thanks for your comments!
People, memin Pinguin is the coolest character, he teachs you lessons of love, friendship. It doesnt give you a message of descrimination at all. I believe descrimination is according to the culture. Spanish culture is a lot different from US culture. I must say that everyone should read it and not give stupid conclusions about just the appereance of someone because what matters is the inside and not the outside
yo wat da hel is dis yo the Mexicans r not tryin to dis up the blak ppl y didnt blak ppl argue bout dis before huh yo dis is strait uo stupidnees u dont hear Mexicans complaining bout oh cause im Mexican u ppl r just tryin to make up excuses
As I traveled through Mexico and Central America in the late 80s--all in all for a year--I picked up Memin comic books. At first because the cover of the book depicted a radically sterotyped figure of a young black boy (issue numbered #2), but later as I read through more issues I found the grave discrimation in these books sociologically significant. Two lessons I got from reading these books: 1) Mexicans are racists, and 2) Mexicans weren't seeing this in themselves.
Memin is always on the lowest rung and always the lowest in the pecking order. As an inferior, dim, and he is portrayed at best as a loveable mascot. That this book is still embraced and defended proves my case.
Horrible. I don't know how any reader of those books can come away with a different conclusion, especially one that embraces the Memin character as a wonderful example of anything globally positive.
I still have my Memin comics. If anyone thinks what I've said is untrue I can easily prove otherwise with a few scans.
Para el autor de el artículo:
I was born in Mexico and I currently reside in the United States.
When I was a young child, I learned how to read with Memin's comic books. I never saw him diferently than his friends beacuse of the color of his skin, but because he was kind hearted and always in trouble.
Thank you so much for your logical, educated definition of our beloved cartoon character.
Elida
I'm surprised at the Meixican for playing that dastard race card. It's not like black people are
faulting them for playing Chico and the Man politics inside the American economy. Don't they know when they play Black Mammy and the monkey they're disrespecting their own race: In America and Spain you're considered the worst kind of nigger--a non english speaking one. . ."Sound of Literati" witness the powerful experience of the spoken word Xplosion as Literati spray the Black X Plague throughout cyberspace! Available now on MP3Tunes,Apple iTunes,MSN,YahooMusic and Spanish-Harlem where our real chicano brothers
go way back and black!
As a Black person, I can tell you that we had no control or say in the creation of the Taco Bell dog. Please address corporate America on that. Those who are not presently incarcerated.
In the 50's and 60's Black people had no control over the Speedy Gonzales cartoon. That image was created at a time when Jim Crow was alive and well. We were fighiting for our (and other people of color) rights to have a better life. We were busy fighting for civil change. As a result, all people of color benefited from the Black struggles of the 50's and 60's. Like the Jews in Nazi Germany, we learned that to ignore injustices no matter how small, can prove fatal to us as a people. Hence the concern over the MP stamp. This stamp while created in Mexico will travel to the US. Postal workers who are Black will be constantly bombarded by this image. A loveable character in Mexico; a painful, negative image in the US. We have voiced our concerns about the stamp, just as we raised our voices in the past against injustices. We were called "crybabies" and "whiners" then also. But great changes came about because of the Blacks "whining "about "small" things;
Rosa Parks, should she have moved?
Little Rock 7, Should they have stayed home?
MLK, should he have just stuck to preaching in his home church?
Tiger Woods, should he have just laughed and order fried chicken and greens?
We fought the good fight in the US so that people of color now have the freedom to own a computer and express opinions, no matter how silly.
In 2005, the small fights should be over, but here we go again. Please don't make us march again.... I for one am old and tired.
no, it's not offensive. It's funny actually, did you know that the mexican work week is 48 hours? that's 8 hours more than the work week in the U.S. further reassuring my point that people need to be more aware of other cultures before making their own opinions based on stereotypes
And what about the mexican slepping with a big sombrero under a tree, is the American people calling Mexicans lazy. You don't think that 's offensive? Americans don't even care what Mexicans think about that.
>Also the owner of this site, is gay, gay men rationlizing racism, is typical in gay culture!
>Where white men are worshiped like Gods!
>
>Its amazing that a "gay latino anglo phile" would try to defend a racist subculture. I know many gay men who
>rationalize there racist views! Obviously the owner of this blog, is such a person!
>
>"A big latin anglo phile queen"!
> Whuz Up | Homepage | 07.08.05 - 12:35 pm | #
-----
I've known Jose for a long time. He is definately NOT an anglophile. And he's not a queen.
Jose does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation or Vietnam-era veteran status.
When it comes to the size of your penis, well, that's something else.
Jose may be a sizephile, but he's not an anglophile!
Why are you so angry about attractive white men?
I bet you're ugly.
well about memin pinguin....
my comment is this...
www.QuizaArts.net
listen man i know more than my fair share of mexicans from spanish harlem that have been discriminated against by blacks....but i guess its only racism when it seems that the black community is offended......
yo bro...i am not a white mexican and still think that americans ( i cant explain why try to turn shit into all this rascist bullshit)...listen man i am not a white mexican and i heard most of the racism from black guys in texas...how the f**k do you account for that? if anything man.... learn history dog and see what the reality of the lived experience of a mexican is in the states...Or are you not open minded enough to see that life revovles around other issues other than racism... I guess its easier to see why you live in such a way when you blame your problems on external factors and dont do some self relfection...
I guess some people like "AFROAMERICANS" as they tag themselves... should they not just be AMERICANS... Why that TAG... anyways...
Memin Pinguin has more culture and family values then all of those "AFROAMERICAN" Rappers, all they "sing" about is sex, drugs, crime, rape, etc... Whats wrong with this Picture!!!!
I like Memin, never came to my mind as a discrimation cartoon.
like Speedy Gonzalez saysss, andale,andale, andale, vamos, vamos... hahahaha...
Also the owner of this site, is gay, gay men rationlizing racism, is typical in gay culture!
Where white men are worshiped like Gods!
Its amazing that a "gay latino anglo phile" would try to defend a racist subculture. I know many gay men who rationalize there racist views! Obviously the owner of this blog, is such a person!
"A big latin anglo phile queen"!
White Mexicans, trying to deflect attention from there own racial problems onto America. Its so typical of Interntional Politics.
When were in trouble blame it on America!
I am African Americsn and live in Harlem. Harlem is the sumculture of black eltism in America.
And as most people here in Harlem, we are offended!
Mexico need to grow up , stop blaming America, and take care of its own people, who are trying to get into teh borders of the "racist" country!
I use to live in Morellia, and Meixo City, and it is racist!
Comic books and cartoons ARE an art form, and one to be celebrated. I am a big fan of the later, If you watch loony toons at all you will notice that there are no black charicters. This is not because the artists never created one, it is because the racist orginization NAACP has had them banned from broadcast in the U.S. threatening legal action against anyone who would attempt to do so. In my mind this begs the question; Are Blacks so offended of such things because they are ashamed of their oun appearence, so closley resembeling the charicter, or, is it the actions of these figures that is so bothersom?
continued from first post.....
I think the idea of racism has also been used by leaders of all communities to tie together their community at certain times. Listen nothing will unite people faster than hearing so and so said something about their race. In this sense, I see a bigger problem and one that should be addressed in the states. I truly believe that people who are quick to cry racism at things are the racist themselves. You have to free your mind and understand that not everything that can be construed as racist really is racist. For all those who think that memin penguin is a racist character take your glasses off and see that the world does not revolve around racism.
Also I would like for those people that are in an uproar to please also fight for me because I am protestant in a catholic community and I feel that I have been in a sense outcast from Mexican society…..wait it probably does not matter to you guys because it has no bearing on your life….
Also, pass this along to others who might feel that Mexican comics are racist, sexist, humancentric and so on. I am sure that condorito is a negative stereotype of condors…there are probably many groups already in solidarity with this up and coming movement against Mexican comics…
I am a Mexican born person that has been living in the states for most of my life. To tell you guys the truth I don’t think Memin Penguin is offensive in the manner that certain members of the black community have tried to claim. If anything I see this more as an invasion of American ideology upon Mexican history and culture. This international drama, at its very core, has become a clash of cultures and cultural ideologies. It seems to be that these Americans are being racist in stating that their way of viewing race is the right way and also by trying to put their culture over others. It is an imperialist idea to try to force your point of view on others just because your countries history makes you feel like you can. If we analyze the real significance of the character we will arrive at a conclusion that differs from that of Jackson and others. The character isn’t more than a mischievous little kid that happens to be black. I wonder if certain members of the black community would be in an uproar if the kid was other than black. My guess is that Jackson and his cronies would care less because it would not be a situation that they could benefit from. It is unfortunate that pseudo leaders such as these are burning whatever bridges there were left between Mexicans and Blacks. This will only bring about a greater divide between our two communities. To those who will wrongfully accuse me of downplaying racism in Mexico I have this message “chiflen a su mauzer”… (just joshing ya). Look there is certainly racism in Mexico (and classism, macho attitudes, religious outcasts and many other things) but that is part of every country you just have to look hard enough. I doubt that this fact makes memin penguin a racist comic strip. If the people criticizing the strip could just read the comic (my guess is that Jackson and others just flew with the picture on the stamps and did not read the comic) they would come to understand its true significance. Family values, friendship, belonging and growing up with/ solving problems are the main themes of the comic strip. The honest truth is that he is just a lovable character that the writer thought up while she traveled in Cuba. If anyone has the right to criticize the book is Castro and the Cuban people because the character is based on their people. But I hear no outcry from them… If anything memin penguin is a staple of what a person’s childhood should be like. He loves his mother, he is intelligent, witty, and he has a group of friends that are loyal to him (even though they all come from different social backgrounds…if anything the Mexicans reading this will understand this comment as reminiscent of an ongoing social problem of classism in Mexico). My opinion is that in the USA racism has driven life for so long that it has become an invasive ideology. It is corrosive in all facets of life; people are extremely sensitive with issues of race and become angry very easily. I think the idea of r
why arent the other characters in the cartoon series depicted with gross and over represented features. Why just the black one. Whats up with that. Why would the creator of this character even depict it as such. Look around you. There so many examples of black children in the world. Why would you use a monkey? WHy would black cuban children make you want to depict them as monkies?
Why not use the an image that looks like a real black person.
Why would you pick an image that is recognized around the world as one that is dehumanizing to africans. Why? Why? Why?
Its all about building relationships people. How do we do that if we're dissing each other.
How can I consider you my compadre, my amigo if you're
jabbing your knife into my wound.
Let us say it once again:
The image that is being used in the Pinquin cartoons is a racist symbol that was used in the united states to dehumize african people. Why would you want to put this symbol out as something that represents your proud country.
Why? Why? why?
Ls
What is Pendejismo?
Just curious. One of your comments indicated
that mexicans hated gringos. Why?
Gringos don't hate mexicans. We respect them.
We don't talk much to them because we don't
understand spanish. We don't want to understand spanish because it takes too many
words to express our ideas. English is much
more efficient. True!
Memin Pinguin is funny. And he is cute. His image is only offensive to the insecure. If he were to be politically correct and current with the times, maybe the cartoonist should add a gold chain and a sideways ball cap.
That is not the point. He is a character from an
earlier era that has historical value. He is marketable and people are willing to pay money
for the stamps. Jesse Jackson thrives on this
type of hype because that is how he makes his
living.
White guy can't jump. White guy has short "D".
White guy can't dance.
We hear this all the time in every form of media
and do we revolt and start making a scene? I
doubt it. Who cares.
"If you can't make fun of yourself then you can't
make fun of others"
If you draw a cartoon of a black person with thin lips, a long nose and white skinned. He or she is not black anymore. Let's face it. Black people have those characteristics.
What is wrong is that people think that those characteristics are ugly. What we must remember is that those characteristics are not negative. We were poisoned by the eurocentric point of view that the standard appearance of a person should be like Europeans which is white. They labeled dark skinned people as lesser or inferior. That is the poison that we must heal. Hollywood and those fashion magazines are partly to blame because they advertise this.
That cartoon character is just a normal depiction of a black person.
We must remember that black IS beautiful.
hello everybody:
I am mexican, i wached BET last nigth, and people mad about the goberment in mexico made a postal stamps with old cartoon "memin pinguin"; this comic is funny, and never talk about racist, and this comic is part of the mexican culture like other old comics "kaliman ,bolillo,rarotonga,etc".
I am totally disagree with the people who believe memin pinguin is offensive , this people need to know more about them own culture, or about other cultures like: " afromexican " yeah...why no say afromexicans , in mexico we have black people, mulatos , sambos , morenos.
the black people no belong no more to Africa, now they are everywhere, they come long time ago ...diferent color ....yeah but we grow, mixx, and live together
I have a trivia: Did you know that Mexico is divided in states just like the US? Did you know that there's white mexicans with blue eyes? Did you know that there's wealthy mexicans? If you answer NO to any of this questions it proves how ignorant americans are when it comes to multicultural issues, for God sake they can't even learn a second language! So if you are pretending to stop another country from doing something that's none of your business, I have news for you: American arrogance, ignorance and need to control the whole world STOPS at the Mexican border.
Iam a black person living in the us. If you look at slavery and its aftermath and what it has meant to african americans, if you had any sympathy or goodwill toward us, there is just no way, regardless of your 'culture being different" that you could use this image and be proud of it.
I have no problem with the mexican people, in fact I have an immense respect for them, and I truly hope that we will be able to live together and help one another as time passes.
If the mexican people have heart aches over anything, and I know its true that they do, then we should all have respect and not try to glorify anything that aggrevates that particular hurt. But vice versa. come on people. We do need each other! There are so many positive things we could do.
You should not be defending this, no matter what. If you dont understand the pain that his casues, then you need to do some research.
The cartoon goes hand and hand with the dehumanization of african people that has happend over the centuries. regardless of you intent. If you had a hand grenade you would not pull the pen and drop it on the floor. would you?
Look! Lets try and heal one another. If I reach out to you and tell you that you are causing me immense pain, then you, if you care, should , at least, try to see what is about.
Why would you want to participate in the dehumanizing of others. And if you didnt know thats what you were doing, why would continue once you found out.
come on mexico, if you want to be first class in the world, then you really do need to act first class. I want you to be, because I want to think that we all rise together.
If this is just about the ignorance of the ruling class, then the people need to express what is really in they're hearts, and I truly hope that it is not this pinquin character.
If the stories mean that much to you as a culture. Then you should change the appearance of the character to look like a real black person. huh? Then we can feel that you are reaching out to us as people. And that you also respect us as such. Doesnt that make sense?
Love.
stop trying to rationlize
http://hiphoprepublican.blogspot.com/
This cartoon is unacceptable in this day in age. Nevertheless, this is a problem or issue that needs to be resolved in Mexico. The US has no role in trying to censor anything coming out of Mexico as it does not have the moral ground to stand in as a result of its historical treatment of ethnic minorities. Nevertheless, a small black community like Mexico's has no voice in a Mexicentric society that usually ignores the very existence of Mexico's black communities of Oaxaca and Veracruz. This is unfair. The fact that it is drawn by a non-black Mexican only adds to the insensitivity of the comic. Why not commemorate a stamp to the thousands of black Mexican slaves? Or to the Black Mexican communities of today? That would be a good start.
hello:
This comments from the US government and African American associations are ridiculous. I am a Mexican and being black, yellow, purple or green does not mean anything here. Haven't the US remember Speedy Gonzalez??? Not all Mexicans wear a big hat and are small, dark, and have a belly. I hate racist people but the black issue has become something ridiculous and yes there is still racism in the US. Just go to Arkansas, Oklahoma, or Georgia. You still see black neighborhoods, white neighborhoods, mexican neighborhoods, indian reservations. You also see black people discriminating white people and Mexicans (they are very discriminating).
Its just my opinion!
Memin pinguin is a CARTOON! Come one guys! Why you guys get offended? Why are you crying about stereotypes and shits like that? If that's the way you are going to judge people, why WB created a mexican-stereotype called: Speedy Gonzales. Are Mexicans crying about that? NO, becuase they know how to handle things, and they're not trying to be the "hot shit" on the new crying and saying "oooh speedy gonzales is a mexican stereotype. Please, Please help us"
THink about it. Mexicans can create cartoons about them-selves and laugh about it. That is why mexican gov. will not remove these stamps from the market. I mean they don't give a shit about whay u.s will say.
Americans please read more about mexican culture and start doing more productive things rather than trying to be the "hot topic" on the news.
An unjustifiable war, thousands of americans dying in Iraq, unemployment, hunger, a lying president....I will like to think that these are more important issues than a caricature published in Mexico that by the way probably no U.S citizen knew about it until now, thanks to Rev. Jesse Jackson (freedom figther). Why don't we try to fix the real problems affecting the U.S and stop trying
to change other culture base on our personal opinions and experiences. REMEMBERED IS JUST A CARTOON AND ITS FUNNYYYYY.
I understand that the NAACP is only looking for the good for their community, but when it comes to this cartoon character they should not jump to conclusions. They should have done their homework before opening their mouth. If the world thought first before speaking we would all be better off.
Ric, I am very aware of the kind of portrayal these types of characters have had in the history of the United States, if you read closely I mentioned the minstrel shoes from the 1830's were black characters are represented subservient, uneducated and simpleminded individual. I understand were you are coming from and if this comic was published in the United States I would share your indignation because it would actually be a slap in the face, for all of this I understand the outrage of the Afro-American community at the decision to publish these stamps.
What I want you and everybody else to understand is that the culture in Mexico is much more different, yes M.P. has exaggerated black features that can easily be associated with such racist AMERICAN publications. But this one is a Mexican comic strip with a much different background, in this comic is not at all described as uneducated or subservient, he actually more often than not outsmarts his teachers and classmates. I guess the point I want to make is that we can’t judge other cultures based on our own cultural experience.
The reason this character is not offensive in Mexico is because it simply doesn’t have the stigma that it has in the U.S. and this is why I would NEVER ask the American government to publish Memin Pinguin in American soil, all I ask from you is to be a little more open minded to realize that people from African decent in other countries have had different experience than people in the U.S.
Now I agree that my Archie comparison might not be the best and because of that my point might not have come across as I would’ve liked it. And you hit it right on the head when you used the phrase “in this country” and you did it several times, I agree that images like this are, and I quote, “a painful reminder of the humiliations that [your people] have suffered for centuries in THIS country.” And I would never try to belittle that, all am saying is that images are not being published in the U.S. they are part of the Mexican culture where they have a much more different history.
And to answer your question about the chubby drunk Mexican with the big sombrero. No, I take no offense to that image, talking about laughable rationalizations; you know what the big difference between this comparison is? That the cartoon you talk about is pretty much alive and in print today in American, just search on Google images for “Mexican” and I assure you that you’ll find at least two of such images. Now look for African-American and then tell me what you find. The reason? We Mexicans, or at least the majority of us, don’t take offense to is and that’s why it’s still around.
I almost decided against replying when I read the response of Ravi, but I've decided to, if nothing else, echo his sentiment and, hopefully amplify it.
You mentioned people being unaware of the history behind the character and Mexican culture in general. Perhaps you should do a little (and I do mean "a little, because it wouldn't take much) research into the type of image this character, Memin Pinguin, has historically portrayed in American culture.
Let me ask you to consider this: If someone took one of the more offensive stereotypical portrayals of Mexicans(check out some of the older American cartoons - there have been some), made a cartoon character with a huge sombrero, pulled down over a hairy, perpetually sleepy, lazy face with bulbous, red nose (from drinking tequila constantly), and attributed "positive" characteristics to this character (friendly, happy, polite), do you think that some Mexican people would be deeply offended? Please don't tell me, "No."
By the way - trying to compare this character, Memin Pinguin, with Archie is so ludicrous as to be almost laughable. Almost. First of all, in this country anyway, white features are not seen to be offensive. There is nothing particularly demeaning about having red hair or freckles in the United States, if anywhere. I read Archie quite a bit growing up and I don't remember his features, as depicted, being exaggerated at all! Perhaps Jughead, with his elongated nose was a bit of an exaggeration, but Archie is no more offensive to American whites than Richie Cunningham!
When it comes down to it, your attempt to rationalize away the righteous indignation of African-Americans at this painful reminder of the humiliations that we have suffered for centuries in this country is as offensive or more offensive than the Memin Pinguin character and its celebration!!!
Well I don't consider Memin Pinguin a racist symbol, he is just a good cartoon kid, I would consider it racist if he was stupid or if the people who surround him didn't like him, but actually almost everyone in the cartoon likes him. I gotta say to all the african-american who are concerned about Memin and all of the people who say that memin is a racist symbol; that its not, and you are just exagerating. For example Speedy Gonzalez, or the bee from the simpsons are mexican parodies and they remark the mexican defects and not for that we consider it racist, its just a cartoon and a parody. Maybe memin would be racist if it were in the USA, but her in mexico there is a different culture and different points of view, you should ask the people taht really are represented by memin pinguin how they feel about this, these people are teh black community here in mexico. And wherre the fuck are oyou=???
i live in mexico and write this is really difficult to me (spanish is my mother language) i will start telling you all that my father is cuban with the darker skin you can imagine so am i, we don't see the racism the same way the people see it in us and i say we because i think of miself as a mexican not as a segregated part, in us you have italian americans african americans latino and so, and here that just doesn't exist you are just mexican of course your color of skin will give you a nickname like guero or chino or choco like i am called, this magazine memein it was published in the 40s and the story is about 4 friends from different backgrounds joined because they go together to school in the 40s
and you know how was us school system till the 60s. The most of the mexicans suffer for many years the slavery from spain and our independence was totally different that your independence, you keep slavery that is maybe why black people is so resented with wites we set ourselfs free of slavery in fact in the mexican Constitution is writhed that any person that set a foot in the country it will be free, the mexicans are totally integrated the 99% of the population is a mix here exist classicism but not racism. here any White person can call me black, choco, zanate, and i will not be offended i will call him guero, cuiza, descolorido, and he will not be offended. and again this is a comic book make for the mexicans and if the people get offended we feel sorry for you and hope that someday you will find peace and stop having issues for the color of your skin, sometimes mirrors are not windows.
including Mexican gringos like La Raza people that sided with the black and white gringos against us Mexicans -ugly sight indeed).
********************************
Actually the national Council of La Raza, contrary to popular belief, is no longer run by Mexican-Americans.
The president is from Argentina, and the spokesperson, Lisa Navarette, is Cuban.
They don't speak for me.
Elmer Fudd is stereotypical of white people? What about Bart Simpson? Get over it. Stop complaining about every perceived insult. Stop your friggin' whinning. Most of us are tired of you bunch of crybabies. I'm sick of black people crying racism all the friggin time. Let it go. It's not hurting you.
When I first read the story and saw the pictures of M.P., immediately I thought of the horrible depictions of Blacks throughtout history.
It could be because I am Black but this stamp, coupled with Vicente Fox's remarks, does very little to help the situation.
CBS holds all the footage of Amos & Andy, although this show is historic; the depictions of Blacks are so poor, the shows will more than likely never see the light of day again.
Sometimes things should just be left in the past.
please... are we going to protest against the charicature of Cantinflas???? wich is also an exageration of the average mexican... created by mexicans.... of course not, because it is not a malicious caricature.... or speedy gonzalez, which in spite of representing mexicans as mice (wich in mexico is the equivalent of thief) make our afternoons very funny.
actualy my parents were from Veracruz, where there are lots and lots of blacks, and thats where I could get the Memin Pinguin comics more often... and every body baugth it... for Gods Shake, her creator name Memin after his beloved husband!
a charicature can be malicious, but memin is really not, I understand it could be similar to some other that were offensive in US, but not in here.
and there are black artists very apreciated in mexico, many musicians old and new...
jonny laboriel, kalimba, mbalia, francisco cespedes, also groups of musicians that play the zamba, rumba, etc.
but why in US films (not american, because america is a very very large continent) the black girls are always the LESS black they find, the most caucasian looking????? with small noses and thin lips???? why???
Okay....
I am African American and I have travelling outside of the United States for vacations and an United Nation Conference on Racism in 2001. I mention this so that you can understand a little background on my comments.
1. Most Blacks in the US could CARE LESS about a Mexican stamp! There are more important matters to discuss.
2. I don't speak or read Spanish so I can't read any of the comics for more information. So, I can't comment on the dialogue of Memin's adventures. Even if I could, I wouldn't put forth the effort. It's a Mexican comic, not an American one!
3. The history of racism in the US is particular to the US but not exclusive. Racial discrimination, racism, and xenophobia are concepts that are worldwide. To vaguely suggest that racism is NOT a concept in Mexico appears to be a little overanxious. It would be the only one on the planet that doesn't.
4. On the surface, Memin and his "mammy-like" mother APPEARS to "look" offensive to Black people. (Blacks could be Caribbeans, Afro-Brazilians, Blacks in Denmark, not just African Americans) That doesn't automatically make it racist but it appears to resemble the stereotypical carcaricutures of American culture at the beginning of the 20th Century.
5. Final Analysis: WHO CARES! It is an outdated stereotype but this should awake all of our ideals about "global ignorance." We (humans in the 21st century) know very little about each other outside of the cultural stereotypes that we are "given" to us. We tend to act/react based on these stereotypes. Everyone should bring the rhetoric "down" a few decibels. Simply exchange ideas and not anger!
My two cents.
Al
The fact my gringo-ized mexican-american parents broke up when I was a mere child meant that I was to be raised by my maternal grandparents, country gentry from Chihuahua who taught me that one should respect other cultures. The racism that I encountered as a child never ceased to mystify me, since I did not subscribe to put-downs of any kind. I simply chalked it up to rudeness. The U.S. is like a badly brought up child-nation; not unwilling to dehumanise any of it's children. Mexico is right along side, hand in hand. Respect the "Other"!
Denial and deflection are often used by those who make excuses for racism it is often as lethal as racism ......
All I have to do is to look at the quality of the "Latino" t.v. programming to know that the poor and people of color are in trouble. I see the indigenous depicted in most stereotypical caricatures , not the least by our "beloved" Cantinflas , who was busy kissing Mexican ruling class butt. The "revered" poet Octavio Pus spent not a little of his time referring to the Mexican working class as 'bestia' (beasts). Jose Vasconcelos the "revolutionary" minister of education descended into fascistic writings .Lets get real here: colonization is corruption.
This retro African image is a good example of the( not surprising) failure of the Mexican nomenclatura to meaningfully relate to the social , economic and cultural circumstance of historically marginalised groups in the U.S.A. No doubt in my mind they are too busy , since La Conquista, putting and keeping the indigenous in their place. Negative imagery works well. Latino newcomers to this country are told to 'learn English'... the other half of the message is 'keep your mouth shut'. It is a remainder to the poor and of color to organise.The bourgeoisie S***ks.
Memin Pinguin is a racist image. This character has been around for 50 years. Sixto Valencia, the "artist" did not invent that kind of charicature. It was taken from racist press in the USA. So, if it was born of USA racism, how can you say the image is not racist?
I DARE you to walk up to a black person and explain to them why you think Memin Pinguin is not racist.
Also, anyone that says that racism based on color doesn't exist in Mexico has obviously never lived there whereas I have.
Take a look at the telenovelas. What color are the lead characters? What color are the servants? Lead characters are white. Servants are dark-skinned (unless the servant is a love interest of a lead character, that servant will be white).
To call someone an "indio" is an insult in Mexico - meaning, for many, to say that someone is ignorant. Check out programs like "Ay Maria, Que Punteria" that belittles the Mexican indian.
Y'all are out of your minds or in denial about racism.
I'm happy to see that there are some open-minded individuals living in the USA. I'm mexican. As long as I remember, I lived with this character -Memín Pinguín-. For me, it's not an stereotype, not even an exagerated depiction of a boy. What if it's black (afroamerican, as you usually rename this race, as if "black" would be a bad word that you want to forget) skinned? What if it's a caricature? It has to be exagerated! Because that's one of the charateristics of the genre. The fact is that if you analize our culture -not yours-, you will see that we look at the black skinned people as equals from more than a century ago. We left the kind of racism you still have in your country (just see what hapenned to the Afganistan and Iraq people and the continious violations of the human rights there) decades ago. You still hold in your territory some of the most extremist groups of the world, that are capable to destroy an entire nation of you give them the resources and the time to empower themselves -KKK, Neonazis and the motherfuckers that are killing our connationals on the border-. This is a message of the retractors of Memín: if you want to talk about fighting the racism and the injustice from the earth, you have to look at your country first. The good judge starts at home.
I don't think Memin is sterotyping black people, I think he's stereotyping GAY people.
Look at his posture. The only type of people I know who have that kind of posture are big nelly bottoms.
If you zoom in close enough on his striped shirt, you'll see the Hollister logo.
And look at the stamp on the far right. In this scene Memin has met a trick for the night and is ditching his fag hag (background) at the bar to find her own ride home for the night.
Someone call the HRC.
Oh, and who even knew they had a postal service in Mexico?
Racism against afroamericans?, no, Memin Pinguin is afrocuban, creative, smart and funny,,, sorry is not a fucking nigro from de USA... so what's the problem?
Contrary to other blogs, this one has actually a lot of positive comments so I won't post my rant over here. Thank you all for saying this. I am Mexican too and I also think the US African American representatives (note, not the whole community, only Jesse Jackson and other self-appointed representatives) is grossly exaggerating.
i am an american and live in the US and know absolutely NOTHING about this Memín Pinguín so i can't say it is or isn't stereotype and/or racist as for speedy gonzalez goes i never really had thought he was i always liked he was doing stuff to the cat lol i never really paid attn to the hats etc. i looked at that as portrayin the mexican bull fighters and don't get me wrong here i'm not saying it's not stereotype/racist just saying what i always thought of it as i agree with you all 100% about Americans being racist i'm not though some of my best friends are mexican have a few friends that are black even have friends from spain etc. i also agree with the few that said Americans should worry about there own racism and/or predjicesm. Americans say that mexicans as well as other foriegners come over here and take all our money which i totally dissagree with but my point is isn't that racism remarks??? the Ceaser person said "Most Mexican Presidents physically look like they could be the President of the U.S" this is PROBABLY true however i think a Mexican president could do a better job than what our US President is doing there heck of a lot smarter. this ana person said "i have seen many african americans put their own people down in stand-up comedies on hbo or the chapel show were they make fun of their own people portraying them as crackheads and thiefs." this is exactly right Dave Chepelle even did a skit where he was a blind black man thinkin he was white sayin "I hate them black niggers" even Chris Rock has said in a video something to do with what to do or say to the police or something like that and 1 rule was to take a white man along instead of a black man. ana also said "mr jackson should look for publicity somewere else, and leave the mexican people live their lifes and culture. mexicans too have suffered and a lot of things were taken away from them." i agree there 2 but i don't think it should just be Mr Jackson i think ALL americans should seems to me that if speedy gonzalez is stereotypical/racist in anyway then americans sayin the stamp is is just being hypocrits (as most americans are in my opinion
Nothing to do with nostalgia. Memín Pinguín is well and alive. The comic strip is still running at a rate of 150k booklets every week. A rate that is going to have a HUGE BOOST thanks to the stupid people that bash Mexicans without knowing the first thing about us. THEY are the racist ones, waging war against Mexican culture. Bye the way, the issue of the stamps was of 750,000 and they were completely sold out in two days. Thanks a lot, Mr. Jackson and other stupid leaders! Thanks for giving Memin such an incredible help! Hahaaa! Now Memín is going to be a banner of Mexican independece vis-a-vis the imperialists in the USA. F* you gringos of all colors, (including Mexican gringos like La Raza people that sided with the black and white gringos against us Mexicans -ugly sight indeed). Memín rules!!!!!! Eat your heart out, Jackson and Sharpton, you race-mongering pimps!
ok so i think the US is exaggerating this..my mom and my family grew up with memin's character and we still have the comics and i don't see anything wrong with it..people are just looking for something to put in the media...its just a comic...and we mexicans can also strike back with stereotypical characters here like speedy gonzales...just move on!!
I agree, it's exaggerated. I agree, Memin's appearance is rather stereotypical. And I agree, every American has the right to criticize what the believe is wrong, Freedom of Speech and all that.
But Come-On People! Has any one of you who is even now feeling offended read the comics? Oh, you haven't? Riiiight, then how is it that you feel you have a basis for critcism? Do you know for a fact that Memin Pinguin was portrayed as subservient, uneducated and simpleminded? No, you do not. If you had read the comics you would know otherwise.
I for one believe in my right to criticize You. You are making assumptions based only on your own preformed opinions, rather than learning the facts first and making accusations after. This, people is how discrimination begins as well.
I am a Mexican American and agree wholeheartedly with anyone who speaks up against racism because the truth is not only black people experience it. And you have every right to target those people who depict racism as acceptable, but please do your research and inform yourself first so you might pick a target that actually falls into that category.
go memin!
hahaha here we have one of the most racist goverments in the world today and the most sensationalizing and incitefull most infair and unbalanced media in the world acusing mexico of racism hahahah thats funny hahhahahahahahaha
I think rev jackson should be more concerned about balcks being killed in Irak than a cartoon in Mexico, does the whites sons of congress men still avoiding militar service? isn't that racism?
i agree 100% with you. i am an american raised in puerto rico i remember as a little girl buying memin's comics and i never saw hate in it. it was funny and full of positive lessons inl ife. mr fox made a racist remark few weeks back and even though he did not think it was racist, i believe the remark was. but that doesnt mean that memin pinguin should be seen the way its being seen by rev jackson and the african american community. what mr jackson needs to do is look around in his own backyard. i have seen many african americans put their own people down in stand-up comedies on hbo or the chapel show were they make fun of their own people portraying them as crackheads and thiefs. this is happening now and has a lot of influence on our youth. mr jackson should look for publicity somewere else, and leave the mexican people live their lifes and culture. mexicans too have suffered and a lot of things were taken away from them.
This character "memin" is new to me, and by the physical depiction it's nothing more than a Mexican version of a black minstrel character which is very offensive to Blacks. This character is portrayed to be shiftless, lazy, and overall dumb. Just because something is nostalgic to Mexicans doesn't mean it should be endorsed, especially by President Fox. He has shown his mentality once again on how he views racial insensitivities. And to all the "gente" that think racism is not an issue in Latin America overall: Wake up! It might not be as overt as it is in the U.S. but it is still prevalent. Most Mexican Presidents physically look like they could be the President of the U.S. Also, when's the last time you've seen a dark skinned female sex symbol on the novelas or on the news in Mexico? Instead eurocentric looking people are always in the limelight. Remember people, at one time there were thousands of slaves brought to Mexico. They didn't just disappear. African blood runs through many of the veins in Mexico!! Recognize and Accept!
I agree with the comments in this page, i live in mexico and the usa goverment is overreacting about el super memin pinguin. We are no racist with the color, many peple in mexico are black, brown, morenos, whites and blondes, sometimes u can find, some racist things that we have is about social status and wealth,
I was going to post something about speedy Gonzales, but I guess many of you beat me to it.. I just want to add that Speedy is one of my favorite Looney Tunes character, and Im a mexican, Im not gonna whine about the stereotypes, I even find his drunken lazy friend sometimes entertaining. And thats really pushing it.
I respectfully disagree with pepole who believe Memin Pinguin is offensive. Should we all then also consider Aunt Jemina an offense? Or what to say about Speedy Gonzalez, and all Mexicans who have been depicted in hundreds of cartoons (Disney, Warner Bros., etc) in which you can see Mexicans taking an endless nap under their hats and with what used to be the common clothes of the native peoples?
In Mexico, no one is ever asked about his or her racial background. Of course, discrimination exists and it should be taclked, but only where it exists, not in a cartoon made 50 years ago.
Memin Pinguin is part of Mexican culture, as is Rarotonga and Kaliman and other characters... I am Mexican and I don't feel offended by Speedy Gonzalez or any other depiction of Mexicans the U.S. or any other country may have. I know it's a matter of perception and I frankly don't care what other people choose to think of us Mexicans. I'm more concerned with people worrying about how others see us. Who cares? We Mexicans like to make fun of everything and everybody, particularly ourselves.
I thoroughly enjoy the freedom to exercise my choice not to be politically correct. Anyone in Mexico who deviates from the norm will find themselves the butt of many jokes (I speak from experience, growing up Protestant in a largely catholic country), but I really don't care. I like being Protestant. I like being Mexican. I like Speedy Gonzalez, Bugs Bunny, the Simpsons, Family Guy and ANY cartoon that makes fun of something, making me laugh in the process.
Lighten up, people. Let's enjoy our differences, and if we can't, then let's just hang out with people that are just like us so we can proceed with a peaceful albeit boring existence.
Well... am from Mexico, and i think that people are totally overreacting about this character... We did not complaint about Speedy gonzalez (who in my opinion is a lot more stereotyphical than memin)...plus the character in the series, he´s very smart , he always gets away with everything. the character is not dumb or lazy or anything negative that the white house say it is... Plus we as mexicans dont have people in white sheets burning crosses or armed wannabe cowboys shooting people in our borders... anyway. I think the U.S. still needs to look inward instead of judging and labeling us mexicans as "racist".
If the American government says that Memin is racist, then lets have all the Mexicans protest and remove things like: The Taco Bell dog, Speedy Gonzalez, any stereotype of mexicans having large hats with mules and being drunks.
Understand people cartoons are suppost to be exagerated versions of the real things, FAKE.
You can't brush it off with the Archie comparison. Was Archie an offensive exaggerated stereotype? Compare him to Buckwheat and all the other consistenlty poor, subservient, "hapless", uneducated, simpleminded depictions of blacks earlier in the 20th century. If you compare the white stereotypes against the black stereotypes, it's pretty obvious which group is more preferentially viewed.
I understand that it's old imagery that has an aspect of nostalgia to Mexicans, but of course, by being reprinted now, it does imply that they feel this exaggerated depiction is acceptable. Or, it’s so unconscious and ingrained that no one thought about it at all. But it should be criticized.
Commenting by HaloScan
