Killing it with kindness...
When Donald Trump reportedly branded Haiti, El Salvador, and all African nations as "shithole countries" and questioned why America should permit their citizens to enter the country, it sent shockwaves around the world. The African Union, which represents 55 nations deemed the comments "clearly racist" and both the UN and the Vatican released statements condemning the offensive rhetoric.
During a meeting with lawmakers, aides told The Washington Post that Trump had reportedly said: "Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?" The White House did not deny the account and instead acknowledged that Trump's stance - as it has been throughout his entire campaign and presidency - is hardline. To which one might argue, when did hardline become so out of line?
Now, Instagram has responded in brilliantly bold fashion, with people around the world posting the most epic shots from their so-called 'shithole countries'. In a serious middle finger to Mr Trump's comments, it is a show of defiance that we can all get on-board with.
Fashion blogger and Marie Claire #Verified influencer Freddie Harrel posted a shot of her in Bafang, Cameroon, wearing a yellow floral ASOS dress with the caption: 'In our Chieftain's house. Loving this pilgrimage in my #Shitholecountry'. Meanwhile, travel blogger Sally G shared a picture of her poolside in Naivasha, Kenya, hipflask in hand and looking every inch the epitome of cool with a two-fingered salute to pack extra punch.
More postcards from shithole countries followed, from South Africa, to Haiti, to El Salvador and everywhere in between. The hashtags #shitholecountry #shitholecountries and #shitholepresident gathered pace, as people shared the love instead of the hate alongside their Insta shots of 'shithole' countries to remind us just how beautiful the world is, despite the challenges it continues to face. Here are our favourite posts, from the world with love...
