Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) faced criticism after her speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), where viewers accused her of adopting a “fake” Southern accent midway through her address. The New York Representative delivered a fiery speech targeting Donald Trump, but many were distracted by her sudden shift in accent, which some described as “cringe.” Clips of her speech circulated on social media, with some users mocking the accent and others noting the puzzled reactions of audience members like Jesse Jackson.
Despite the backlash, AOC’s speech was well-received by the crowd at the convention, who cheered and chanted her initials during her address. However, this isn’t the first time AOC has been accused of altering her accent. In 2019, she faced similar criticism for using a Southern accent while speaking at Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network convention, where she defended her working-class background. At that time, AOC responded to critics on Twitter, asserting that her way of speaking reflects her cultural background and upbringing in the Bronx, especially when she is passionate.
AOC busted out her fake accent tonight…
— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) August 20, 2024
This is just… bizarre. pic.twitter.com/eNvLOSliMR
AOC’s most recent use of a different accent during the DNC has sparked discussions about the authenticity of politicians’ public personas and the expectations placed on them to adhere to certain norms. While some argue that altering accents can be seen as pandering, others believe it reflects the diverse cultural experiences that shape how people express themselves in different contexts.
AOC has previously defended her linguistic choices, emphasizing that her manner of speaking is a natural expression of her identity, especially when she’s “fired up.” She has also expressed frustration over how every aspect of her life, including her voice, is scrutinized and weaponized against her, a challenge she continues to navigate as a prominent political figure.