Recent online discourse has been dominated by reactions to separate incidents involving public figures. Whereas some expressed outrage over a racial slur during the BAFTA Film Awards, others focused on comments made by California Governor Gavin Newsom during a book tour.
Newsom’s Memoir and Atlanta Interview
Governor Newsom is currently promoting his new memoir, “Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery,” released today, February 24. The book details moments from his life, including his struggles with dyslexia, as described in Barnes & Noble’s listing of the book.
On Sunday, February 22, Newsom participated in an interview at the Rialto Center for the Arts in Atlanta, hosted by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, according to NewsNation. During the conversation, Newsom discussed his dyslexia and stated he was “no better” than anyone in the room, referencing his 960 SAT score and ongoing difficulties with reading. He stated, “I’m a 960 SAT guy…— you’ve never seen me read a speech, because I can’t read a speech.”
Social Media Reactions and Miscontextualization
A clip of the interview circulated on X, formerly known as Twitter, by the account @Endwokeness. The account presented the clip as Newsom attempting to relate to Black voters by suggesting he was illiterate, sparking negative reactions. One user commented, “Here we head with the pandering. Next thing you understand, he is going to tell you he can fix Collard Greens, eat fried chicken, and put hot sauce on everything.” Another user posted, “Yooooo, “I’m like you…my smoke alarm chirps every 30 seconds…” Take note, Black America.”
The majority of negative attention, however, came from accounts critical of Newsom. One user stated, “To me, the most offensive part is the host laughing right along with Newscum. He didn’t stand up for Black people.” Another account, @magabrotherx, posted, “Gavin Newsom told the Atlanta mayor that black people can’t read or write and basically are stupid. Is that Jim Crow 2.0 X marks the spot.”
Newsom’s Response and Clarification
Newsom responded to criticism, specifically addressing a post from Fox News host Sean Hannity. He posted on X, “You didn’t offer a shit about the President of the United States of America posting an ape video of President Obama or calling African nations shitholes — but you’re going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia? Spare me your fake fucking outrage, Sean.”
Following Newsom’s response, additional clips from the event surfaced, showing the audience was predominantly white. Political commentator Marc Lamont Hill posted on X, “There are so many legitimate reasons to dislike Gavin Newsom. But don’t fall for fake news. Newsom was talking to a room full of white people. He never mentioned Black people. He was talking about his dyslexia. And he made the same exact comment to a white interviewer.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the criticism of Gavin Newsom?
The criticism stemmed from a clip of Newsom discussing his 960 SAT score and struggles with reading during an interview in Atlanta, which was circulated on X by the account @Endwokeness.
How did Newsom respond to the criticism?
Newsom responded to Sean Hannity on X, criticizing what he perceived as hypocrisy regarding past controversial statements. He also saw further support as additional video clips surfaced.
What was the context of Newsom’s comments about his SAT score?
Newsom made the comments while discussing his dyslexia and attempting to relate to the audience, stating he was “no better” than anyone in the room.
As online narratives continue to evolve, how will the interplay between political figures, social media platforms, and public perception shape future discourse?
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