Racism and biased policing have been at the forefront of America's conscience in the last 12 months, so it's no surprise that at an annual convention for liberals and progressives, activists held aspiring presidential candidates to their report cards on civil rights.While he may not have exited stage left as Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley did when he was heckled by crowds over the same issues at the convention, Sanders's gruff reaction to protesters who demanded he recite the names of black people who had died at the hands of police or while in police custody still sparked a stiff social media scolding.Related: Friends Suspect Foul Play After Woman's Supposed Suicide in Texas JailAs protesters began chanting "say her name," in reference to the recent death of Sandra Bland in a Texas police cell under what her relatives said were suspicious circumstances, and "Black Lives Matter," Sanders contemplated cutting short his address before speaking up."Black lives of course matter," Sanders said. "I spent 50 years of my life fighting for civil rights and dignity, but if you don't want me to be here, that's okay. I don't want to out-scream people."Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, then continued to talk about income inequality and the economy — central themes of the senator's presidential campaign and career.Can all you black people at Netroots Nation shut up so Bernie Sanders can whitesplain civil rights to you? — Kris Banks (@KrisBanks)July 18, 2015
Bernie had a chance to show his commitment to — Zack Ford (@ZackFord)July 19, 2015
The hashtag soon began trending in tweets that have ranged from tongue-in-cheek to serious political and social commentary.Little known fact Bernie Sanders was actually the one who told John Carlos and Tommie Smith to put up black power fist in 68 — Rod TBGWT (@rodimusprime)July 19, 2015
Others called out those they believed had missed the meaning behind the verb "whitesplaining" entirely. Various definitions have described it as a patronizing way for whites to explain to people of color the true nature and forces behind racism.
The hullabaloo has opened a rift between Sanders supporters and others who also see themselves as liberal and progressive.We'll have a whole chapter called: 'Actually white people cannot, by definition whitesplain to OTHER WHITE PEOPLE' — Adam Johnson (@adamjohnsonNYC)July 20, 2015
Instead of attacking the guy who fought for Civil rights with — Bipartisan Report (@Bipartisanism)July 19, 2015
Later Saturday evening, Sanders returned to the stage in Phoenix before the largest crowd of his presidential campaign so far. This time, he spoke more directly about the issues of police accountability and racism raised earlier in the day."When a police officer breaks the law, that officer must be held accountable," he told a crowd of roughly 11,000. "Let us be clear, while we have overcome a lot of racism, we still have a long way to go."His public relations team also rushed to pull Sanders out of the quagmire.I won't apologize because you EXPECT black folks to usher in your candidate, no questions asked. — Leigh (@RichieLeigh)July 19, 2015
But they may not have needed to bother. If the aphorism that "no press is bad press" holds true, Sanders seems to be on track for 2016.The pressure of yesterday's — Broderick Greer (@BroderickGreer)July 19, 2015
Funniest thing about — Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells)July 20, 2015