Condescending new anchor angers viewers: I will roll ‘R’s, use Spanish pronunciations for your own good

Vanessa RuizA Latina news anchor in Phoenix is defiant in the face of criticism for pronouncing certain words with a Spanish accent.

Vanessa Ruiz, who is new to 12 News, apparently angered some of her audience by pronouncing the names of Arizona towns, and the names of some of her coworkers, with an accent and “rolling her R’s.”

“I was lucky enough to grow up speaking two languages, and I have lived in other cities in the U.S., South America and Europe, so, yes, I do like to pronounce certain things the way they are meant to be pronounced,” she told her audience during Monday’s newscast. “I know that change can be difficult, but it’s normal, and over time I know that everything falls into place.”

Ruiz wrote an article on the 12 News website explaining her position.

Let me be clear: My intention has never been to be disrespectful or dismissive, quite the contrary. I actually feel I am paying respect to the way some of Arizona’s first, original settlers intended for some things to be said.

I know it may surprise some of you and maybe even rub some people the wrong way. I get it and know I am always open to engage in thoughtful dialogue about it.

I don’t intend to come to Phoenix and do things “my way,” however, my goal is to stay authentic to who I am while, hopefully, making our newscasts more open and inclusive to everyone, no matter where they come from.

The debate continued to rage on social media even after her statement.

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