Dem Governor Kathy Hochul is forced to apologize after claiming ‘Black kids in the Bronx’ don’t know the word ‘computer’
Governor Kathy Hochul was forced to apologize after making a controversial claim that “young black kids growing up in the Bronx don’t even know what the word ‘computer’ is.”
The New York Democrat claims she “made a mistake” when she made the highly criticized comment at a California podium forum on Monday, saying in a statement later that evening: “I regret it.”
She tried to clarify the intent of her comment, claiming she was trying to emphasize her focus on expanding economic opportunities for children in the Bronx, which has the highest poverty rate in New York City.
“Of course black kids in the Bronx know what computers are,” Hochul’s statement said. “The problem is that too often they don’t have access to the technology needed to land good-paying jobs in emerging industries like AI.”
But despite her lame apology, residents and lawmakers alike have hit back, claiming the governor is “disconnected from reality,” must “do better” and “resign in disgrace.”
Governor Kathy Hochul was forced to apologize after making a controversial claim at the Milken Institute Global Conference on Monday. Hochul (pictured at the event) said that “young black kids growing up in the Bronx don’t even know what the word ‘computer’ is”
Hochul got the chance Monday to showcase its new $400 million AI initiative at the Milken Institute Global Conference, an annual gathering of billionaires and business leaders.
She tried to express her desire to make technology more accessible, especially in low-income communities, but instead made a shocking blunder that some have since branded “racist,” as well as “artless 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,” she told the conference.
“They don’t know, they don’t know these things. And I want the world to open up to all of them.”
The governor later claimed she had “made a mistake” and in a statement to the New York Post The perceived inequality in the tech industry is coming under double scrutiny.
She said, “That’s why I’ve been focused on expanding economic opportunity since day one of my administration.”
However, Hochul’s so-called apology has not calmed the wave of criticism from both lawmakers and citizens.
Assemblywoman Karines Reyes, a Bronx Democrat, said she was “deeply disturbed” by the governor’s comments and the “underlying perception” she has about minority children living in the borough.
“Our children are smart, brilliant, extremely capable and more than deserve every opportunity afforded to other children,” Reyes tweeted. ‘Do it better.’
Despite the governor’s lackluster apology, lawmakers in the Bronx have hit back, claiming they are “deeply disturbed” by Hochul’s comments.
Assemblyman John Zaccaro, also a Bronx Democrat, issued a statement saying, “Our children are far from being underestimated, but are the epitome of brilliance, resilience and untapped potential.
“Not only are they capable, but they deserve every opportunity their counterparts get. It is disheartening to witness such a portrait that undermines their capabilities and ambitions.”
Democratic Congressional Party member Amanda Septimo then invited Hochul to visit the neighborhood and “experience firsthand the intelligence, resilience and joy that radiates from Bronx children and residents every day.”
Social media users have also criticized Hochul, with several claiming she was “out of touch” with reality and one even labeling her a “delusional sociopath.”
“Detached from reality is an understatement,” wrote X user Richard Pierce. “Says a lot about the governor of New York.”
“These Democratic politicians are so disconnected from reality, so wrapped up in pandering, that they don’t realize how patronizing they come across to their target audience,” Marc repeated.
Social media users have also criticized Hochul, with several claiming she was “out of touch” with reality and one even labeling her a “delusional sociopath.”
Bob Kain added, “This is as racist as it gets…not to mention a tremendous indictment of New York public schools.”
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While she also criticized her choice of words, a Bronx politician came to Hochul’s defense.
“Although the governor’s words were artless and hurtful, I do not believe this is from her heart. I am confident she wants to see all of our students excel,” Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, the Post reported.
“By working with Governor Hochul, I hope we can redouble our efforts to provide our children in the Bronx with greater access to technology. All of our students deserve an equal opportunity to grow and prosper.”
DailyMail.com has reached out to Hochul’s office for comment.