Jill Biden slammed for saying Latinos as ‘unique’ as ‘breakfast tacos’ in San Antonio speech
First lady Jill Biden is receiving blowback for comments made during a Monday speech in San Antonio, Texas.
Biden was speaking to Latino nonprofit group UnidosUS when she likened the diversity of the Latino American community to offerings of breakfast tacos at restaurants in the city.
Biden said UnidosUS founder Raul Yzaguirre had formed the group “with the understanding that the diversity of this community, 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.” The first lady also mispronounced the Spanish word “bodega” during her remarks.
The comments drew cheers from the in-person crowd and a laugh from Biden herself. Criticism of the remarks was quick to follow on social media. Among those unamused by the first lady’s remarks was the National Associate of Hispanic Journalists, which issued a statement in response to the comments.
“Using breakfast tacos to try to demonstrate the uniqueness of Latinos in San Antonio demonstrates a lack of cultural knowledge and sensitivity to the diversity of Latinos in the region,” the statement read. “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.”
“We are not tacos,” the group stated. “Our heritage as Latinos is shaped by a variety of diasporas, cultures and food traditions, and should not be reduced to a stereotype.”
Press Secretary to the First Lady Michael LaRosa has since tweeted an apology from Biden.
“The First Lady apologizes that her words conveyed anything but pure admiration and love for the Latino community,” LaRosa tweeted.
UnidosUS CEO Janet Murguía has since tweeted a message saying the group was “honored” to host the first lady.
“So honored to host @FLOTUS at our Annual Conference today in San Antonio,” Murguía wrote. “She has been a great educator in, and a great amiga to, our community for years. Privileged to call her a friend.”