U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) speaks during the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany, February 13, 2026. REUTERS/Liesa Johannssen
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is facing criticism after comments resurfaced in which she said there is no “rich cultural heritage” that goes along with “whiteness.”
The New York Democrat made the remarks during a broader discussion about race, identity, and systemic power structures in the United States. Ocasio-Cortez argued that “whiteness” is not a cultural identity in the same way that specific ethnic identities are, but rather a social construct historically tied to power and exclusion.
The comments quickly circulated across social media, where critics accused the congresswoman of applying a double standard. Some users argued that if a public figure were to make a similar claim about “blackness,” the backlash would be swift and severe.
Supporters of Ocasio-Cortez countered that her remarks were referring to sociological definitions of race and not to the cultural heritage of specific European ethnic groups such as Irish, Italian, or Polish Americans.
The exchange has reignited debate over how race, identity, and culture are discussed in American politics — particularly as lawmakers continue to clash over issues related to diversity, equity, and education.
