There are moments lately when I feel all semblance of human decency is in retreat against the pursuit of the almighty dollar. My latest head-shaker is news that Wal-Mart has been selling the racist Mexican comic book 'Memin Pinquin' in its Houston stores.
Why would I call a comic book racist? Oh, maybe it's because the main character, a little black boy, is depicted with over-sized pale pink lips, over-sized stark white eyes and an unusually dark and monotone skin color.
The latest issue is Memín for president ... sounds like more Obama monkey business to me. ...I understand that different cultures have no problem exposing their dim views of black people and freely engage derogatory images or language to sell products.
Remember the Japanese "ni****-brown" couch? Or maybe you'll recall the misbegotten UNICEF ads featuring white youngsters in blackface?
And then you can take a look at China's Darkie now Darlie toothpaste for another example. At least when Colgate-Palmolive bought that toothpaste brand, they changed the brand name and updated the image.
And that is what kind of minimal consciousness I expect more from the "big box" retailers here in America. I expect them to marshall their tremendous marketing resources, utilize good old common sense and refuse to sell products that will grossly offend a large segment of the U.S. population. C'mon, this is from the same company that promised to refuse to sell Nas' album if he called it "the N-word?"
Then Wal-Mart needs to be consistent. I'm glad they've decided to stop selling that despicable comic book and kicked "Memin Pinquin" to the curb.
Comments: (36)
Add a comment
By: Keith Ramsey on 7/10/2008 7:58PM
what the f#*k gets me is the fact that the buyer for "WallyWorld" didn't foresee the problem and brought the product in the first place, c'mon we've had these images in this country before and now we're f#*kin' importing it to apeall to mexicans who just came here!!! its the same 'ol battles! and they don't see a problem, and who can blame them, they grew up with this sh*t, ok whatever, don't bring that here, we don't want it...but, you know, now a days in bushamerikkka, a little "mistake" always carries the undercurrent of intention. walmart can say "oops!" and pull it off of the shelves, but its now in the american relm for the pundents to pick up and run with, for the racist to laugh at and for the rest of us to crenge....and continue shopping there, and we'll still shop there as a people with no real outrage.. and somewhere in america it'll show up as a Obama 08 tshirt. you can almost bet it will. and it'll be denounced with a wink....
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: FromTexas on 7/09/2008 2:21PM
While you're at it, get rid of the Cleveland Indian's depiction of a Native American.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: ARICH on 7/09/2008 2:26PM
mY OH MY WE JUST CAN'T BE OFFENDED NOW CAN WE? I think there should be a death penalty for the offender who offends the offendee. Joking aside your rap crap culture offends me as a white man but I still see that garbage and hear it.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: PE Kay on 8/06/2008 2:20PM
AND YOU DON'T FIND THE CHARACTERS IN EDDIE MURPHY'S MOVIES, SUCH AS "NORBERT". HIGHLY OFFENSIVE?????
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Lizzy on 7/09/2008 2:44PM
I grew up in the Mexico, and I am not sure if you are aware that there are many Mexicans that are black (especially in the Middle-eastern states such as Veracruz), and the creation of this comic has never been an issue among Mexicans (including black Mexicans). It is obvious how in a country were racism is common (The U.S.), this comic is an issue, but in a country were racism isn't an issue, this comic is cherished and loved by all Mexicans. It was a mistake to take it to the U.S. because unfortunately my native country (U.S.) is not ready for it. I've also noticed how some Mexicans that grew up in the U.S. or now live in the U.S. have learned about racism and have had to change the way they express to make sure they are not accused of it. Some have also learned how to use it to offend people.
In Mexico, "color of skin" has never been an issue and growing up in Mexico I never saw it used negatively, it is actually a tradition and and endearing gesture to to call people "morena"(brunette) "mi negrita" (black) "guera" (blondie) because we do celebrate the great mix of skin color our culture has. In Mexico, you will never find someone feeling offended because someone called them "mi negrito" (my black) and you will not see someone use it to degrade another.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: seema on 7/09/2008 3:17PM
maybe people of color will finally realize we are strongest in our purest forms. no one will respect us, but our own, we are on the verge of getting a black president, wake up and stop worrying about trying every other flavor and stand with your own.the majority of the world is intimidated by us because everyone came from us, 1st people stand longest.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: jessica on 7/10/2008 2:11AM
While the comic book may have some underlying themes regarding racism, classim and sexism, the depiction of "Memin" is unacceptable. The comic book discusses how "Memin" struggles as a black/Mexican boy and deals with growing up poor and sheds light on social issues but it also perpetuates stereotypes by depicting Memin as monkey like. If anything, the comic book exposes several of racial/class issues deal with Latino Society. There is a racial hierarchy within the Latino society...the lighter you are...the more beautiful...the darker the less attractive. This being said, however, it is similar to the same racial hierarchy in African-Am. culture...brown paper bag rule? It is great that Latino's celebrate their ethnic heritage but is a travesty that it also perpetuates a racist view of Afro-Latinos. Bottom line, Memin sends mixed messages and appears to personify an animal as a young boy which is more detrimental to a child's self-esteem than anything else.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: jessica on 7/09/2008 9:04PM
Oh and for the writer that made comments about "Mexicans" not being racist...that's a load a bull. Mexico is defined by racism and classism. Why are all the beautiful and intelligent people in Telenovela's depicted as being white? Why are the black/native people depicted as being stupid? Take a Chicano studies class...it will open your eyes to the social injustices of "our" homeland. Skin color has always been an issue. When Spain invaded present day Mexico they brought the equivalent of 200,000 slaves. Why does everyone cherish their "Spanish ancestry" and forget their "African Origns?" Why? Because it's not looked upon favorably. Those who do not acknowledge a problem cannot help solve a problem and therefore perpetuate it. It's like people who say they don't see "skin color"...just a person. We all notice color and by pretending you don't... your not acknowledging that people have different experiences. You are denying the fact that people fight racism, sexism and classism on a daily basis.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Victor Educated Black Man , With no criminal past or kids on 7/10/2008 8:24AM
This is for number 4. How is it that you can compare rap music with this comic strip. Do you even think about what you are going to say before you do? If so you would realize that more white americans by hip hop and support the industry with their money than any minority group in this country. In addition, behind every black owned record label there are white corporate elites that put their support and finances behind it. So if you are offended by rap music then start with your own community. It says something about you, that you go out of your way as a white man to make comments on black voices, you must wake up every morning with an agenda, LoL, the times are changing whether you want to acknowledge that or not.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Joe on 7/10/2008 8:27AM
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, I remember those mexican were all up in arms abouts the speedy gonzolas mouse. They wanted it removed because they felt it degraded their race.
Reply to this Comment | Report This