This Isn’t Outrageous?
Posted by Mitch Mitchell on Apr 29, 2006
(originally published July 2nd, 2005)
I know things aren't going well between Mexico and black people in America today, but how can even the President of the country not think this is outrageous:
For those of you who don't know, these are the newest stamps being put out by the Mexican government of one of their favorite cartoon characters, named Memin Pinguin; I have no idea what it means. The president of Mexico came out today saying it wasn't racist, and that if Americans took the time to research the character they'd understand.
Meanwhile, some black Mexicans (can't we all get along?), who were interviewed, said it's the type of discrimination they face in their own country almost on a daily basis. Sometimes, they're stopped by the police and made to sing the national anthem, just to prove that they're Mexican.
I mean, isn't this just the Mexican version of Little Black Sambo? Reminds me of the caricature of Darkie Toothpaste that was selling in Japan for a while until they began to understand black outrage. I mean, please, am I missing something here?
Hi Mitch,
I come from Ryze and saw your post here. Interesting you mentioned “Darkie Toothpaste” in Japan. About 20yrs ago, I was in Taiwan and remember seeing this “Darkie Toothpaste”,, I was somewhat taken aback at seeing this brand through out Taiwan. They have since changed the name and reversed the coloring of the character used on the tooth paste tube.
Equally interesting is the stamps from Mexico. I had no idea that something like this would happen in today’s time. This is 2006. I can only imagine that it is all about ignorance. There is still a lot of ignorance through out the world and I see it often in my world travels.
Unfortunately, it will still be sometime before we see universal change and acceptance of all peoples, races, nationalities, ethics as equal amongst each other.
Best to you,
Niel
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Hi Niel. You’re right, there’s still going to be a long time line before we finally stop hating each other for the reasons you mentioned. However, I like to think positively, which means I believe a dialogue will occur at some point that will bring some factions closer together. And every little step forward helps.
I saw, but didn’t use Darkie toothpaste in Tawain in the 1980s..I stuck to Colgate…but I do remember seeing it in the bathroom of a black American fellow -he reckoned it was bloody good toothpaste!
Maybe I’m missing something here,but I accosiated it with a good set of teeth and,was,along with friends confused when the name was changed…..
They have Whiteman toothpaste now -maybe that will go in the future as well……
Hi Peter,
Unfortunately, you did miss it. It’s offensive because of the icon that was used and the stereotypes it promotes, even if it’s in another country. There is this stream of consciousness that, in America, we tend to have that might make us overreact to things at times, but it’s because there are still many of us who are old enough to remember, and in some cases still deal with, major inequities as they’re applied to many people whose skin color isn’t considered as appropriate. In other cultures, they may say they don’t see skin color as an issue, but of course they do. In Australia, you have aborigine problems. In Mexico, the darker your skin color the worse your living conditions are. Same thing happens in both Brazil and Puerto Rico, though in each country they don’t talk about it much. The people who are in power in each country have to guard against the subjugation of the minorities in their country, and not promote, nor support, discrimination. The majority isn’t always correct.