A controversial hashtag — “AmericaWasNeverGreat” — began trending on Twitter over July 4th weekend.
I will not be celebrating tomorrow because I am not proud of my country #AmericaWasNeverGreat
— Cosplay Nerd (@nerdcosplay1) July 3, 2016
The hashtag appears to have been started by Black Lives Matter supporters and was quickly adopted by a variety of interest groups.
happy 4th of(#AmericaWasNeverGreat ) July!!!!!
— joi (@blckcess) July 4, 2016
ima be popping fireworks and barbecuing just like everyone else but jus so y’all know #AmericaWasNeverGreat
— ️️️ (@aphroditesari) July 4, 2016
Let’s get the #AmericaWasNeverGreat party started. pic.twitter.com/9VrGlqBUKc
— jiminie (@melaninbarbie) July 4, 2016
I would like to acknowledge that I live on land stolen from the indigenous ppls . The foundation set w/ their genocide #AmericaWasNeverGreat
— jiminie (@melaninbarbie) July 4, 2016
What part of America is great? Slavery? Genocide? White supremacy? Jim Crow? Institutionalized racism? #AmericaWasNeverGreat
— jiminie (@melaninbarbie) July 4, 2016
when people tell me the US is the greatest nation#AmericaWasNeverGreat pic.twitter.com/ACwk2Ze4DN
— wrist banger™ (@Sihckkid) July 4, 2016
When it’s “Independence Day”, but you black. #AmericaWasNeverGreat pic.twitter.com/49XzX6GN26
— Poorest Chestnut (@IanDescribable) July 4, 2016
#AmericaWasNeverGreat cause independence day was a victory for WHITE MALES ONLY no one else received rights until late 1800s & early 1900s
— Nubian Milkdud (@kitabirdii) July 4, 2016
Slavery. That is all. #AmericaWasNeverGreat
— sully (@NoMayoTears) July 4, 2016
Me: #americawasnevergreat
Ppl on Twitter: *gasps*
Every marginalized group in America: Well actually she’s got a point so…— CocoQueen (@BeyAlbert22) July 4, 2016
#AmericaWasNeverGreat from slavery, to Japanese internment camps,to Jim Crowe,to violence against LGBT pic.twitter.com/D754eXiicy
— so discourse (@sodiscourse) July 4, 2016
No, #AmericaWasNeverGreat because it’s a nation founded on genocide, imperialism, slavery, inequality and oppression https://t.co/ihs9jnMkbX
— Cynicism Incarnate (@Rain_Bow_Tie) July 4, 2016
People like this woman…who’ll harass a kid is a reason why#AmericaWasNeverGreat https://t.co/tx2dTYyz1i
— Curls-N-Curves (@MsElectLadyKim) July 4, 2016
Other Twitter users marveled at the decision to tweet anti-American sentiment on Independence Day.
It’s your right to say #AmericaWasNeverGreat, but just know that you are shameful, undeserving of respect, and not a true American.
— Henry (@hmaxwellpitts) July 4, 2016
1865: Slavery abolished in America.
2016: 46 million still enslaved around the world.
Yes, America is great.#AmericaWasNeverGreat
— Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) July 4, 2016
People tweeting #AmericaWasNeverGreat are the real “privileged” folks. They have no idea how damn good they have it.
— Benji Backer (@BenjiBacker) July 4, 2016
Really?? #AmericaWasNeverGreat is trending? You’re part of the problem and you can leave. pic.twitter.com/tqNa4Lk0p5
— LP (@The_Sassy_Repub) July 4, 2016
People who actually believe in this stupid hashtag and are yet still in this country taking advantage of its freedoms#AmericaWasNeverGreat
— Patty Politics (@youngblackcon) July 4, 2016