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A Mexican in the restaurant new york city Locals have raised eyebrows over its controversial name.
Whitexicans, in queensThe remarks have been the subject of outrage on social media over what some consider “racist terminology” amid the Trump administration. immigration action,
But the restaurant’s Colombian owners have insisted that the name is “satireful” and chosen as a “positive” response to the political climate in the country.
Mateo Gomez Bermudez and Manuela Mesa, who own WhiteXicons, said they wanted the space to feel “safe, inclusive for everyone”, no matter your race, your nationality or your status.
“For us WhiteTexans, it means everyone belongs here,” Gomez Bermudez said. Gothamist. “We don’t care who you are, your sexuality, your gender, your race, or anything.”
Used as derogatory slang, the term ‘WhiteTexan’ can refer to privileged, white-skinned Mexicans who enjoy significant social and educational advantages.
The name has caused a stir on social media, with some people accusing the owners of “ignorance” and using a controversial word for marketing. Christina Furlong, a community activist and co-founder of the group Make Queens Safer, warned that this could have bad consequences amid increased immigration enforcement and “people’s self-deportation.”
“It’s very stressful right now in America to live under the Trump administration and to live with the fear that our community will be threatened by ICE coming in,” Furlong said in an interview. Gothamist“It’s not cool or cool to joke about what some people consider racist terminology.”
She is not alone. The post on Facebook and Reddit has attracted hundreds of comments, with one writing: “This has to be a joke…is this a decent Taco Bell?”
“Was it intended that way? This seems like such a dangerous name in today’s culture,” another commented.
Another wrote: “I’m not sure if it’s racism, but still what a stupid name…marketing/branding 101.”
Gómez Bermúdez responded to the criticism on social media, saying that he knew the name would cause a stir but he wanted to send a “strong” message.
“The name Whitexicans is a satire because of what’s happening socially and we want to support inclusion and send a message to the community that we are all the same,” they wrote on Facebook.
“I know the name is very strong, the meaning and design are completely different, we are a business about inclusion and will show you pictures of what’s happening in the neighborhood, this is a Latino owned business that loves the community and wants to give back with some humor but with a strong message.”
Gomez Bermudez said he also knew the sign would draw attention to the eatery.
“When I see people driving by, they start taking pictures,” Gomez Bermudez said. “They laugh. Some people ask, why the name? It also gives you a little marketing.”
Co-owner Manuela Mesa pointed to the ‘All Humans Are Legal’ sign that greets diners as they enter the restaurant. “WhiteTexan love,” Mesa said. gothamist“Whitexicans is inclusion.”
Independent Whitexicans has been contacted for comment.