Mexican comic book character sparks cultural clash

Memín Pinguín might be adored in his native Mexico, but he hasn’t been feeling much love lately on the other side of the border. Wal-Mart has stopped selling comic books featuring the popular Cuban-Mexican character after a customer in Texas complained about the boy’s racially insensitive appearance. Memín’s mother, who looks an awful lot like Aunt Jemima, sparked similar complaints.

Let’s be honest: Memín’s huge lips, dark skin, and big ears really don’t make for a flattering physical portrayal of African-Americans (Houston community activist Quanel X likened Memín’s appearance to a monkey and his mother’s to a gorilla).

But many Mexicans don’t get what all the fuss is about, especially because they consider Memín a hero rather than a mocking caricature. He’s known to them as an impish, yet thoughful boy who helps out his mother by shining shoes and selling newspapers. Says Javier Salas, a Spanish language radio-show host in Chicago,

We grew up reading, learning and educating ourselves with a lot of the topics [Memín Pinguín comics] always touched on, which was honesty, justice, tolerance. He was a very unique character.”

The culture clash over Memín isn’t new. Three years ago, a Mexican stamp collection featuring his likeness was discontinued after African-American leaders protested his stereotypical appearance. Yet despite the hits Memín has taken, his status as a Mexican cultural icon and a teacher of important life lessons isn’t likely to fade. Nor too are the use of beloved cartoons that provoke outcries on both sides of the border (Speedy Gonzales, anyone?). Still, Memín could probably benefit from a facelift. Until then, his lessons on tolerance risk being overshadowed.