President Biden is facing a storm of criticism after using the term “boy” to address LL Cool J during a speech at the Congressional Black Caucus. The backlash was swift, with many deeming the comment racially insensitive when referring to a Black individual. Among the critics was Fox News contributor Leo Terrell, who accused Biden of a longstanding pattern of racial insensitivity towards Black Americans and cited such incidents as a reason for his departure from the Democratic Party in 2020.
The controversy arose while Biden was acknowledging the contributions of LL Cool J and MC Lyte to hip hop. A mispronunciation of LL Cool J’s name resulted in Biden calling him “that boy,” before quickly amending it to “that man.” The term “boy” has historically been viewed as a racial slur when used by White individuals to address Black men, leading to widespread condemnation.
Charlamagne tha God, a well-known radio host with previous run-ins with Biden, was outspoken in his criticism. He awarded Biden the “Donkey of the Day,” emphasizing the historical racial implications of the term “boy.” Using a clip from “Good Times,” Charlamagne illustrated that the term is regarded as racially derogatory.
The incident prompted a panel of Black voters on “FOX & Friends First” to voice their disappointment, with Chris McCullough noting that people are beginning to see Biden’s true colors. The White House has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.
Recent survey data points to a decline in support for Biden among minority voters since 2020. The controversy surrounding Biden’s remark highlights the broader conversation about race, language, and the standards to which political leaders are held.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding President Biden’s reference to LL Cool J as “boy” has ignited discussions on racial sensitivity and raised questions about Biden’s racial attitudes and his ability to retain support from key demographic groups.