The unfortunate decision to post a “white elevator” sign at Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena, home of the 2016 Republican National Convention, has red and blue tongues wagging on Twitter.
Patriotic colors of red, white and blue decorate the arena from wall to wall and from ceiling to floor. Yet, all heck broke loose on social media when Wall Street Journal reporter Byron Tau hit Twitter with a pic of one particular sign directing convention gers to designated elevators. Take a look.
https://twitter.com/ByronTau/status/754357522207604737
Some outlets suggested the signage recalled the Jim Crow South, while others posited that white was likely just one of three color-coded carriages, the others sensibly being red and blue, rounding out the hues of the U.S. flag.
Twitter didn’t care. Take a look at the social platform’s snappiest rejoinders.
The white elevators are for immediate loading and unloading of delegates only. There is no stopping in the red elevators.
— Craig J. Clark (@Hooded_Werewolf) July 16, 2016
https://twitter.com/colsonwhitehead/status/754736925311897600
"No problem, Mr. Speaker! By the way, we finished the elevator labeling system for the convention." https://t.co/as3H31RB1G
— Jordan Brown (@thisjordanbrown) July 17, 2016
Elevators don't hate. They must be taught. https://t.co/Af9jHuA6Sx
— Leigh (@VoterSupportPjt) July 17, 2016
Same graphic design team that created the #TrumpPence logo came up with the WHITE ELEVATOR signs at #RNCinCLE pic.twitter.com/YhkTKV8eAE
— Mark Elliott (@markmobility) July 16, 2016
#WhiteElevator signs at the #RNC. Totally in touch with 1950’s America. https://t.co/HKKIRDeP89
— Chelsea-Lyn Rudder (@ChelseaLynR) July 17, 2016
What about the "White House" Byron? Is that racist and should it be painted pink w/purple polka dots?
— Carol Greenberg (@LadyImpactOhio) July 17, 2016