Pepe the Frog Ruled 'Hate Symbol' By Anti-Defamation League

The cartoon Pepe the Frog, used in social media memes, has been identified "as a hate symbol" by The Anti-Defamation League and has been added to its online "Hate on Display" database , the ADL announced in a press release Tuesday. 

The cartoon character has been "used by haters on social media to suggest racist, anti-Semitic or other bigoted notions," the statement read.

"Once again, racists and haters have taken a popular Internet meme and twisted it for their own purposes of spreading bigotry and harassing users," ADL CEO Jonathan A. Greenblatt said. "These anti-Semites have no shame. They are abusing the image of a cartoon character, one that might at first seem appealing, to harass and spread hatred on social media."

Donald Trump Jr., the son of the Republican presidential candidate, has once posted a meme on Instagram featuring Pepe the Frog.

 

A friend sent me this. Apparently I made the cut as one of the Deplorables😂😂😂 All kidding aside I am honored to be grouped with the hard working men and women of this great nation that have supported @realdonaldtrump and know that he can fix the mess created by politicians in Washington. He's fighting for you and won't ever quit. Thanks for your trust! #trump2016 #maga #makeamericagreatagain #basketofdeplorables

A photo posted by Donald Trump Jr. (@donaldjtrumpjr) on Sep 10, 2016 at 7:18pm PDT

The ADL founded the Hate on Display database in 2000 as part of its effort to track hate groups and help law enforcement, educators and other members of the public to identify those symbols that serve as potential calling cards of extremists and anti-Semites.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, calls itself the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

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