‘Not Trying to Neg’: State Dept. Blasted for Travel Advice To ‘Ugly’ People

The Department of State has apologized after making an offbeat tweet where it seemed to warn Americans to avoid getting scammed by not overestimating their own attractiveness when traveling abroad.

On Wednesday, the agency’s Bureau of Consular Affairs took to Twitter to offer Americans practical travel advice when traveling overseas, using the hashtag #springbreakingbadly.

Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity left! Some countries will turn you around if not. #springbreakingbadly

— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) March 25, 2016

Most of the advice using the hashtag was innocuous, but things took a personal turn in one tweet that has since been deleted. “Not a ‘10’ in the US?” the department asked, referring to a rating of physical attractiveness. “Then not a 10 overseas. Beware of being lured into buying expensive drinks or worse—being robbed.”

“Not a ‘10’ in the US? Then not a 10 overseas.”?This tweet (before they deleted it) by the USStateDept was AWESOME! pic.twitter.com/sNb1Z02zgy — Ava (@silentnite22) March 31, 2016

The tweet was meant to be a clever way to warn people about scams that rely on flattery, but many criticized the tweet for being condescending or even sexist.

The State Department, however, rebuked these claims, pointing out that it didn’t mention gender and that it’s wasn’t trying“neg” anyone, referring the tactic of using backhanded compliment when flirting.

@gonicholasgo We made no mention of gender. This can happen to anyone unfortunately.

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

@caitlinrcruz @TimHerrera we’re not trying to neg anyone – just trying to warn folks about overseas scam artists. — Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) March 30, 2016

Others on Twitter found humor in the tweet, and criticized those outraged at it for being too sensitive.

[THE STATE DEPARTMENT SPOTS YOU DRUNK AT THE CLUB] “your American accent isn’t mysterious OR sexy. god, I’m calling you an Uber”

— Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) March 30, 2016

For the record, that @TravelGov tweet is the funniest thing any federal government account has ever tweeted. Stop being so sensitive. — Lachlan Markay (@lachlan) March 30, 2016

A parody account was created, with tweets dedicated to lampooning the agency’s misfire.

if you are not a “10” at home and a foreign national expresses interest in your “personality,” immediately exit the bar. This is a SET-UP.

— Travel Gov (@Travel_Gov) March 31, 2016

Hours after making its ill-fated tweet, the agency issued an apology, adding that it was only trying to issue useful advice.

@TravelGov RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU THOUGHT IT WAS HILARIOUS! pic.twitter.com/ezEbWX6ctL — Drew (@DrewPinkley) 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