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July 09, 2008

So Where Does That Leave the Furor

...over "Yo Quiero Taco Bell", considering the Mexican attitude?

A comic-book character popular in Mexico for generations has run into a cultural barrier at the border, where Americans see him as a racist caricature.

... "This is absolutely insensitive toward race, in particular the African-American culture, and also people of color," Quannel X said. "This is poking fun at the physical features of an entire people."

But Mexican readers who grew up following the shenanigans of Memin say critics need to look beyond the cover and understand the stories.


Mexicans weren't quite so understanding about the cute little dog...

...or another cartoon character years before him.

Posted by tree hugging sister at July 9, 2008 04:22 PM

Comments

I love the Frito Bandito! And Speedy Gonzalez too.

But although the little dog is mildly cute, I have to tell you that I have boycotted Taco Bell since the mid 80's (until my recent marriage) because of this use of communist imagery in a flattering way. My wife doesn't share my penchant for tilting at windmills and has insisted that she likes their tacos no matter what I thought of their advertising.

She also convinced me to give up my boycott of cable tv because of GHW Bush's extension of the FCC power to regulate cable signals (even though the FCC was created solely to regulate airwaves since electromagnetic energy doesn't stay within state boundaries). I think the marriage has been good for me. Besides, there are no good shows on broadcast tv anymore.

Posted by: Skyler at July 9, 2008 04:59 PM

DAMMIT, SKYLER, DMMCOTAAWYN!!!

OE!!!

( {8^P )

SHE has been good for you. Trust moi.

Posted by: tree hugging sister at July 9, 2008 05:02 PM

Ah, the Frito Bandito! What a cool character he is!

Oops....guess I'm a racist.

Posted by: The_Real_JeffS at July 9, 2008 05:24 PM

rotflmaouitbapo. I have no idea what that acronym of yours can be.

Posted by: Skyler at July 9, 2008 05:45 PM

It's only racist when gringos do it. I thought you knew that.

And I don't know that acronym either. Hell, I don't even know the part of Skyler's after "rotflmao".

Posted by: Ken S, Fifth String on the Banjo of Life at July 9, 2008 05:51 PM

rolling on the floor laughing my ass off until I turn blue and pass out

Posted by: Skyler at July 9, 2008 07:49 PM

Sis's head hit the keyboard again?

Posted by: Mr. Bingley at July 10, 2008 06:38 AM

I think it's "Don't make me come over there and act with your nose."

Or something.

Posted by: nightfly at July 10, 2008 10:01 AM

Don't forget "The Killer Bees"...

Posted by: mojo at July 10, 2008 10:52 AM