Thinking back to my
childhood, I do not really remember watching much of Speedy Gonzalez but I have
also known of the character because of its popularity. Personally, I like the concept of Speedy
Gonzalez, but at the same time I completely understand why some people are so
against it and all it represents. For
starters, just the look of Speedy itself is very racist and stereotypical, especially
considering that this is the image the creator had of Mexicans when creating
such a character. Some might see that as
offensive, but others might see it as merely a joke. I like to think that I have a pretty good
sense of humor and I also try to see the positive in everything. It is evident that this character was indeed
intended to be humorous, not teach children stereotypes of Mexicans. Its sole purpose was to entertain, to be
funny, to poke fun at Mexicans in a light manner. Obviously, when this show was created times
were completely different, and for all I know, it could have possibly been
created as a way to put down Mexicans, but the way I see it is if you are
Mexican and can take a joke, then there should be no problem. Yes, the show might not be suitable for
children because there were scenes of drinking and what not, but remove that
stuff and you have a man who just so happens to be Mexican turns out to be the
good guy/hero. My personal opinion is
that maybe with a few tweaks this show can come back and it will do okay. The most important thing is to just make it
more age appropriate and maybe a little less stereotypical.
Speedy's Blog: This is the collective blog for the Fall 2013 Border Consciousness class @ UCLA. Taught by Professor Alicia Gaspar de Alba.
I a-forward apologize for commenting on your post, I could not figure out how to write my own blog comment, but trust me I’ll figure it out soon.
ReplyDeleteJE #1A
Growing up, the image of Speedy Gonzalez is one that I would see on my neighbor’s blankets and pillowcases. I did not watch the show nor was I big fan, but he was inevitable to escape, especially in a predominately “brown barrio”. After reading a little more regarding the history of the show and the character of Speedy, I’ve come to a more critical understanding. The show is derogatory towards not only the Mexican-American community, but to all those who identity or get mistaken by the overarching Latina/o label. People who may not have grown up in “brown barrios” or experienced interaction with people from those communities often times than most, have these stereotypes ingrained in their understanding of people that resemble those that are portrayed in the show. The article of “Speedy Gonzales Caged…” is a perfect example of how people who defend the cartoon would rationalize it…”its just Speedy”. It’s basically just the same narrative that is fed to us by the overrepresented hegemonic structures that we find in a “post-racial” society i.e. It’s not about race! I guess it’s ok to mock cultures as long as it’s not the hegemonic on in play. Regardless though the cartoon is detrimental to the well-being of “brown communities” and by extension those that find themselves identified along-side these communities. In other words, it should not have even be given the opportunity to go on air.