The strongest version of this narrative centers on a legitimate concern: the use of dehumanizing language in public discourse, particularly when directed at a Black elected official. Doridot’s invocation of "great apes" and "tribal chiefs" in a discussion about a Black mayor carries historical weight, given the long-standing racial stereotypes linking Black people to primitivity. Even if unintentional, such framing risks reinforcing harmful narratives. The backlash from politicians and Bagayoko’...