Jill Biden, the US first lady, has criticised for likening Hispanic people to “tacos” in a speech.

Mrs Biden tried to compliment the Hispanic community in San Antonio, Texas, during a speech on Monday, saying they were as “unique” as “breakfast tacos”.

The First Lady’s comments prompted criticism, with some urging her not to stereotype the Latino community.

Addressing the annual conference of UnidosUS, she said: “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.”

In response to her 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 Latino heritage is complex.

It suggested “her communications team to take time to better understand the complexities of our people and communities… Our heritage as Latinos is shaped by various diasporas, cultures & food traditions.

Nevada man charged over 1982 murder of missing schoolgirl Anne Pham

The deepest view of the universe ever captured: NASA releases first image from new space telescope

NASA reveals picture of distant universe taken by James Webb Space Telescope – but why is it a big deal?

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% Hispanic or Latino, according to US Census data.

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

President Joe Biden will meet with his Mexican counterpart, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, in the White House on Tuesday.

Conservatives on social media jumped on the gaffe, wondering what the liberal outrage would sound like if a prominent Republican had said it.

“No wonder Hispanics are fleeing the Democratic Party!” US Representative Andy Biggs, a Republican from Arizona, wrote on Twitter.

Related posts:

PM tells Biden global vaccine access ‘key’ to beating COVID as pair also discuss climate change Police launch investigation after mural of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd vandalised Cosby’s supporters celebrate his freedom, but many don’t believe he is innocent Biden urges states to offer cash to people to get COVID vaccinations Comedian Kathy Griffin reveals lung cancer diagnosis US Supreme Court refuses to block new six-week Texas abortion ban in 5-4 vote Woods says he will not play full-time golf ‘ever again’ after crash that nearly cost him his leg Ghislaine Maxwell warned Jeffrey Epstein housekeeper – don’t look him in the eye, New York trial told Historic fire that destroyed nearly a million acres caused by utility firm’s equipment, officials say Trump endorses celebrity surgeon known for guesting on Oprah in crucial Senate race US citizens can now select a gender neutral ‘X’ on their passport Police officers who pushed elderly man to the ground at George Floyd protest get jobs back