There's a fierce battle raging on social media, and it's pandas versus flags.
The Smithsonian American History Museum has been taking cheeky potshots on Twitter at The National Zoo and its famed panda cub, Bao Bao.
We ♡ pandas. But we agree with @NPG that history is more fun and colorful than the black-and-white bear. #SIshowdown pic.twitter.com/lL3ZxPzX6S — amhistorymuseum (@amhistorymuseum) August 14, 2014
The Smithsonian Institution asked Twitter users to tweet about their favorite object at any Smithsonian Institution using the hashtag #SIshowdown. The four winning institutions will participate in a Twitter town hall debate Aug. 18.
But things quickly got snarky. There were lighthearted jabs, such as the Smithsonian Archives tweeting: "That awkward moment when u tell the museums they wouldn’t exist w/out u," but when Bao Bao and the Star-Spangled Banner flag emerged as two frontrunners, the gloves came off.
@_MuppetManda_ Thanks! We love @NationalZoo's tweets. Are they using some new app? http://t.co/MPcb6JrCBQ #SIshowdown pic.twitter.com/9RTTYIoDbA — amhistorymuseum (@amhistorymuseum) August 14, 2014
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It wasn't long before the National Portrait Gallery took sides and formed an alliance with the American History Museum.
.@amhistorymuseum @NationalZoo Since when does cute beat patriotic? Vote historical stuff over fluff #SIshowdown http://t.co/EkO85XoNEa — Portrait Gallery (@NPG) August 14, 2014
The @NPG portrait of George is pretty innovative, too. A depiction of democracy at work, @NationalZoo! #SIshowdown pic.twitter.com/c13Cd76KhC — amhistorymuseum (@amhistorymuseum) August 14, 2014
Of course, the National Zoo fought back.
.@amhistorymuseum You survived a 2.5 yr war? That's cute. Pandas fight extinction & habitat loss daily. #VoteBaoBao http://t.co/uuQdg3GTmw — National Zoo (@NationalZoo) August 14, 2014
Check out some more of the sassy Smithsonian tweets below.
Bao Bao's Queen of Cute, but GW made the presidency. @NPG's painting defined role of POTUS. #notmonarchy #SIshowdown pic.twitter.com/AwUAczMiEg — amhistorymuseum (@amhistorymuseum) August 14, 2014
.@amhistorymuseum @NationalZoo Key was pretty innovative when he wrote our national anthem (not inspired by pandas) http://t.co/0ZTHJKLSyr — Portrait Gallery (@NPG) August 14, 2014
.@NPG @amhistorymuseum Bao Bao is 100% Smithsonian made, 100% innovation and 100% science. How's that for fluff? #VoteBaoBao #SIShowdown — National Zoo (@NationalZoo) August 14, 2014
100% science, @NationalZoo? Scientific freedoms wouldn’t be possible without G-Dubs and his Revolutionary friends. #SIshowdown — amhistorymuseum (@amhistorymuseum) August 14, 2014
Yeah, @NationalZoo, and that is all symbolized in @amhistorymuseum 's flag, so you’re welcome #SIshowdown pic.twitter.com/BNFUxEATo3 — Portrait Gallery (@NPG) August 14, 2014
Pandas mean a lot to us, @NationalZoo. But we're proud of Rev. War & War of 1812 victories. Next: #SIshowdown win. pic.twitter.com/U49RmcpqEC — amhistorymuseum (@amhistorymuseum) August 14, 2014
. @amhistorymuseum Looks like a 40lb. panda is making you shake in your boots. http://t.co/uuQdg3GTmw #VoteBaoBao pic.twitter.com/C1BR92T48z — National Zoo (@NationalZoo) August 14, 2014
. @NationalZoo Sorry, can't hear ya over the "bombs bursting in air"! Pretty scary British invasion. #SIshowdown pic.twitter.com/Tj3yAibBuC — amhistorymuseum (@amhistorymuseum) August 14, 2014
.@amhistorymuseum Sorry, can't hear ya over deafening conservation success #BaoBao is rolling around in #SIShowdown pic.twitter.com/ObyOtdcnQW — National Zoo (@NationalZoo) August 14, 2014
Rolling, @NationalZoo? We prefer "gallantly streaming" when we celebrate success. #SIshowdown #Warof1812 pic.twitter.com/jOvmWe1vUo — amhistorymuseum (@amhistorymuseum) August 14, 2014
.@amhistorymuseum Try celebrating success w/ numbers & not adjectives. Panda pop. in human care up by 10% in 2013 #WeSaveSpecies #SIShowdown — National Zoo (@NationalZoo) August 14, 2014