FLINT, MI -- Social media lit up after U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders told debate watchers "when you're white, you don't know what it's like to be living in a ghetto" during the Flint Democratic presidential primary debate.

The answer came after CNN anchor Don Lemon asked the candidates about possible "racial blind spots" they may have.

"(W)hen you're white, you don't know what it's like to be living in a ghetto," Sanders responded. "You don't know what it's like to be poor. You don't know what it's like to be hassled when you walk down the street or you get dragged out of a car."

He then went on to call for an end to systemic racism.

But, the statement drew mixed reviews from those on social media.

Some felt there are plenty of poor, white residents who live in what could be called a ghetto:

While others said that racism isn't limited to only those who live in ghettos:

Will someone please tell Senator Bernie Sanders that not all blacks live in the ghetto & that racism affects middle AND upper class blacks! — Charlie Nelms (@CharlieNelms) March 7, 2016

Others accused him of using racism to try and fight racism:

Wow! Bernie Sanders said "white people don't know what it's like to live in the ghetto". You can't fight racism with racist statements sir — JJ Hairston (@JJ_Hairston) March 7, 2016

And still more said it showed the Vermont senator's lack of understanding of black issues:

@BernieSanders Senator Sanders I don't live in a ghetto. Shows how much you really don't understand black issues — Eddie Bright (@Brighttoday) March 7, 2016

What did you think of the statement? Share your thoughts in the comments below.