In addition to their own indigenous prejudices, much of what foreigners know about "black" people is what they see from American music and television that they import.
While on vacation, a group of us found a table to play cards and one of the Swedes suggested that we play "Presidents and niggers." I thought it was called "Presidents and assholes", I responded. With no idea how offensive the comment was, she said that is what we call it in Sweden. So, I had to explain to the group that it was offensive, why it was offensive and, irrespective of whether it is a non-offensive term at home, it would be greatly appreciated if we could refer to the game by its American title.
She didn't mean to be offensive. She genuinely had no idea. Not sure if that's the case with Mexico, but this really is the reason why more American people of culture need to travel abroad.
I just got back from Mexico and I can tell you that I had a run-in while I was down there. They're racists, and I'll be damned if I'm gonna have Mexicans making fun of me.
Crash!
Very unfortunate. This is exactly those that want to maintain control want. It's sad that in a world where people of color have suffered and are controlled by others, something like this should happen. I equally agree that we as African Americans should recognize what stereotypes have been put into place against Mexicans and change our perception, or rather, misperception about that group. Just as Justin implied above, at times we has a people place the socially constructed restraints on them when we reference that group. Why would you "be damned" if a Mexican was making fun of you? Why would you have one run-in and say "they're racist"? We need to stop acting in a way we want others not act towards us. I mean seriously... These stamps, while very racist, is a product of American social construction, placing racist epithets on people of color with the goal to make it "part of the culture".
The point to my previous comment... WHAT IS THE BIGGER PICTURE. Let's be dynamic, attack at the root instead of being pissed off by the byproduct.
As I am Mexican, I feel compelled to answer the series of stupidities said by some people. First of all, African-americans do not make the bulk of tourism spending in Mexico, so we're not the least worried. Trust me.
Second, Memin Pinguin is a cartoon that was drawn with educational purposes, precisely AGAINST racism. Learn some history and some spanish too.
Third, Mexico is not the country with a history of hatred, racism and bigotry against African Americans. Do you remember that your country had African American slaves? It's America who has a history of hatred against Mexicans.
So, please shove your political correctness up your hypocritical ass.
If someone want to buy the stamps of memin pinguin contact me... chicharo19@hotmail.com
"Do you remember that your country had African American slaves?"
Do you remember that your country had black slaves as well? Obviously not.
"Second, Memin Pinguin is a cartoon that was drawn with educational purposes, precisely AGAINST racism"
Right...most publications depict blacks as monkeys in their fight against racism.
Yeah, so the KKK thinks their propaganda is for "educational" purposes too. just a thought.
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