Do kids that age even know about Frito Bandito and Speedy Gonzalez? I had to show my kids a picture of a cartoon dogcatcher, also a stereotype from the cartoons we used to watch, so they would understand Trump’s reference beyond the literal. The younger generations don’t make the same associations we do. In fact, where I live Mexicans are known as excellent workers.
Hunt, if u can’t look at a hat without all that baggage, that’s on you. Why do u insist that the rest of us must share your connotations? I can’t look at an Ohio license plate without thinking of Woody Hayes punching a.Clemson player…why would I expect everybody else to have the same hangup?
Have you ever seen one wearing a sombrero?
But you raise a point that is worth thinking about, which is how widely does a negative stereotype have to be understood in order for it to make sense to sanction (or even criticize) people for doing something that seems to invoke it? I keep mentioning blackface, because if there is anything that should be broadly known to be offensive, that’s it. And yet, people still do it, and make claims that they didn’t think it would offend anybody, etc., etc. etc. To take another example, I think most people would realize that it is offensive to use the expression “he jewed me down on the price.” but not quite as many people would realize that it is offensive to say that they’d been “gypped.”
This is why, in my opinion, the wearing of the sombreros at Bowdoin was offensive, but the punishment was excessive. I think that colleges should focus a bit more on education when these situations arise.
“Have u ever seen one wearing a sombrero?”
Have you ever seen Mexican fans at the Olympics or the World Cup?
Yeah, and I’ve also seen black people with black faces. So what?
IMO large traditional sombreros in Mexico are a bit like 10 gallon hats in the US. They are not worn by most people except as dress-up but there are people like charros who wear them completely without irony. Of course what they mean on a US college campus could be different.
FYI, a charro is a traditional cowboy or rodeo rider. https://www.google.com/search?q=camperos&client=safari&rls=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiRyLHG57HLAhUB8j4KHWbvBwAQ_AUIBygB&biw=1106&bih=716#tbm=isch&q=charros&imgrc=O1iJFD6nx89KJM%3A
Here’s a nice piece on this whole topic written by a Mexican-American (who was educated at Harvard and Columbia, so his views should fit in nicely here on CC): http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/05/opinions/reyes-cinco-de-mayo/
He doesn’t freak out about it, but explains about stereotyping. That’s what Bowdoin should have done (unless they really were primarily punishing the alcohol violation).
So you agree with the administrators punishing kids for wearing mini-sombreros because they might potentially offend someone who is Mexican, but you are OK with the administrators displaying images that most definitely offend Christians. Hmmmm.
Cuchi-cuchi!!
The author doesn’t actually outline what would be an acceptable way for Americans to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, though. Reyes concludes the editorial with this: “Instead let’s honor the shared heritage of Mexico and the U.S. with joy and without stereotypes. In fact, I’ll drink to that.” Since just above that line he says, “There’s nothing wrong with celebrating Cinco de Mayo at a local bar or restaurant. I just hope people remember that there is more to it than Corona happy hours,” you are tempted to think he is OK with drinking on the Mexican holiday. But then he adds, “Just consider how it would strike us if we saw another country marking the Battle of Gettysburg with binge drinking and Uncle Sam hats.” Um, I don’t think Americans would care one whit. After all, plenty of people wear Uncle Sam hats and drink on the 4th of July.
American capitalists have “honored” this cultural holiday just like they have every other one they adopt, regardless of the solemnity of its origin. That’s what America does, so no offense should be taken. Easter isn’t really about chocolate bunnies either.
I guess I’ve thrown my last Kentucky Derby Party. Serving mint juleps to people dressed to the nines could offend someone, if not the horses.
@Hunt "…how widely does a negative stereotype have to be understood in order for it to make sense to sanction (or even criticize) people for doing something that seems to invoke it? "
I also, see negative stereotyping of a group as completely different from “cultural appropriation.” The idea that it is inappropriate to make General Tsao’s chicken by using healthier (not fried) chicken. I don’t want to intentionally offend anyone else’s culture, but I also understand that unlike many cultures, American culture is built almost entirely on the appropriation of the best ideas for all other cultures. We do no hesitate to include any better idea. We also often try to improve on the idea. We appropriated Arabic/Indian numerals, Greek and Roman alphabet, Sumerian beer, the Roman calendar (with a one day every 128 years improvement by the Catholic church), Chinese gun powder, Mexican Chocolate, etc . What used to be called progress now seems to be cultural appropriation to some.
It seems ironic to me that students come to college to learn about the best ideas from all cultures, but also complain that if something comes from their culture, other students should not culturally appropriate it.
Good thing you said the chocolate is from Mexico, because otherwise you’d be accused of encouraging child labor AND cultural appropriation.
I’m starting the FREE Speedy Gonzalez movement!
“¡Ándale! ¡Ándale! ¡Arriba! ¡Arriba! ¡Epa! ¡Epa! ¡Epa! Yeehaw!”
A movie is currently in the works, and about a decade ago the League of United Latin American Citizens, had publicly come out in support of putting Speedy back on the airwaves.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/2002/04/04/hispanic-american-group-wants-speedy-free.html
“¡Ándale! ¡Ándale! ¡Arriba! ¡Arriba! ¡Epa! ¡Epa! ¡Epa! Yeehaw!”
I don’t want to live in a world where bodice-popping dirndls and tankards of beer are viewed as a bad thing…
From the article: “I’ve never heard any Mexican-American complain about him,” Lemus said in a telephone interview from Washington, D.C. “I grew up in Mexico, I watched it with my grandmother and we weren’t offended. How far do you push political correctness before you can’t say anything about anything anymore?”
My daughter took Irish step dancing classes, was in the St. Patrick’s Day parade many times, has an Irish name, enjoys all things Irish, including celebrating St. Patrick’s day in the American tradition of green beer and shamrocks. She happens to be racially Chinese so someone seeing her drinking beer and wearing a “Kiss me I’m Irish” t-shirt may think she’s mocking the Irish when she’s really just celebrating her heritage.
My Irish looking daughter absolutely loved going to Chinese heritage camp ever year, making food and crafts, wearing the traditional clothing even though she is not one iota Chinese. At Chinese New Year, we celebrate some of the traditions and go to a lion dance, eat long noodles, accept red envelopes happily. We like some of these things so much we share them with our non-Chinese friends too, so it’s 20 non-Chinese people and one Chinese girl who thinks she’s Irish celebrating. Not mocking.
Oops, I just realized I wrote the my kids made sugar skulls for Cinco de Mayo. I meant the Dia de los Muertos, sorry.
I just want to point out that most celebrations in US are just more opportunities for restaurants and stores to sell more, whether it is St. Patrick’s day or Columbus day or Cinco De Mayo or Thanksgiving or Christmas or easter. We just get cheaper drinks or buy green things or go shop because there are all kinds of before and after sales.
I actually wouldn’t care one iota if a group of Asian students hosted a redneck moonshine party at some college miles from our home. Don’t I actually have to suspect I’m an alcohol-chugging hick and the butt of their joke in order for me to be offended? If the shoe doesn’t fit…
When I lived in South America I was regularly serenaded by locals with “Los Americanos,” a song that mocked us gringos. I laughed.