The image of a dancing taco that was posted on social media to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month has sparked controversy in Broward County, as critics of the image say it is ignorant, shameful, and does not represent the Hispanic community in Broward and sparked a debate on social media.
The image published in the official Broward county accounts to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is of a smiling dancing taco with sour cream and maracas.
“There is so much to highlight more than a taco with maracas dancing” Evelyn Pérez-Verdia, Latino communications consultant, says the county could have highlighted the diversity of the Hispanic community in Broward much better.
“We are many doctors, nurses, and business owners.” The county-based manners and etiquette expert says she was embarrassed. “Too bad, we are ashamed that our elected officials know us so little.
They have to learn about our diversity – a Cuban is not the same as a Venezuelan as a Central American than a Mexican ”.
A spokesman for the county said the person posting the image is a young employee and will receive training on cultural sensitivity.
According to Broward County spokesperson Gregory Meyer, the tweet was never meant to be disrespectful or humorous, but rather to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month. “While I am not Hispanic, I believe that it may be seen as offensive, therefore we deleted it,” he explained.
On Twitter, Hallandale Beach City Commissioner Sabrina Javellana called the post “extremely embarrassing,” while others demanded “sensitivity training” and voiced displeasure with the county’s GIF choice.
Two hours later, the post was subsequently removed and replaced with a graphic showing the name and date of the event.
