Some Cher fans are apparently in an uproar after news of Margaret Thatcher's death led to some... confusion on Twitter.
A popular hashtag, #nowthatchersdead, was started by a website critical of Thatcher. It made the rounds on social media, and got a lot of people talking. But fans of a certain famous performer weren't all that happy.
Lots of people seem to have read the hashtag "now that Cher's dead," rather than "now Thatcher's dead," leading the singer's fans to take to Twitter with their concerns and sadness:
I am confused with the hashtag #nowthatchersdead.Has Cher died???
— Carl Nige Pullin (@nige134) April 8, 2013
R.I.P. Do you believe in life after love?#nowthatchersdead
— Jimmy Hang (@JimmyLikesFilm) April 8, 2013
I can't believe Cher's dead... If she could turn back time. #nowthatChersdead
— Emma-Jaen Stanley (@EmmaJaen) April 8, 2013
Even non-fans seemed confident that the hashtag they'd misread was an accurate report about the death of a pop singer, rather than a former prime minister:
RIP CHER. Just saw the hashtag. Never was a fan myself but you've gotta respect her influence. #nowthatcherisdead
— Duke Slappington (@sexyghosts) April 8, 2013
Ricky Gervais chimed in with his usual gentle but firm touch to clear things up:
Some people are in a frenzy over the hashtag #nowthatchersdead.It's "Now Thatcher's dead". Not, "Now that Cher's dead" JustSayin'
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) April 8, 2013
As the Wall Street Journal points out, some people took the opportunity to argue for greater clarity in the crafting of hashtags:
Everyone thinking Cher is dead is a perfect example of why capital letters should be used in hashtags #NowThatcherIsDead #nowthatcherisdead
— Ratonhnhaké:ton (@MauriceHughes96) April 8, 2013
The problem with hash tags is that they don't have spaces and can create confusion. #nowthatcherisdead Is that Thatcher or Cher?
— Giovanni Glass (@momendo) April 8, 2013
And of course, a few clever Twitterers found the humour in the whole situation:
If I was Cher, I'd definitely fake my own death now. That'd really confuse things. #nowthatchersdead
— Louise Ryder (@louise__ryder) April 8, 2013
#Nowthatchersdead Reflecting on woman who dominated 80s. Disliked by many, respected by all. But concern is premature, Cher is still alive
— Matt Fernandez (@mattyfern_92) April 8, 2013
Related:
The Hashtag Of Happiness: #ImHappiestWhen
#Ottawapiskat: Hashtag Shifts The Conversation About First Nations And Canada's Government
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