For all the &*@#ing censorship Wal-Mart prides itself on in the name of “family values” (she said with a sneer), this is unforgivably and undeniably hypocritical. And shameless.

Anyone who’d argue that it’s culturally different and therefore technically not the same needs to be slapped. A Sambo character is a Sambo character regardless of geographical location. The end.

And! We’ve all read about the Wal-Mart buyers. They are the toughest in the industry. Nothing gets by them. This was not an “Oopsie. We didn’t know.” This was deliberate, and malicious. I often think that these huge corporations do it for fun, just to see how long they can get away with it.

This is what Quanell X is wasting his time with??? Quanell IX must be spinning in his grave…

I find it ironic how everyone in the Southwest is working so hard at speaking out against Mexican stereotyping and “racial profiling”, and this stuff pops up in a Walmart. I just saw this story on the news here in Arizona, and a gentleman from Mexico was talking about how this is a beloved character and comic book that teaches “lessons” about life and people are getting upset for nothing. Okay, then, why can’t the character and his mother just look like normal Black folk without the stereotypical exaggeration? The character is supposed to be Cuban…is it an inside joke? I don’t care how “beloved” this character is, or what the joke is. This is a ridiculous sight in this, the 21st Century…

Hi!
As an african-latinamerican descendent - I don’t know if the term exists - the word “negro”, by and large is not offensive, even I have a family member which nickname is “Negra” as in many other families from latin and african origin.
But here, at the States, it is hard for people to understand other cultural venues - i.e, muslim - even when they don’t mean anything more than what a comic strip could mean: just fun.
Gwenny is right when she refers to the “21st Century”, Memin must be seen in the context of old “memorabilia”, trying to understand the context of a country that 30 years ago made soap operas in which, i.e, a mother reject a child because is black, and the child shower herself with flour to be loved.
About Wal-mart, well, shame of them. knowing the people who fill their pockets.
This is a fine post :)

Does anybody else find it weird that Memín Pingüín’s mom talks to him in Ud. and he talks to her in tú?

Also, could we make some sort of savvy comparison with the censorship/airing of the racist Looney Tunes that Cartoon Network purchased the rights to a few months ago? Does anyone remember that? I can’t really think of an insightful conclusion to draw between the two, but i bet somebody can.

Oh! I forgot to tell you (along the lines of Mexico being um…immune? to things that may be in poor (racist) taste): There is a very busy little restaurant here in San Cristóbal called La Cabaña del Tío Tom.

Just sayin.

“Anyone who’d argue that it’s culturally different and therefore technically not the same needs to be slapped.”

It IS culturally different and therefore technically NOT the same. I grew up reading Memin Pinguin as a kid and it never occurred that the comic book itself was racist. It wasn’t until I moved to the States and could actually see it from an American context that I realized how it could be seem as extremely bigoted in this country. Here’s a perfect example, for example, whoever translated this line is pretty clueless:

“His mom scoldingly calls Memin, “Come here damn negro!”

No she is not, whomever “translated” that sucks at translating from Spanish. First of all “condenado” translates to “devilish”, not “Damn”, and second of all “negro” is a term of endearment in Mexico (don’t know about other countries) which is usually said to dark-skinned members of the family/friends (remember Toña La Negra?)

The only ones that need to be bitch-slapped are those that “translated” the comic.

“Okay, then, why can’t the character and his mother just look like normal Black folk without the stereotypical exaggeration? “

Because the characters were developed in the early-40s, and nobody cares about Political Correctness in Mexico (hence why you still see dudes sleeping under in cactuses and Speedy Gonzalez in Mexico and nobody cares and here people get their panties in a bunch).

@Hugh Jardon:

Hugh, I translated the item you refer to above. I am a native of Mexico, I have been for the past 30 years. And I master both the Engish and Spanish language. The translation above is the correct one. The word condenado derives from the word condenar which literal translation to English is damned. Hence the translation is correct.

As for your comment that the characters were developed a long time ago and hence it is correct to depict another person from another race in a demeaning way, I say shame on you my friend. And people in Mexico do care about political correctness, I can tell you have not lived there. There are huge injustices committed in Mexico against people who are dark-skinned every day, and they do care. And while they don’t get off, like they do in the States when someone calls another a word like “Negro”, many are offended. The only reason Memin Pinguin was republished was because it caused a controversy with the stamps, so the publishers saw a money-making opportunity. Have you read the original Memin Pinguin today? I don’t think you have. You would be scared to see some of the things that are said against Memin. It is scary that someone like you can just shrug you shoulders and say its Ok because according to you no one cared about political correctness. Maybe you don’t care. Or maybe you are from the early 40’s and see things in a different light. And that’s Ok, too. But don’t blame others, especially the editors of this site for your tunnel vision on matters of race.

Ooohhh, Burn! Mauser has done it again. :D

Oh, and by the way, Mr. Jardon: It is cacti, not “cactuses.”

Dear Mr. Mauser:

I call bullshit on your claim that you master both languages, when, in fact, you can not even spell “English” right.

I am also a native of Mexico and I totally agree with Mr. Hugh Hardon.

@El Chile Grande:

Dear Mini Chile, thank you for your comment. You are using the word “can not” incorrectly. You would use “can not” when the ‘not’ forms part of another construction such as ‘not only’. Also, the correct grammar for the phrase “…you can not even spell “English” right.” Would be: “…you cannot even spell the word “English” right. Anyway, Mini Chile, a simple misspelling of a word is not the point of my comment. Please stick to the subject. Thanks.

I am Mexican and this is a part of my heritage. I’m offended that the negros get to complain about being insulted, but I’m not allowed to bring my culture into this country? It truly is the United States of Black America and will get worse when the Dems win in Nov.

As someone form Ecuador where Memin is also sold, I had always seen it as a work of the times.

Back when the character Memin was created, that is how people of African (hispanic and anglo american) descent were depicted everywhere, if you don not believe me, just look for the chracter that was Will Eisner’s Spirit’s Robin (Ebony White). The same could be said about the censored Looney Tunes cartoons. Even Spilberg’s new movie TinTin had some of these types of characters in the original strip.

In that context, it’s understandable that some people on latin america do not consider the strip to be racist but just one more of the bunch of forms of entretaiment that plays on the stereotypes. I do not know for certain in all countries but a least in south america some countries certainly have them not only depicting african-hispanics but highlanders (mountain-andino folk) and in-landers (montubio or rednecks). Reason for which we do not usally get sand in our eyes about it (altough it has been brought out in the media even in Ecuador at least)

That being said, the translation is as bad as it you want it to be. “Damn” and “devilish” could be the same in spanish and only the cultural context (or even the reader’s mood if you prefer) could determine what you want to read. The definition of the word negro in this case is within the same explanation (term of endearment or insult). This is from a certified translator and memeber of a racially mixed family.

For what I remember, Memin is just a chronicle (exagerated of course) of the life of a african latino descent in the hispanic culture not a bible, guide of behavior or comedy as most people assume.

Certainly NOT WALMART QUALITY MATERIAL but also should not be flat out banned but offered with the proper cautions (as the banned cartoons)where there is a market for it. I guess for it to be accepted it has to be marketed as a Indie comic by a goth or emo subversive and then be called art.

Whoa, Pedro, you need to calm down a lot. I’m sick and tired of hearing that same lame argument trying to place blame on another marginalized group. Instead of placing blame on another group that’s in the same boat as us, how about you go after the white supremacist powers that be, like Corporate America. Target the Man, don’t target your sisters and brothers in struggle.

Just because Memin is part of Mexican culture, it doesn’t mean that it’s okay. Would you be defending White Southerners who want to raise the Confederate flag? No! So why don’t you just go to your room and read a book. Preferably something by Ana Castillo or Angela Davis. Educate yourself!!

@Mauser,

Duuuuude, don’t get your crotchless panties in a bunch!
All Mr. Jardon pointed out was that your translation of Memin was contextually incorrect. I am a native of P.R. Have been for the past 32 years and, just like you, I master both the English and Spanish languages. That doesn’t mean that I’m the next Winston Churchill nor the next Cervantes for that matter, but I can certainly differentiate between literal and figurative translations in both languages. The translation you did is NOT the correct one. As you should know, words in one language may have 5 different meanings in another. In the context of that comic book, and in the Spanish language in general, “condenado” is often used to refer to pesky things, including misbehaved children. It is also used to described convicted criminals, ie “Peterson fue condenado a la pena capital.”
The only times I’ve seen “condenado” used to mean “damned” have been in either the biblical context. When people want to refer to “damned” they use the word “maldito,” ie “Este maldito blog me la chupa.”

Also, the word “negro” is used in various contexts. It can be used to diss someone racially, but it is more than often used as a colloquialism, “Mi novio es El Negro” or, “Negrita linda” something akin to “His name is Shorty.” I even recall being told “negrita, haz esto o aquello,” even though, just like you, I am of european descent.

The only thing that I find silly is that Memin’s visual depiction hasn’t been updated to reflect today’s climate but I suspect that it is due to the fact the the Afro Mexican population is not that visible added to the fact that some Afro descendants do look like the Memin stereotype, in the same level that some Boricuas do look like the stereotype you love to depict in Guanabee.

@ Martha Beatriz: I believe the term is “blatino”

I know this is a serious topic, but I can’t help but give a li’l giggle and snort about some of the responses. While I am more a master of my domain than a master of Espanish, I tend to think that la bitch boricua has a point, you cute Mauser you … for whatever it’s worth, I don’t think the usage of condenado is in the malicious tone you interpreted it. And there is a tradition of using the term “negro” with fondness, regardless of whether anyone would do it in this country…or, necessarily still in Mexico.

While I’m not on either the “side” of Mr. Mauser or Mr. Hardon (as Chile Grande so eloquently called him), I do take exception to the cactus snark: in current editing, it is appropriate to say “cactuses” as well as “cacti”—sometimes it’s more appropriate, if you’re writing for a more informal publication.

As far as the comments of “pedro,” thank you denise for your response. You saved me the grief. I am fascinated by how certain Latinos will do anything to discredit the Democratic party, when it’s the only one that would give a minority the time of day.

Lastly, I’d like to point out the mention in the previous post of “Este maldito blog me la chupa.” Is there a sign-up sheet? (It’s been kind of a dry summer…)

I have to agree that the translation above leaves something to be desired. I’m no going to argue the various connotations of “condenado” or the fact that “negro” is sometimes used as a term of endearment. I just find it questionable to translate a neutral word such as “negro” in Spanish into a loaded word such as “negro” in English. The translator SHOULD know better, and I suspect he in fact does.

The translation also rubs me the wrong way because that particular frame is cropped in a way that removes all context from the quote… we have know way of knowing from the image above if the phrase is being uttered by a guy in a white hood about to do Memin harm or by a friend busting his chops. Why not show your readers the ENTIRE frame and let us reach a conclusion on our own?

Dear Mr. Mauser,

The point I was making is that unlike you, I don’t make any claims at mastering anything. I believe that was the statement you made in reference to the validity of your lengthy comment. On another note, when you type words in the comment box, you will find a very useful little utility that underlines in red any misspelled words.

This Wallmart Shopper needs adult reading material. The fact that she was out shopping for comics in a Wallmart at her age is a pretty clear indication of where she’s coming from.
It always seems so weird to me that intellectuals and relatively educated people are never complaining about such trivial subjects.
Leave to the stay at home Mom that has nothing to do in life but nag at the kid behind the cash register to save the day for all Blacks.
Worse is the mediocrity of our news. There is no such thing as news, just news reporters. And if this is the best they’ve got, it’s squat.
Forget the translation by the way, typical middle Americans are never going to understand another culture. It is better to say nothing and let them shout and protest. The fact the NEGRO is BLACK in Castillian does not resonate at all with any of them and it’s by no means derogatory. To me this is more of the same of the self victimization that has gone on for too long in the Black community, step and think above it and nothing will affect you. It’s another excuse for someone poor to sue and get money from Wallmart. Bad on Wallmart for not catching on to the possible litigation that this could provoke but it might be a way for Wallmart to have a lottery for their underprivileged shoppers too. It’s Sam Walton giving away money from the grave.

Daniel,

Sorry, but the word “Condemned” is the literal translation for Condenado. Although it is not used colloquially in the US as it it used in Mexico, it is the right word if you are transliterating the text from the comic book. The inherent meaning in its daily use is “condemened to hell”.
Vamos a corresponder en Castellano. No puedo creer que se te ocurra entrar al juego este que se tienen aquí. Por favor, si tuvieras un gramo de conciencia al respecto serias mas claro con la gente. La palabra Negro es la forma en que nosotros en México, Latino América y España y todo el resto del mundo nos dirigimos a la gente que proviene, tiene ascendencia de África o es Mulato. Si, pretendes insinuar que no es así eres un gran hipócrita. Creo que estas defendiendo tu articulo o contribución errónea aparte de que esta mal transliterado o traducido.
Cuales atrocidades raciales? México es un clasicismo no racismo y estas completamente perdido si piensas diferente. En México tuvimos a Benito Juarez, Presidente Indígena y la mayoría de México que tiene Mestizaje; solo tienes que ver a Felipe Calderón. El hombre se recibió de Harvard y es mestizo. Dime quien es el racista? El que se piensa juzgado cuando no lo es o el que juzga o ambos? No vendas tus mentiras amarillistas por este medio. Me hace las tripas en nudos gente que se ya cree Americana y que desde aquí juzgan a México. En lugar de contribuir para mejorarnos solo crean mas problemas. Te digo desde este momento que el progresismo en México esta sobre tu articulo. La diferencia de tu progresismo y el verdadero progresista en México es que no nos preocupamos de temas tan transitorios como las de una historieta. Eres el típico seudo- intelectual que cree que tiene alguna perspectiva única o eres un Mexicano que odia a México por que nunca tuvo oportunidad de sobresalir. Goza por que con una perspectiva tan limitada solo aquí podrás salir adelante.

@ Alex
Touché mon ami!

@toii

Ces personnes sont si sensibles, est un miracle qui puisse aller aux toilettes peut les par offenser l’odeur;
être politiquement correct est un virus à le lexique et le raisonnement.

Great stuff, Alex! Make your point in a language not everyone understands. Why don’t I run it through an online translator? I’m sure to get an accurate translation, yes? (Sarcasm ends here.) Thanks for nothing!

For the two bubs claiming to be masters of the English language. Way to make your point! Just cobble some sentences together with glaring grammatical and/or idiomatic errors and we’ll all be sure to trust your mastery of the other language, as well. (Oops! A little more sarcasm.) Joseph Conrad, you fellas ain’t!

Now, regarding the article, Quanell X isn’t a reference to Malcolm X. Members of the Nation of Islam are named X until they earn a better name for some reason or other. Muhammed Ali was Casius X. (C’mon, this was in the movie.)

Black stereotypes? How awful! They are not based in truth anyway. A black woman, shopping at Walmart named Shenibria. No stereotype in that.

@Whatever

As accurate as my education allows. I was born in Mexico City in Delegación Cuautemoc, my father is Basque from Gexto and my mother is French from Biarritz. Grew up in So Cal.

So, “Whatever”, You’re typical and boring; your Xenophobia does not surprise me.

By the way, congratulations you have just highlighted my point. The fact that you can not accept anything beside the realm contained between your ears and four walls is expected.

In reality it terrifies you that in Mexico your racial restitution and indignation has no effect. Our ancestors merged with Africans long ago. Your hang-ups are a non-issue with us. I have mexican Black friends and they laugh at this kind of things. You are ridiculous, get over it.

Oh yea, well my father is Bisque and he’s from Lobster.

I think people need to take a chill pastilla. I know this is a strange concept for the Interwebs, but it is possible to have a debate about something without calling people ridiculous. Or pompous. Even if they are acting that way.

The question might be, Do we want to clarify some thinking, or do we want to prove how smart we are? They DON’T always go together, damas y caballeros.

And I’m still waiting for someone to tell me where the sign-up sheet is for the chupando.

I do apologize for the insult to Whatever. It was uncalled for.

Nice to meet you crabby! Are you from Shediac? In all seriousness, in Mexico there is no racism to speak of, there is more of a classicism effect. It is more wide spread believe it or not and distinguished through accents. As it once was in Britain with the RP accent. We can see how something like this comic might be offensive but the underlying issue here is why is it that people dwell on these stories? Moreover why can’t people rise above the fray. As it is said in many countries: “El que se enoja pierde” = The first one to get mad, looses.

By the way, why is everyone so eager for a suck?

CC read the article again. There is no mention of anyone named “Shenibria.” You probably misunderstood almost everything that you attempted to read about the situation including the mother whose name you misspelled, Shawnedria (Shaw-nee-dree-ah). Pictures speak louder than words. To see any man, white, black or brown kicking and hitting women and children in a comic book or anywhere else and portraying the book as a children’s book is insanity. No one should allow a child to read or view this type of violence. How can this book be called a children’s book? Forget about the racist part, think about the effect this book has on the minds of children that allowed to read this book.

@Alex

I don’t care where you’re from, Alex. It doesn’t matter. I’m only interested in your argument. If the conversation has been in English and you pop along in Spanish… Well, that’s just disruptive. Then it’s a free-for-all and we get responses in French. Xenophobic? I don’t see it.

Also, I have no problem ignoring typos, grammar, etc. It just bugs me when armchair professors claim expertise to prove that they’re right.

@Lynn

No one should allow a child to see this type of violence? IT’S A COMIC BOOK! Even small children understand that cartoon violence is fake. And comic books usually appeal to older kids anyway. You’re probably one of those people who thinks people have gender reassignment surgery because Bugs Bunny dresses up like a girl sometimes.

@ Lynn : Shawnedria/Shenibria, tomato/tomatoe.
@ Escobar : The chupa line starts at Guanabees headquarters followed by a salad tossing courtesy of Whatever.
@ Alex : Everyone is so eager because las chupadas son muy ricas.
@ Whatever : Perhaps no one here is a Joseph Conrad (lmao, talking about armchair professors,) but you certainly are NOT someone with reading comprehension skills.

@boricua biatch

Step right up! I’ll be tossing salads all week. How about a nice garden salad? I remember a Filipino saying that goes, “Chupa in mo ako.” Loosely translated it means suck my dick. So I’m guessing that the chupa line is the dick sucking line. Is it that you want me to suck your dick, boricua biatch? Please spell it out for me. I have poor reading comprehension.

I invite all comers pun to shower me with personal insults.

@Lynn

Times have changed, but I sometimes fear that a lack of violence in children’s entertainment will make for soft adults who want nothing more than to work in the service sector. I for one feel that I’m better off having watched the Coyote make multiple attempts at finishing off the Road Runner.

What did cartoon violence teach me as a child? There’s more than one way to resolve an issue! Never give up on your goal! “He who seeks vengeance must dig two graves: one for his enemy and one for himself.” The Road Runner is too damn fast. All very important lessons.

Thank you for the clarification, boricua biatch. I believe your explanation came out of my old textbook:

Fulano: ¿El restaurante está abierto?

Mesero: Si, señor.

Fulano: Me han dado cuenta que las chupadas son muy ricas aqui.

Mesero: Para servirle, señor.

Fulano: Ay … joven …

Mesero: ¿Algun postre, señor?

Fulano: Bueno, hay una propina grande en tu futuro si tienes ganas de tosear mi ensalada.

Now, let’s see Joseph Conrad write somethin’ like THAT!

Negros should spend their time finding jobs instead of worrying about racist comic books at walmart

This is a very interesting blog, with so many experts and “languange masters”. FYI… there has been (and today there is still) racism in ALL latinamerican countries. And please don’t try to deny it…. No mater how mestizo people are, they will always look down and make fun of whoever they feel is racially less than them, specially blacks or indians. Many latinos have fond memories of Memin comics from their childhood, but that does’t make it less racist than Buckweath or Farina from the Little Rascals/Our Gang movies from the 1920’s. Like someone else mentioned earlier in the blog, many southerners have fond memories of the good ‘ol times when the confederate flag was everywhere (and no blacks nor women had civil rights). And to the guy who was bitching about not letting him bring his culture here to ther US…I hope there is much more to your culture than a friking comic book…