Jill Biden under fire for likening Latino community to 'tacos'

Jill Biden and her speechwriters are harshly criticised for a speech in which the first lady attempted to draw comparisons between Latin diversity and breakfast tacos.

By Azaera Amza

Jul 12, 2022

US first lady Jill Biden was speaking in San Antonio, with a population of nearly 1.5 million people that is 65 percent Hispanic or Latin. / AP

US first lady Jill Biden's attempt to compliment Latinos has flopped when she has said they are as unique as "breakfast tacos," prompting criticism from across the political spectrum.

Speaking in San Antonio at the annual conference of UnidosUS, formerly known as the National Council of La Raza, Biden on Monday attempted to praise Raul Yzaguirre, who led the civil rights and advocacy organisation for 30 years.

"Raul helped build this organisation 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," Biden said.

The National Association of Hispanic Journalists was not impressed, saying Biden and her speech writers ought to "better understand the complexities of our people."

"We are not tacos. Our heritage as Latinos is shaped by a variety of diasporas, cultures and food traditions, and should not be reduced to a stereotype," the association said in a statement.

In New York City, people love the convenience stores known as bodegas that are often run by Dominican or Puerto Rican merchants.

Biden mispronounced the word as "bogedas."

Miami has long been a destination for Latinos who migrate to the United States.

San Antonio is also one of the great Latino cities in the United States, with a population of nearly 1.5 million people that is 65 percent Hispanic or Latino, according to US Census data.

The largely Mexican-American city is fond of its breakfast tacos, part of the local cuisine.