America has come a long way when we have a black president, and now, an Indian-American woman winning the Miss America pageant.
Oh my god. YAYYYYYY!!!!!
Personally, I’ve never cared for Miss America. Partly because it was Miss Caucausin for nearly six decades, and partly because the early years promoted beauty over brains.
But a lot is changing. And changing in a good way. So I’m so excited to see an Indian compete and give me hope that our people are just as cool and awesome as everyone else.
It’s not to say, we’ve come all the way, but it goes to show that Americans are breaking stereotypes, not listening to racists, and fulfilling their dreams.
Almost…
There was sadly a bunch of asshole racist tweets (see below). But before we deal with the ignorance of people, let’s see Nina’s Bollywood-bharatnatyan dance!
#MissAmerica ummm wtf?! Have we forgotten 9/11?
— anthony ridgeway (@anthonytkr) September 16, 2013
September 16, 2013Miss America? You mean Miss 7-11.
— CHEEZ-IT (@JPLman95)
How does an ARAB win Miss AMERICA!
— Rachel Johns (@Rachel_Johns13) September 16, 2013
And one of the most asshole-y racist things said by none other than a Fox news talking head, Todd Starnes.
Miss Kansas, a gun-toting, deer-hunting, military veteran was America's choice – but not the liberal Miss America judges' choice.
— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) September 16, 2013
The liberal Miss America judges won't say this – but Miss Kansas lost because she actually represented American values. #missamerica
— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) September 16, 2013
For the record, Nina is as American as one can get. She’s not a gun totter (like half of the United States) and she believes in education (a traditional American value that many have forgotten about). In her Good Morning America interview, she said the money she won at the contest would be used to “further my education.”
That is the most American thing you can say – making yourself better. Doing more.
But the backlash only lasted so long, and both the Indian and American communities have taken to outing the idiots and showing their support for a diverse United States.
People saying new #MissAmerica looks like Arab terrorist? Grow up, assholes! (and Jesus doesn't love you, either.)
— BeckettCreative (@BeckettCreative) September 16, 2013
Yahoo News: Racist tweets saying that new Miss America of Indian descent looks like an Arab terrorist. I'm embarrassed for my country today.
— Blake Dannen (@BlakeDannen) September 16, 2013
Dearest America, Al Qaeda did not just win the Miss America pageant. Also, she's Indian not Arab. Please buy a map and read more books.
— John McLaughlin (@johnmcl69) September 16, 2013
While I know nothing about him, Todd’s comment was definitely not more racist or ignorant than those stated above.
She did a very beautiful dance despite the controversy!