wilee-
While you make a good point, you kill it by using an "official" O&A bit as proff that its' right. But it is a good point anyway. Part of many stereotypes were part of some truths...and you are right, in that some stereotypes based on perceived positives aren't that bad...but you have to look at why and where and how they came about.
But you have to admit that many of these labels and stereotypes were made in order to dehumanize and demean a specific group in order to further solidify the stratification of whites on top, blacks on bottom, and everyone else ranked in between.
Look at the other thread regarding Irish treatment after immigration by FUNKMAN. You are interpreting their stereotypes now as positive (because of the # of irish pubs), but in reality, they came from the specific dehumanization of the Irish immigrants as non-whites by those who considered themselves superior. History shows that they(Irish immigrants) were just barely a rung above blacks in terms of their percepttions as human beings.
I haven't asked hispanics how they feel, but my point is, if a majority of them are offended, it should be changed. They aren't a small group of 5 people protesting the cartoon if a majority disagree with it. Their race is a huge part of the US, and if a majority are offended, then it should be changed. My point wasn't about whether I know so, but that if they're offended, it should be changed.
I personally think it should be changed, but I think hispanics have more of a vote in it that I do, because I'm not in their shoes in terms of personal feelings about it. If they don't care about it and it doesn't offend them, then who cares. I got the impression that the article was poking fun at the dispute about a cartoon character, but if a large percent of hispanics are against it, it should probably be changed/banned.
Newyorkdragon, i didn't realize i had to explain myself again about why i think the cartoon should go...I'm pretty sure i addressed that already...i think it promotes stereotypes are mexican laziness, womanizing, hygience, etc(not only him, but the other characters in the cartoon)...so reread that if you want to hear me defend my opinion again...but i didn't realize that everyone was waiting for me to do so.
And just because you're irish and not offended by an irish stereotype, doesn't mean that others aren't either. I hate that argument. People will constantly say, oh hey, I'm not bothered, so why should anyone else be? Sorry to say, your one opinion doesn't mean that everyone else's is the same.
And in terms of Martians, if there was every contact with aliens from Mars, and if they were primarily offended by the character, it would probably be changed then too. But since to most of our knowledge, there are no martians, then your statement is retarded.
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This message was edited by sunndoggy8 on 3-28-02 @ 10:28 PM