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What was said by Jill Biden? As the San Antonio address backfires, a comment about breakfast tacos spurs internet criticism.

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Jill-Biden

What was said by Jill Biden? As the San Antonio address backfires, a comment about breakfast tacos spurs internet criticism.

Jill Biden, the first lady of the United States, came under fire online for saying that Hispanics were as distinctive as “tacos”

The 71-year-old professor said this on July 11 in a lecture at the UnidosUS Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas, titled Siempre Adelante: Our Quest for Equity.

Biden tried to compliment UnidosUS President Raul Yzaguirre’s work, but his word choice didn’t do her any favors. She remarked:

Raul contributed to the establishment of this organization with the knowledge that the strength of our neighborhood is in its diversity, which is as distinctive as the bodegas of the Bronx, as lovely as the blossoms of Miami, and as special as the breakfast tacos here in San Antonio.

Jill Biden was also criticized for pronouncing “bodega” incorrectly as “bogeda” when giving her speech. In New York City, bodegas are little convenience stores managed by Dominicans and Puerto Ricans.

On Twitter, Jill Biden’s remarks drew negative feedback.
Right-wing critics and some Twitter users criticized the First Lady for failing to listen to what she said during a public engagement. Users criticized Biden’s White House speechwriters as well, with one of them labeling the professor a “racist.”

Jill Biden is criticized for her “lack of cultural understanding.”
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) released an official statement requesting Biden not to reduce the Latino community to stereotypes after the US First Lady’s speech gaffe went viral online:

“NAHJ urges @FLOTUS and her communications staff to take the time to comprehend the intricacies of our citizens and communities. The taco is not us. Numerous diasporas, cultures, and culinary traditions have influenced our legacy as Latinos. Do not categorize us based on stereotypes.”

According to US Census data, San Antonio has a population that is 65 percent Latino or Hispanic.
Jill Biden has previously drawn criticism for her use of language and pronounciation. The Spanish phrase “S se puede,” which translates to “yes we can,” was mispronounced by the US First Lady in March 2021 while she was speaking to farmworkers in California.

According to a Catalist data report, out of 10 Latinos, six supported Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Following complaints from Hispanic voters about Joe Biden’s presidency, the First Lady made her remarks.

According to the most recent Quinnipiac survey, Joe Biden’s approval rating as president has dropped from 55% last year to 26% this year.

Additionally, the president came under fire for using the Spanish pop song Despacito to court Hispanic votes during his campaign. In addition to serving as the US First Lady, Jill Biden teaches English at Alexandria’s Northern Virginia Community College.