Twitter reacts to Mandela's death

UPDATED: Many paid tribute to South Africa's "greatest son." Almost everyone was gracious

Published December 5, 2013 10:48PM (EST)

President of the African National Congress Nelson Mandela acknowledges cheers from the crowd as he prepares to unveil the ANC's official election platform in this Jan. 29, 1994 photo in Soweto. (AP/David Brauchli)
President of the African National Congress Nelson Mandela acknowledges cheers from the crowd as he prepares to unveil the ANC's official election platform in this Jan. 29, 1994 photo in Soweto. (AP/David Brauchli)

Immediately after the great freedom fighter and politician died, the microblogging site exploded with memories and tributes:

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Politics don't always conform to American ideas of left and right:
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This tweet reminds us that Madiba was not always a universally beloved figure:
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This one infuriated people:
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Donald Trump didn't disappoint:
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By Alex Halperin

Alex Halperin is news editor at Salon. You can follow him on Twitter @alexhalperin.

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By Hamna Zubair

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Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Apartheid Conservatism Nelson Mandela South Africa Twitter