Tom Brokaw Under Fire For Suggesting That Hispanic Newcomers Work Harder To Assimilate

Tom Brokaw is under fire for saying the most offensive thing that could ever be said.

Just kidding. He actually just said that Hispanic newcomers should work harder to assimilate– ensuring that their children can speak English and whatnot. I know, I know. The HORROR.

NBC News’ Tom Brokaw: “I also happen to believe that the Hispanics should work harder at assimilation. … You know, they ought not to be just codified in their communities but make sure that all their kids are learning to speak English” pic.twitter.com/x03TkSOBYf

— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) January 27, 2019

I fail to see how that’s offensive. It just goes to show the massive shift between newcomers today and decades ago. Back then, people wanted to come here and become AMERICANS. People wanted to transform their lives and adapt to American culture. It didn’t mean you forgot your roots, but it ALSO didn’t mean that you formed totally separate little communities within communities and alienated yourself. People who come here do it for a reason. We’re called the great melting pot for a reason. We take ALL cultures, find common ground, live amongst each other and ADAPT.

I’m sorry, but it’s simply not offensive to ask newcomers to ensure that their kids learn to speak English.

Doesn’t matter. The backlash was so severe that he issued a huge apology on Twitter. It was weird.

i feel terrible a part of my comments on Hispanics offended some members of that proud culture

— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) January 27, 2019

from my days reporting on cesar chavez to documenting the many contributions of hispanics in all parts of our culture

— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) January 27, 2019

i’ve worked hard to knock down false stereo types. in my final comment in Meet i said ALL sides hv to work harder

— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) January 27, 2019

at finding common ground – which i strongly believe
dialogue not division

— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) January 27, 2019

my twitter acct failed me at the worst time.
i am sorry, truly sorry, my comments were offensive to
many. the great enduring american tradition of diversity is to be celebrated and cherished. yamiche, thank u for your comments.
let’s go forward together.

— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) January 28, 2019

finally, i am sorry – i never intended to disparage any segment of our rich, diverse society which defines who we are.

— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) January 28, 2019

my tweet portal is whack
i hv been trying to say i am sorry i offended
and i so appreciate my colleague

— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) January 28, 2019

great
Yamiche is a wonderful colleague and an important voice

— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) January 28, 2019

it worked!

i got your attention.

‘night

— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) January 28, 2019

That was one of the most bizarre apologies I’ve ever seen on Twitter. Yowza.