The U.S. Marine Corps is being taken to task online by users critical of a tweet containing a graphic celebrating “Pride Month.”
The graphic features a ballistic helmet covered in USMC green camouflage and an array of bullets with rainbow-colored tips and the message, “Proud to Serve” on a helmet band.
The tweet read, “Throughout June, the USMC takes #Pride in recognizing and honoring the contributions of our LGBTQ service members. We remain committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination, and defend the values of treating all equally, with dignity and respect.”
Throughout June, the USMC takes #Pride in recognizing and honoring the contributions of our LGBTQ service members. We remain committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination, and defend the values of treating all equally, with dignity and respect.#PrideMonth #USMC pic.twitter.com/MOyvFmyJiB
— U.S. Marines (@USMC) June 1, 2022
While the service obviously wanted to try and demonstrate how ‘inclusive’ it is, in fact, by highlighting and celebrating one group over all others, the USMC is effectively alienating the bulk of the force, and critics pointed that out online, among other things.
China is laughing at us.
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 1, 2022
OMG. If these were the Marines that fought in WWII we would be speaking German.
— Carmine Sabia (@CarmineSabia) June 2, 2022
Gay bullets.
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) June 2, 2022
The month of June is PTSD Awareness month. Suicide has drastically increased in the military and in the veteran community. Our focus is on the mental health of our brothers and sisters not social equity.
This is a disgrace.
— Code of Vets ™ (@codeofvets) June 1, 2022
Seriously? How does fixating on differences foster cohesion and unity?
— Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) June 1, 2022
Are all the services having a contest to see who can produce the cringiest post today? pic.twitter.com/OZtHwDQcBh
— Chris Manning (@Manning4USCong) June 1, 2022
“Treating all equally, with dignity and respect.”
*Unless you choose to make a personal medical decision & are fired w/ no thanks for the years of service to our military
— #ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) June 1, 2022
The culture wars are not one the Marines were formed to fight. You represent all Americans & not just Woke socialists weaponizing sexual orientation to attack traditional nuclear family & Christian values. Tolerate, yes. Champion a side in a cultural debate? Not your mission.
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) June 1, 2022
Do we only shoot gay bullets now?
— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) June 1, 2022
I’m sure all the ex marines and current 1’s are asking themselves why you posted this lol
— Brian Barney (@bbarney22) June 1, 2022
China is going to steamroll us, aren’t they?
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) June 1, 2022
They should’ve stuck with this message pic.twitter.com/8b8sFf90yd
— Vrishnik Gupta (@VrishnikG) June 1, 2022
They aren’t.
But the better question is: Why are they MORE deserving of respect?
Singling out politically correct groups to show ‘how inclusive we are!’ is not a good way to instill unity and cohesion. If you served, you’d know that.
— Dr. Jonny Republic If You Can Keep It 🇺🇸 (@JonDougherty10) June 2, 2022
