Giraffes are not a native species to Ghana.Twitter/Fast Company
Delta Airlines is facing a social media firestorm after posting a congratulatory tweet in the wake of U.S. team 2-1 World Cup victory over Ghana and incorrectly representing the country with a picture of a giraffe.
The post featured the final score, with pictures meant to represent the two countries. The victorious U.S. was depicted as the Statue of Liberty and Ghana was represented by giraffe, expect there are no giraffes in Ghana. Twitter users who saw the post called the image racist and ignorant.
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WOW @Delta. With ALL the #Africa traffic business you get, you think #Gha is only a SAFARI w giraffes?? Major business #travel #FAIL #US
— Semhar (@Semhar) June 17, 2014
Most ignorant and racist thing this week “@Delta: We’re sorry for our choice of photo in our previous tweet. Best of luck to all teams.”
— zellie (@zellieimani) June 17, 2014
@Delta go home you’re drunk
— viewfrom327 (@viewfrom327) June 17, 2014
While many posters were upset, some found humor in the situation.
I mean, there’s probably a zoo in Ghana with a giraffe.
— Josh Barro (@jbarro) June 17, 2014
I remember when I was in Ghana riding my giraffe on the beach @Delta
— Hambone (@Menphyel7) June 17, 2014
Someone at Delta was made aware of the gaffe and the offending tweet was removed, but not before Fast Company and other websites were able to capture screen shots.
An apology appeared soon after.
We’re sorry for our choice of photo in our previous tweet. Best of luck to all teams.
— Delta (@Delta) June 17, 2014