Hillary Clinton caused an internet ruckus with a new campaign initiative, which was designed to soften her image by playing up her grandmother status. Being that Clinton is often criticized for appearing too harsh, this wasn’t a bad idea. However, Team Clinton also used the opportunity to appeal to Hispanic voters with a piece called “7 Ways Hillary Clinton Is Like Your Abuela.” The letter included terms such as “el respeto” (Spanish for “respect”), which comes in handy when dealing with Donald Trump‘s inability to cope with women’s bathroom breaks. Clinton had this to say, as well:
“Mr. Trump insults and dismisses women. … And, you know, whenever he is pressed about the things he says about women, he says he loves women. In fact, to quote him, he cherishes us. Well, if it’s all the same to you, Mr. Trump, I would rather you stop cherishing women and start respecting women.”
Again, this is a solid point, but Team Clinton hammered her point home with a Spanish word (which she used during an immigration speech):
Clinton’s final point included a picture of herself onstage with Latin singing sensation Mark Anthony: “Everybody loves abuela — even this guy.”
The internet wasn’t impressed with Clinton’s appropriation of abuelas everywhere. The #notmiabuela and #notmyabuela hashtags (with accusations of “hispandering”) are riding high on Twitter. From foreign-policy stances to tortillas, these folks tore Clinton’s “abuela” claim to pieces.
In no way, shape or form is Hillary comparable to our badass grandmothers who have faced down unimaginable horrors an survived. #NotMiAbuela
— Prerna Lal (@prernaplal) December 22, 2015
Both of my abuelas immigrated to this country. Neither were allowed to pursue a career because family came first. #NotMiAbuela, Clinton.
— Monica Castillo (@mcastimovies) December 22, 2015
Hillary is #NotMyAbuela because I'm sure her homemade tortillas will never compare to my Wela's.
— May Ortega (@MayVOrtega) December 23, 2015
https://twitter.com/marcmasferrer/status/679663426763907072
https://twitter.com/emiliovcnt/status/679402486961012743
https://twitter.com/pamnonga/status/679407403180253184
https://twitter.com/aurabogado/status/679405079481335808
My abuela lives in a country with the highest murder rate in the world, surrounded by civil war. Hilary grew up in the suburbs #NotMiAbuela
— sky (@sunfIIower) December 22, 2015
Abuela couldn't visit me in USA because she didn't have "papers" #NotMyAbuela #notmiabuela
— Laura Cristal Magaña Mendoza (@sci_chicana) December 22, 2015
https://twitter.com/aurabogado/status/679401533809688576