Jill Biden, the US first lady, criticized for comparing Hispanics to “tacos” in a speech.
Ms. Biden tried to compliment the Hispanic community in San Antonio, Texas during a speech on Monday, saying they were “unique” as “breakfast tacos”.
The First Lady’s comments sparked criticism, with some urging her not to stereotype the Latin community.
Speaking at the UnidosUS annual conference, he said, “The diversity of this community, as distinct as the bodegas in the Bronx, as beautiful as the flowers in Miami and as unique as the breakfast tacos here in San Antonio, is your strength.”
In response to his remark, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists said “we are not tacos”.
The association added that they should not be reduced to stereotypes, adding that Latin heritage is complex.
He suggested “his communications team take time to better understand the complexities of our people and communities … Our heritage as Latinos is shaped by various diasporas, cultures and food traditions.
San Antonio is also one of the large Latin cities in the United States, with a population of nearly 1.5 million people who are 65% Hispanic or Latino, according to US census data.
The largely Mexican-American city loves its breakfast tacos, part of the local cuisine.
President Joe Biden will meet his Mexican counterpart, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, at the White House on Tuesday.
Conservatives on social media have jumped on the gaffe, wondering what liberal outrage would be like if a prominent Republican said so.
“No wonder Hispanics are fleeing the Democratic Party!” US Representative Andy Biggs, an Arizona Republican, tweeted.
