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Mendoza's vice governor, who called the French team 'African,' complained about criticism: 'They make a world out of eve
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ท Argentina /Elections & Politics

Mendoza's vice governor, who called the French team 'African,' complained about criticism: 'They make a world out of everything'

From La Naciรณn · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Mendoza's Vice Governor Hebe Casado is facing criticism for calling the French soccer team "African."
  • Casado defended her remarks, calling them "folklore" and unrelated to racism.
  • She also claimed Argentina is the least racist country in the world due to its history of racial mixing.

Mendoza's Vice Governor Hebe Casado has defended her controversial statement calling the French national soccer team an "African team," asserting that her remarks were part of "football folklore" and not indicative of racism.

It's part of football folklore. It has nothing to do with racism.

โ€” Hebe CasadoVice Governor Hebe Casado's defense of her 'African team' comment.

Casado's comments, made after a tense World Cup match between France and Paraguay, where France eliminated the South American team, sparked accusations of racism. She had initially posted congratulations to the Paraguayan team, followed by a critique of the French players' behavior, labeling them an "African team with poor manners." This statement drew significant backlash on social media.

Attempting to clarify her position, Casado stated, "If there is anything that other countries should learn from Argentina, it is that we were the first to abolish slavery, and that allowed the mixing of races, cultures, and religions. We should be the least racist country in the world." She noted that despite online criticism, no formal complaints had been filed against her.

If there is anything that other countries should learn from Argentina, it is that we were the first to abolish slavery, and that allowed the mixing of races, cultures, and religions. We should be the least racist country in the world.

โ€” Hebe CasadoVice Governor Hebe Casado's justification for her remarks, referencing Argentina's history.

Casado, a former Pro party leader, has a history of making provocative statements. Previously, she drew criticism for comparing COVID-19 deaths to disappeared individuals and suggesting that parents of children with autism should simply cover their children's ears during fireworks. Her remarks often align with right-wing and liberal stances, generating considerable public interaction.

Racists are those who consider being African to be bad.

โ€” Hebe CasadoVice Governor Hebe Casado's further clarification on her definition of racism.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Naciรณn in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.