On Saturday, as primary results from Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii rolled in with Sanders victorious in all three, several news outlets were quick to attribute Bernie’s success to the whiteness of the states. CNN reported,
“The caucus states — largely white and rural–are the type of places Sanders traditionally does well. In order to win the nomination, he must replicate this success in other, more ethnically diverse states.”
The media’s obvious erasure of people of color who are Sanders supporters upset Leslie Lee III who is a black Bernie Sanders supporter. Using his Twitter @tokyovampires he decided to highlight the ridiculous reports by creating the hashtag #BernieMadeMeWhite.
.@HillyesRose @MisaelFrancoO @TheBpDShow @cenkuygur Ever since I voted for Bernie, I’ve been bingewatching Friends. #BernieMadeMeWhite
— L. (@tokyovampires) March 27, 2016
The hashtag caught on and began trending due to the numerous people who feel like the media is silencing their Sanders support.
No more racism…
Ever since I voted for Bernie I deny racism and wear shorts in February. The media was right. #Berniemademewhite #FeelTheBern
— Aristotle McFly (@hollowman928) March 27, 2016
But, no more rhythm.
Ever since I voted for Bernie, I lost all sense of rhythm and started playing ultimate frisbee #BernieMadeMeWhite
— Olu (@ItsOlu9696) March 27, 2016
If you can say black power, why can’t I say white power?
Dear CNN, white power???#BernieMadeMeWhite @BernieSanders pic.twitter.com/0MmWWsbWmh
— tᕼe ᒪᑌᑕᗩᔕ ᗷᖇOᔕ (@lucasbros) March 27, 2016
I can just talk my way out of a ticket!
#BernieMadeMeWhite So now the cops don’t pull me over as much. Man, I miss those guys.
— Jaysin (@JaysinDLC) March 27, 2016
Now, Journey is the greatest band of all time.
Ever since I started supporting Bernie, Don’t Stop Believing became my karaoke staple #BernieMadeMeWhite
— Jason Alexander (@soulcreator) March 27, 2016
How do I tame my natural hair?
Will someone please show me how to do my hair? It’s all so confusing since #BernieMadeMeWhite pic.twitter.com/rDI5QFoxiQ
— Coco Hops (@coco_hops) March 28, 2016
Apple juice is too spicy!
I suddenly have a strong craving for unseasoned chicken…#BernieMadeMeWhite
— Yanimiku (@thewobbleeffect) March 28, 2016
Of course it’s a random check it has nothing to do with racism!
Also, now that #BernieMadeMeWhite, can I please get on an airplane without being harassed by airport security?! pic.twitter.com/4lDvIL6Y6T
— Simran Jeet Singh (@SikhProf) March 28, 2016
Facts:
Check out the #BernieMadeMeWhite tweets. So good. pic.twitter.com/unDPfbNo6z
— laurie allee (@laurieallee) March 27, 2016
