The “welfare queen” stereotype is back — and it’s going viral

The "welfare queen" stereotype, which falsely portrays recipients of government assistance as lazy and exploitative, is resurfacing and going viral on social media amid a government shutdown impacting food stamp benefits. Creators are posting videos depicting people living lavishly on government aid, attracting millions of views and angry comments. These narratives, however, are not supported by data: two-thirds of food assistance recipients are children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. Among those able to work, a majority are employed or have a recent work history, and the average daily benefit is approximately $6. This stereotype has a long history in American politics, dating back to the 1980s when ... download the app to read more