Sleeping Mexican statue, racist or not?

Question

do you think its racist? i dont think so and im part Latino.

also what is your ethnicity?

Answer 1

Depends on how you interpret it. The statue could be interpreted in two different ways.

Where one person might say the statue represents how lazy Mexicans are, another person could say it represents how hard working Mexicans are, and that the man is taking a rest after a long day of hard work. (After all, many Mexicans I know come from families of hard working determined people) and I think that's a good thing.

It all depends on how people perceive it. Symbols do not always have a direct meaning, but speak different to each individual. A statue can be a symbol of hope. It can be a symbol of freedom, or it can simply be of famous historical figures who deserve credit for their accomplishments.

For instance, The swastika was once a peace symbol before Nazi Germany... When we see it now, it's suddenly become a white nationalist/supremacist symbol.

While the cross once represented crucification of criminals, it became a symbol of hope, peace, salvation and redemption to Christians.

The statue of Liberty is seen as a symbol of freedom and liberty in this country. It is also a reminder that this land is a land of immigrants, and this country was founded upon immigration, and is FOR immigration, and to serve all immigrants, and give them each an equal shot at the American dream. While it gives a specific intent, it is a reminder to many people in America that this country's government has not kept its promises to the people.

For the record, I am white/European American. My ancestors came to America from Scotland, England, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Ireland. =) Take care.

Answer 2

Hahaha, I'm watching that right now and asked a question about it "are you racist?" Well would you like it if I put a statue of a white guy accusing people of breaking mexican garden gnomes. -What george said. But I think this episode is taking this gnome thing too far.

Answer 3

My boyfriend is very very offended by it. He is also offended by speedy Gonzales because they are always drunk or sleeping on that cartoon. My ethnicity is black and I had never thought about it before until he was very upset with speedy Gonzales on an old episode playing on the CN. He also went on a rant about those statues and about the mice taking a siesta on the cartoon.
The reason it offends a lot of Latinos is because there is a stereotype that they are lazy. I have no idea where that came from when it is always them who are working the hardest manual jobs. But I think the idea that they are lazy comes from the siestas that take place in Mexico, but doesn't that tradition derive from Spain (Europe)? But yes some Hispanics are very offended by it an see it as a racist symbol, much like the way some blacks feel about the little black Americana figurines and art with the big red lips and watermelons
http://southeastern-trading.com/shop/catalog/images/170-04629.jpg
http://www.chgs.umn.edu/histories/otherness/images/blacksambohotpadholderA.jpg
(which I happen to collect go figure). Although those have racist origins, to me they are a part of black Americana and are our history, so I love them, I even affectionately call them nigglets (they are also very valuable).

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Sleeping Mexican statue, racist or not?
do you think its racist? i dont think so and im part Latino.

also what is your ethnicity?

Answer 5

I'm Puerto Rican.

I just want to urge you to think of it this way: When you see other statues, are they called "Standing White Man" or "Smiling White Woman." No, they are statues representing something.

What makes other groups so different whereas they have to be known and identified by their race? If us non-whites are identified by our race or ethnicity doesn't that leave out the more important factors? Does that not make it easier for people to put us all under the same umbrella?

Racist is a tricky term nowadays. I don't want to say it is racist in itself, but the notion is awfully stereotypical.

Answer 6

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/aw1Or

im 1/2 mexican and practically full hispanic and i find that its not racist at all and i get no offense from it its just peoples perceptions to ideas

Answer 7

Well since mexicans DO sleep like every single other race no it is not racist. What's wrong with showing a sleeping person?

Answer 8

I haven't heard about this. Can you give us a link or something?
I guess it depends on the intentions of the artist. Is he trying to offend you? Is that his way of combating a stereotype?

Answer 9

Are you watching George Lopez, becasue that is the exact same thing they are talking about now? LOL