A social media post sparked controversy after revealing that the majority of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients are white.
Conservative political commentator Nick Adams posted on X criticizing SNAP recipients, using stereotypes often directed at Black people to express his disdain.
“If you can pay $175 to get your nails done and $250 for sneakers, then MY tax dollars shouldn’t be paying for your food stamps,” he wrote.
One user called Adams’ post a “dog whistle,” a term used to describe coded language that conveys a message about race without explicitly stating it. The post insinuated that Adams lacked the courage to directly say “Black people.”
Others pointed out data to rebut and add context to the conversation. According to Pew Research, 62.7% of SNAP recipients are white. The only ethnic group with a higher percentage of its total population receiving benefits is Native Americans, at 87.8%.
Another user questioned the intent behind Adams’ post.
Some users supported the Australian’s stance, expanding on his comments by mentioning other expenses.
However, many others criticized the lack of empathy in Adams’s remarks. Some questioned why receiving assistance should determine whether someone can have nice clothing, accessories, or quality food.
Adams doubled down, again using dog whistles to reinforce his point.
The fact remains that benefits for many low-income Americans are at stake in the current Trump administration. Adams and other conservatives have employed racist tropes as a tactic to turn the majority of Americans against public assistance. However, evidence shows that the stereotype of the so-called “welfare queen” indulging in luxury items like crab legs is inaccurate. It is also counterproductive to the 62.7% of white citizens who rely on these programs.
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