New York’s Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul has been forced to issue a groveling apology after she claimed during a public appearance that “black kids” don’t “even know what the word ‘computer’ is.”
Gov Hochul made the remark during an on-stage forum in California on Monday.
Videos of her comments have been spreading on social media, provoking a widespread backlash.
In a statement, Hochul said: “I regret it.”
She attempted to clarify the intent of her remark, alleging she was trying to highlight her focus on increasing economic opportunity for children in the Bronx.
The Bronx, which is represented by Democrat Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Richie Torres, Adriano Espaillat, and Jamaal Bowman, has the highest rate of poverty in New York City.
“Of course black children in the Bronx know what computers are,” Hochul’s apology said.
“The problem is that they too often lack access to the technology needed to get on track to high-paying jobs in emerging industries like AI.”
But despite her lackluster apology, residents and lawmakers alike have hit back.
New Yorkers argue that the Democrat governor is “disconnected from reality,” needs to “do better,” and “should resign in disgrace.”
Hochul was given the opportunity to highlight her new $ 400 million AI initiative on Monday at the Milken Institute Global Conference in California.
The event is an annual meeting of billionaires and business leaders.
She was trying to express her desire to make technology more accessible, especially in low-income communities.
However, she instead made a shocking gaffe which would have provoked outrage from the Left if uttered by a conservative.
Some have since branded the comment as “racist” as well as “inartful and hurtful.”
“Right now we have, you know, young black kids growing up in the Bronx who don’t even know what the word ‘computer’ is,” Hochul told wealthy globalists attending the conference.
“They don’t know, they don’t know these things.
“And I want the world opened up to all of them.”
WATCH:
The governor later claimed she “misspoke.”
In a statement to the New York Post, Hochul double-downed on the alleged “inequity” in the tech industry.
She said: “That’s why I’ve been focused on increasing economic opportunity since Day One of my Administration.”
However, Hochul’s so-called apology has not calmed the wave of criticisms from lawmakers and citizens alike.
Assemblywoman Karines Reyes, a Bronx Democrat, said she was “deeply disturbed” by Hochul’s remarks and the “underlying perception” that she has of minority children living in the borough.
“Our children are bright, brilliant, extremely capable, and more than deserving of any opportunities that are extended to other kids,” Reyes said in a post on X.
“Do better,” Reyes added.
Assemblyman John Zaccaro, also a Bronx Democrat, issued a statement saying:
“Our children, far from being underestimated, are the epitome of brilliance, resilience, and untapped potential.
“They are not only capable but deserving of every opportunity that their counterparts are offered.
“It’s disheartening to witness such a portrayal that undermines their abilities and aspirations.”
Democrat Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo went on to invite Hochul to visit the borough and “experience firsthand the intelligence, resilience, and joy that radiate from Bronx children and residents each day.”
Social media users have also slammed Hochul, with several claiming she was “out of touch” with reality and one even branding her a “delusional sociopath.”
“Detached from reality is an understatement,” penned X user Richard Pierce.
“Says a lot about the Governor from New York.”
“These Democrat politicians are so disconnected from reality, so caught up in pandering, that they fail to realize how patronizing they come across to their target audience,” echoed Marc.
The comments appear to echo a common sentiment among elitist Democrats, however.
In 2019, during his 2020 campaign, Democrat President Joe Biden suggested that all black children are “poor.”
“We should challenge students in these schools,” Biden said during a speech to the Asian & Latino Coalition group in Des Moines, Iowa.
“We have this notion that somehow if you’re poor, you cannot do it.
“Poor kids are just as bright and just as talented as white kids.”
After a pause, Biden added:
“Wealthy kids, black kids, Asian kids, no, I really mean it, but think how we think about it.”
https://slaynews.com/news/democrat-ny-gov-hochul-forced-apologize-claiming-black-kids-dont-know-computer-means/
No comments:
Post a Comment