NASCAR.
Then only wrestling is left.
— Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) January 30, 2017
Thank you, sir. You’re a model for those who worry taking a stand might cost them something.
— Spencer Critchley (@scritchley) January 29, 2017
— Cassandra Petty (@cpetty777) January 29, 2017
— TorieJ (@Mrs_VictoriaJ) January 30, 2017
Then, there were some interesting replies.
https://twitter.com/scottbu70/status/825879874380431360
https://twitter.com/jeffp954/status/826171104234467329
https://twitter.com/TheJ_Miles/status/826104486628294656