Want more hot BPR News stories? Sign up for our morning news blast HERE

The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs found itself in hot water over a series of social media posts offering traveling advice for Americans going abroad for spring break.

In what can be described as being too clever by half, the State Department was forced to apologize for the otherwise innocuous task after a message seemingly tailor-made for ugly Americans was included in the advice being posted under the hashtag “#SpringBreakingBadly.”

The tweet was soon deleted, but here’s a screen shot:

After deleting the tweet, the State Department posted a two-tweet apology:

Some have been offended by our earlier tweet and we apologize that it came off negatively 1/2

— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) March 30, 2016

We see many Americans fall victim to scams each year & want all to be careful while traveling 2/2

— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) March 30, 2016

As noted by Fox News, the message was meant to caution Americans about being scammed via personal compliments and/or alcohol, and while the intent may have been good, that’s not how most social media users took it.

Instead, they reacted with sarcasm and anger, although there was also some offering support. Here’s a sampling of responses from Twitter:

@TravelGov RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU THOUGHT IT WAS HILARIOUS! pic.twitter.com/ezEbWX6ctL

— Drew (@DrewPinkley) March 30, 2016

@TravelGov don’t be sorry, people are babies and can’t handle the hard truths

— Steven Peterson (@Mimekiller) March 30, 2016

@TravelGov Some people are too easily offended. #SafePlace pic.twitter.com/hbeZtukiXs

— Richard Shoaf (@RichardShoaf) March 30, 2016

@TravelGov It was truly insulting. Are we graded on our worthiness by whether or not we rate a 10 on the State Department’s scale?

— Stephanie Gee (@AquamarineSteph) March 31, 2016

@TravelGov “We’re sorry if you’re offended” AKA, “not my fault you can’t take a joke!” Who’s running this thing?

— The Berning (@TheBerning2016) March 31, 2016

@TravelGov You can’t cram the toothpaste back in once its been squirted out. We pay taxes for these jackasses???

? <— U.S. Gov

— Beach Bum (@BytorNSnowdog) March 31, 2016

@TravelGov that’s what’s known as a non-apology. Maybe don’t hire sorority girls/frat boys as social media interns.

— Steve Delfino (@SteveDelfino) March 31, 2016

@TravelGov please advise: I am not a “10” in the US, but I have a man who likes to buy me drinks and thinks I am pretty. Am I being scammed?

— jsil (@Juliannsilver) March 30, 2016

@TravelGov “if it came of negatively”? Stupid is a stupid does and of course, it’s the State Dept. again. No surprise.

— Lynne Lepine (@LepineLynne) March 31, 2016

if you are a “2” in the United States be sure to budget enough money to pay for your own drinks abroad you loathsome harridan

— Travel Gov (@Travel_Gov) March 30, 2016

Sign up for our morning news blast HERE

• Author
• Recent Posts

Tom Tillison

Senior Staff Writer
[email protected]

The longest-tenured writer at BizPac Review, Tom grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills.

Latest posts by Tom Tillison (see all)

• Tucker releases part 2 of Devon Archer’s riveting interview - August 4, 2023
• Biden handlers forced to ‘adjust for age,’ roll out shorter Air Force One staircase - July 21, 2023
• Woman claims self-defense after allegedly shooting neighbor following altercation with playing children - June 7, 2023

Comment

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.