First Lady Dr. Jill Biden apologized through her press secretary for comparing Latinos to “breakfast tacos” at a LatinX event in which she also mispronounced “bodega” resulting in widespread condemnation from Hispanic and Latino groups, including an association of journalists.
Michael LaRosa, who is Jill Biden‘s press secretary and a special assistant to Joe Biden, relayed the apology on Twitter.
“The First Lady apologizes that her words conveyed anything but pure admiration and love for the Latino community,” wrote LaRosa.
The First Lady apologizes that her words conveyed anything but pure admiration and love for the Latino community.
— Michael LaRosa (@MichaelLaRosa46) July 12, 2022
Those words were captured on video yesterday, when the First Lady, who holds a doctorate in education, compared Latinos to tacos and mispronounced “bodega.”
She said that the LatinX event was built with the “understanding that the diversity of this community, as distinct as the bogidas [sic] of the Bronx, as beautiful as the blossoms of Miami, and as unique as the breakfast tacos here in San Antonio.”
At a "Latinx IncluXion" conference, Jill Biden says the Hispanic community is as "unique" as tacos.pic.twitter.com/Vb5wJyYGWB
— RNC Latinos (@RNCLatinos) July 11, 2022
The awkward speech led to widespread condemnation from conservatives, including from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
“We are not tacos,” the group wrote in a tweet alongside its official statement on Twitter. “Do not reduce us to stereotypes.”
In its statement, the organization wrote that “Using breakfast tacos to try to demonstrate the uniqueness of Latinos in San Antonio demonstrates a lack of cultural knowledge and sensitivity to Latinos in the region.”
“NAHJ encourages Dr. Biden and her speech writing team to take the time in the future to better understand the complexities of our people and communities,” the group added.
NAHJ encourages @FLOTUS & her communications team to take time to better understand the complexities of our people & communities.
We are not tacos.
Our heritage as Latinos is shaped by various diasporas, cultures & food traditions.
Do not reduce us to stereotypes. pic.twitter.com/KQIq5gwsht
— NAHJ (@NAHJ) July 12, 2022
The apology for First Lady Dr. Biden’s ill-fated speech has also drawn criticism from prominent conservatives.
“Her words did not convey anything except for her objectification of ethnic minorities for virtue signalling political points,” wrote YouTuber Viva Frei.
The lawyer added, “Her words made it clear that she does not view humans as humans, but merely as tools for identity politics. Also known as the definition of racism.”
Her words did not convey anything except for her objectification of ethnic minorities for virtue signalling political points. Her words made it clear that she does not view humans as humans, but merely as tools for identity politics. Also known as the definition of racism.
— Viva Frei (@thevivafrei) July 12, 2022
Steve Guest, a communications advisor for Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, instead criticized Biden’s apology with humor.
“I’m sorry Michael that they had you tweet this out today,” wrote Guest.
I'm sorry Michael that they had you tweet this out today.
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) July 12, 2022
