#MakeASongWhiter causes stir on Twitter

Alexis Simmons

After Chris Hardwick of Comedy Central’s “Midnight” challenged users of Twitter to #MakeASongWhiter, the social media site exploded into a social justice battleground.

Rap and hip-hop music are where many of the puns and points came from while the hashtag was trending. Some considered the hashtag to be intrinsically racist, saying that if the hashtag were #MakeASongBlacker, there would be massive outrage.

@Overthrowsnow, a Twitter user, tweeted, “#MakeASongWhiter is probably one of the most racist hashtags I’ve ever seen.”

Others found it to bring attention to cultural appropriation and white privilege, both of which are social justice issues that have been attracting attention in the media recently.

“Started from the top and we still here. Started from the top and you could be here too if you just worked harder. #MakeASongWhiter @midnight,” was tweeted by @cemeza, a Twitter user.

Tayler Hawks, a senior criminal justice major, had a different opinion on the hashtag.

“One of my favorite ways to address white privilege and racist mindsets is through that kind of humor,” Hawks said. “I love it so much.”

Alternatively, there were tweets with less political undertones such as one by @heyitspaulag: “#MakeASongWhiter My gluten-free soy milkshake brings all the boys to the yard,” referencing Kellis’ 2003 hit “Milkshake.”

Some Washburn students found the hashtag to be simply fun.

“I think it’s just for fun, and if someone is hurt by it, I’m sorry,” said Irene Medina, a Washburn student from Belize. “I think it’s funny. Just take it for what it is. Don’t delve too deep into it.”