Photo by Lucas Jackson

Although the annual Miss America pageant has generally become an outdated event that most viewers skip, it still tends to capture a glimpse of pop culture and societal thoughts. This year was no exception.

Immediately after the crowning of Nina Davuluri, the first winner of Indian decent, social media users were quick to react and share their thoughts. One user questioned why "the Arab" had won, with others chiming in to announce that "this is America, not India." One called her "Miss 7-11," a reference to a racist stereotype.

Considering finalists from conservative states such as Oklahoma and Kansas were runners-up, Fox News' Todd Starnes went the political route, complaining that unlike Davuluri, they "actually represented American values." As opposed to what exactly?

Starnes wasn't alone. One Twitter user swore "I'm not racist but this is America." Another said, "Asian or indian are you kiddin this is america omg." Another: "Egypt dancing? This is America. #MissAmerica." And this very educated young man: "9/11 was 4 days ago and she gets miss America?"

The response, as you can see, was ugly and completely unacceptable. BuzzFeed actually collected even more of the Twitter responses, which ultimately prompted many of the commenters to delete their accounts or go "private."

Appearing on Good Morning America, Davuluri brushed off the hateful comments, saying, "I have to rise above that. I always viewed myself as first and foremost American."