President Joe Biden is facing backlash from the black community after referring to rapper LL Cool J as “boy” during a speech. The term “boy” has a long history of being used to demean and belittle black men, so it’s understandable why many people found this comment offensive. Black Americans are expressing their disappointment and frustration with Biden, who is losing support among the black electorate.
Biden Calling LL Cool J ‘Boy’ Isn’t Going Over Well With Black Americanshttps://t.co/iAoojgsytp
— RedState (@RedState) September 26, 2023
This gaffe couldn’t have come at a worse time for Biden, as he is already struggling to maintain support among young black voters. Recent polls have shown a significant decline in his approval rating among this demographic. It seems that his policies and actions have not done enough to help the black community, despite his attempts to pander to other groups.
BIDEN: "LL J Cool J, uhh, by the way, that boy's got— that man's got biceps bigger than my thighs" pic.twitter.com/ulCQRkEp0l
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 24, 2023
While this misstep may not necessarily result in black voters swinging towards Republicans, it could lead to a decreased turnout for Democrats in future elections. Many African Americans may simply choose to stay home on election day rather than vote for a party that doesn’t fully represent their interests.
It’s important for politicians, especially those in positions of power like the President, to be mindful of their language and the impact it can have. Using racially insensitive terms, even if unintentional, can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and further divide communities. President Biden should make a conscious effort to educate himself and be more sensitive to the experiences and concerns of black Americans.