On Tuesday, First Lady Jill Biden apologized for her comments the previous day comparing the diversity of the Hispanic community in the United States to tacos, flowers, and corner stores during a speech in San Antonio, Texas.
During an event called the “Latinx IncluXion Luncheon,” Biden said that the diversity of the Hispanic community is “as distinct as the bodegas of the Bronx, as beautiful as the blossoms of Miami, and as unique as the breakfast tacos here in San Antonio, is your strength.”
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 comments prompted backlash, including an official statement from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), which told Biden, “We are not tacos.”
“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 our communities,” NAHJ said.
“Our heritage as Latinos is shaped by various diasporas, cultures & food traditions. Do not reduce us to stereotypes,” 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
Following the backlash, Biden issued an apology on Twitter.
“The First Lady apologizes that her words conveyed anything but pure admiration and love for the Latino community,” Michael LaRosa, press secretary to the first lady and special assistant to the president, tweeted.
The First Lady apologizes that her words conveyed anything but pure admiration and love for the Latino community.
— Michael LaRosa (@MichaelLaRosa46) July 12, 2022
