Controversial (in the US) and popular Mexican Comic character Memin Pinguin is being sold at Wal-Mart.
Americans have complained about this sambo-like character before but I think this is first instance of his comics being sold by a major US company.
Mexicans have vigorously defended Memin Pinguin and still do.
See a video of the news report here.
-Swinebread
7 comments:
I'd stop shopping at Wal*Mart, but I never really started shopping there.*
After watching the news video, I'd say this was likely racist. I wonder if the wingnuts will defend it or clam up?
*I did buy something there one time though
I realize it's an old comment but it sure appears racist.
If your kid drew that at school he'd wind up in the principle's office.
I do suppose it's the spirit of the thing. Albert Uderzo who drew "Asterix" employed many stereotypes including black people, but he made fun of EVERYONE.
According to the ever-reliable wikipedia, Memín appears to sometimes be a sympathetic victim of racism and not just a minstrel-show foil.
So are we surprised that there are racists in Mexico? Or opportunist publishers who release it because of its controversy? Or that it is sold a Wal-Mart? No. No. and No.
Amazing that Americans still need to have someone 'splain it to them. What a country.
Regarding the violence deployed by the Memin image, see Dr. Marco Polo Hernandez Cuevas' video "Memin Pinguin: the Structural Violence of an Image" at:
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=J1stcT45QPs
The comic is racist. Look at the pictures. It doesn't matter what the captions and word balloons might read, the artwork is straight out of a minstrel show.
Snab – Me too, It firures Wal-mart would sell it.
Dean – It is racist, yes
Arkonbey – I think it has a lot to do with the way he’s drawn. It just isn’t acceptable to make black look like animals but it also ties into old hurtful ways in which black were depicted.
Panda – Well, to be balanced, Japanese folks need to have racism explained to them as well. They just did a Cell Phone commercial with Obama as a Monkey.
Marco polo – That video was actually very informative (if not well edited) thanks
Dr. Zaius – When your right your right you lefty ☺
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