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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul faces extreme backlash for comments she made at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles on Monday.
Hochul claimed some black children in the Bronx don’t know what the word ‘computer’ is.
“Young black kids growing up in the Bronx who don’t even know what the word ‘computer’ is,” Hochul said.
“They don’t know these things. And I want the world opened up to all of them,” she added.
WATCH:
“Young black kids growing up in the Bronx who don’t even know what the word ‘computer’ is,” – New York Governor Kathy Hochul, saying something that would get a Republican instantly cancelled, but it’s (D)ifferent. pic.twitter.com/zcntbt8fKg
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) May 7, 2024
The New York Post reports:
Lawmakers from the Bronx and all across the five boroughs quickly tore into Hochul’s gaffe – which she later said she regretted.
“Do better,” Assemblywoman Karines Reyes (D-Bronx) wrote on X saying she was “deeply disturbed” by Hochul’s remarks.
“Our children are bright, brilliant, extremely capable, and more than deserving of any opportunities that are extended to other kids,” Reyes added.
“Our children, far from being underestimated, are the epitome of brilliance, resilience, and untapped potential,” Assemblyman John Zaccaro (D-Bronx) wrote in a statement.
“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,” he continued.
“I would invite Governor Hochul to visit us in The Bronx to experience firsthand the intelligence, resilience, and joy that radiate from Bronx children and residents each day,” Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo (D-Bronx) chimed in.
MUST WATCH: Gov Kathy Hochul says black children in New York don’t know what computers arehttps://t.co/exHEKRnwK5
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) May 7, 2024
Hochul slammed for saying black kids in the Bronx don’t know what the word ‘computer’ means https://t.co/CBjj6az1jN pic.twitter.com/do1BSl8DaP
— New York Post (@nypost) May 6, 2024
Hochul backtracked and apologized for her remarks.
Per Daily Mail:
The New York Democrat claims she ‘misspoke’ when she issued the highly criticized remark at an on-stage forum in California on Monday and, in a statement later that evening, 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, which has the highest rate of poverty in New York City.
‘Of course Black children in the Bronx know what computers are,’ Hochul’s statement 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, claiming the Governor is ‘disconnected from reality’, needs to ‘do better’ and ‘should resign in disgrace’.
Hochul was given the opportunity to highlight her new $400million AI initiative on Monday at the Milken Institute Global Conference, 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, but instead made a shocking gaffe which some have since branded as ‘racist’, as well as ‘inartful and hurtful’.
