-
Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!
So I'm at a Mexican themed party...
- Thread starter ColdPizza
- Start date
- Status
Dongs Macabre
aka Daedalos42
And people are still doing the same racist shit.
Ok, here it comes. Recognize this guy?
.jpg)
Chances are you do. His name is Speedy Gonzales, the fastest mouse alive. A while ago there was a controversy in the US about how racist he was, and since then its not often you can catch one of his classic cartoons on any US broadcaster.
Meanwhile, here on México, you can easily see him in any cartoon. I'll even argue he an easy Top 5 of most popular Looney Tunes characters.
But here comes the key question. Why? Why is it ok?
Because he is a hero.
The "negative" connotations, like his brown skin, poor accent, modest clothing and small size are never something that is given attention, instead he is constantly and swiftly winning any and all of his matches of wits with the rival they give him per short.
He is lovable, he is fast, he is kind, smart and always helps those in need. All the girls want him and all the guys want to be him. In other words, he is a role model.
So really, its all about THE INTENTION of the way you are going to portray a culture.
The same happens when we are talking about Mexican Parties. I am mexican, we fucking love to party and we love any excuse we can get to party. Charro suits, ponchos, sombreros, you name it, we like to wear them when we are celebrating if they are at hand. Its rare for us to wear in this items every day, but there is no negative stigma attached to them, nor we think a guero/gringo taking one and using it himself is bad. Hell, we have a huge industry dedicated in selling this items for your parties. If we didn't want you to use them, why would we sell them to you?
On the other hand, some mexicans WILL take offense on people appropriating their culture, but that has more to do with people who inherently hate americans, or the idea of sharing. I find this, personally, quite silly, but live and let live, right? Most of the time they will leave you alone because they really don't have an argument other than "this offends me".
I think Mexican-American relations have always been symbiotic. We take from american as much as they do from us. As long as there is no hate or ill when trying to talk or appropriate each other, it should be cool.
Speedy was not a hateful representation of mexicans. Mexican Parties are not a hateful appropriation of mexican culture. That's all there is to it. Its hard to get mad when all we want is to party.
Chances are you do. His name is Speedy Gonzales, the fastest mouse alive. A while ago there was a controversy in the US about how racist he was, and since then its not often you can catch one of his classic cartoons on any US broadcaster.
Meanwhile, here on México, you can easily see him in any cartoon. I'll even argue he an easy Top 5 of most popular Looney Tunes characters.
But here comes the key question. Why? Why is it ok?
Because he is a hero.
The "negative" connotations, like his brown skin, poor accent, modest clothing and small size are never something that is given attention, instead he is constantly and swiftly winning any and all of his matches of wits with the rival they give him per short.
He is lovable, he is fast, he is kind, smart and always helps those in need. All the girls want him and all the guys want to be him. In other words, he is a role model.
So really, its all about THE INTENTION of the way you are going to portray a culture.
The same happens when we are talking about Mexican Parties. I am mexican, we fucking love to party and we love any excuse we can get to party. Charro suits, ponchos, sombreros, you name it, we like to wear them when we are celebrating if they are at hand. Its rare for us to wear in this items every day, but there is no negative stigma attached to them, nor we think a guero/gringo taking one and using it himself is bad. Hell, we have a huge industry dedicated in selling this items for your parties. If we didn't want you to use them, why would we sell them to you?
On the other hand, some mexicans WILL take offense on people appropriating their culture, but that has more to do with people who inherently hate americans, or the idea of sharing. I find this, personally, quite silly, but live and let live, right? Most of the time they will leave you alone because they really don't have an argument other than "this offends me".
I think Mexican-American relations have always been symbiotic. We take from american as much as they do from us. As long as there is no hate or ill when trying to talk or appropriate each other, it should be cool.
Speedy was not a hateful representation of mexicans. Mexican Parties are not a hateful appropriation of mexican culture. That's all there is to it. Its hard to get mad when all we want is to party.
Ok, here it comes. Recognize this guy?
Chances are you do. His name is Speedy Gonzales, the fastest mouse alive. A while ago there was a controversy in the US about how racist he was, and since then its not often you can catch one of his classic cartoons on any US broadcaster.
Meanwhile, here on México, you can easily see him in any cartoon. I'll even argue he an easy Top 5 of most popular Looney Tunes characters.
But here comes the key question. Why? Why is it ok?
Because he is a hero.
The "negative" connotations, like his brown skin, poor accent, modest clothing and small size are never something that is given attention, instead he is constantly and swiftly winning any and all of his matches of wits with the rival they give him per short.
He is lovable, he is fast, he is kind, smart and always helps those in need. All the girls want him and all the guys want to be him. In other words, he is a role model.
So really, its all about THE INTENTION of the way you are going to portray a culture.
The same happens when we are talking about Mexican Parties. I am mexican, we fucking love to party and we love any excuse we can get to party. Charro suits, ponchos, sombreros, you name it, we like to wear them when we are celebrating if they are at hand. Its rare for us to wear in this items every day, but there is no negative stigma attached to them, nor we think a guero/gringo taking one and using it himself is bad. Hell, we have a huge industry dedicated in selling this items for your parties. If we didn't want you to use them, why would we sell them to you?
On the other hand, some mexicans WILL take offense on people appropriating their culture, but that has more to do with people who inherently hate americans, or the idea of sharing. I find this, personally, quite silly, but live and let live, right? Most of the time they will leave you alone because they really don't have an argument other than "this offends me".
I think Mexican-American relations have always been symbiotic. We take from american as much as they do from us. As long as there is no hate or ill when trying to talk or appropriate each other, it should be cool.
Speedy was not a hateful representation of mexicans. Mexican Parties are not a hateful appropriation of mexican culture. That's all there is to it. Its hard to get mad when all we want is to party.
Single best post in the entire thread
Thread was worth it for this post.
As a Mexican, to me this seems to be the lowest hanging fruit possible that someone can reach for. Do some research and actually throw a good Mexico themed party I say. What other sick party ideas are up these master party goers repertoire? They probably think olive garden and outback steakhouse are also representative of the cuisine of a country/culture they attempt to portray.
I roll my eyes hard at this stuff, and honestly it's a bit tough to brush it off as "eh it's just jokes!!"
Things like this I always hope are for the fun of it and to dress up an excuse to get drunk and make it more fun (?) by theming it. If they're laughing with us and not at us it's whatever. I'm gonna roll my eyes at you audibly and dunk on you but if people at the event don't start getting weird about it then whatever. Just put effort into it I guess!
I roll my eyes hard at this stuff, and honestly it's a bit tough to brush it off as "eh it's just jokes!!"
Things like this I always hope are for the fun of it and to dress up an excuse to get drunk and make it more fun (?) by theming it. If they're laughing with us and not at us it's whatever. I'm gonna roll my eyes at you audibly and dunk on you but if people at the event don't start getting weird about it then whatever. Just put effort into it I guess!
Seems spot on. His sense of self worth seems to stem from suggesting everyone and everything is racist and for some reason avoids the actual word. Joe McCarthy of anti-racism maneuvers with no concern for collateral damage it does.
Who are you to tell a Mexican or other minority or anyone what is or isn't worth being concerned about? Where do you get off telling others they're suspect because they aren't rushing to the discussion threads you personally value?
Are you that proud that you post a lot on a message board and are you actually hanging that over people's heads like it's a thing that matters? What do you think you accomplished by doing that? You're not bettering anyone's life by doing that and you frankly don't know what anyone else here does to be involved or improve on societal factors. Of course you admit it's not about being a productive member of society... it's about your itching desire to unconstructively call people out for who knows what ends.
The rest of us don't pass your cool test?
We all see right through you.
Epic backtracking. A post earlier you were not-subtly calling out everyone in this thread as stealth racists (and again in the post above), including the number of Mexicans posting here, but now you're trying to soften the backlash by acting as if you were only lecturing down to the non-Mexicans.
I don't know your background, and that's not important, but behaviorally you're exactly like the white feminist that minority women and men abhor for always getting on the soapbox when no one asked you, always talking down and trying to dictate the discussion, always telling them what they need to be outraged over and what are the appropriate ways to act and respond or else it's not being done right. If this thread is so beneath you, then saunter over to the one of the other discussions that you have Personally Approved as being so highly worthy of your participation.
Blueboys1306
Banned
Exactly right! Who is it harming wearing Mexican clothing at a Mexican themed party? Stop being so overly sensitive for fucks sake! How is it racist???
Blueboys1306
Banned
Ok, here it comes. Recognize this guy?
Chances are you do. His name is Speedy Gonzales, the fastest mouse alive. A while ago there was a controversy in the US about how racist he was, and since then its not often you can catch one of his classic cartoons on any US broadcaster.
Meanwhile, here on México, you can easily see him in any cartoon. I'll even argue he an easy Top 5 of most popular Looney Tunes characters.
But here comes the key question. Why? Why is it ok?
Because he is a hero.
The "negative" connotations, like his brown skin, poor accent, modest clothing and small size are never something that is given attention, instead he is constantly and swiftly winning any and all of his matches of wits with the rival they give him per short.
He is lovable, he is fast, he is kind, smart and always helps those in need. All the girls want him and all the guys want to be him. In other words, he is a role model.
So really, its all about THE INTENTION of the way you are going to portray a culture.
The same happens when we are talking about Mexican Parties. I am mexican, we fucking love to party and we love any excuse we can get to party. Charro suits, ponchos, sombreros, you name it, we like to wear them when we are celebrating if they are at hand. Its rare for us to wear in this items every day, but there is no negative stigma attached to them, nor we think a guero/gringo taking one and using it himself is bad. Hell, we have a huge industry dedicated in selling this items for your parties. If we didn't want you to use them, why would we sell them to you?
On the other hand, some mexicans WILL take offense on people appropriating their culture, but that has more to do with people who inherently hate americans, or the idea of sharing. I find this, personally, quite silly, but live and let live, right? Most of the time they will leave you alone because they really don't have an argument other than "this offends me".
I think Mexican-American relations have always been symbiotic. We take from american as much as they do from us. As long as there is no hate or ill when trying to talk or appropriate each other, it should be cool.
Speedy was not a hateful representation of mexicans. Mexican Parties are not a hateful appropriation of mexican culture. That's all there is to it. Its hard to get mad when all we want is to party.
Perfectly said!
Leatherface
Member
Personally I would never wear those costumes, not because I feel they're racist, but because they are just fucking dumb. If I saw someone wearing one and acting like a racist, then yeah, I get your point. But if someone was wearing one because they want to make believe they are a generic Mortal Kombat character / wizard, so be it. Have a blast. But just so we are clear I will wear whatever the hell I want up to and including those lame costumes.
...and just to reinforce SalvaPot's point. The word "racist" gets thrown around way too loosely. Being a racist means you are basically filled with hate for anyone not like you. So before you get on your moral high ground consider that each and every one of us can be a little insensitive at times, either in jest or just plain ignorance but I think in general most people aren't actually "racist".
BTW SalvaPot- loved Speedy as a kid!
No, us English folk would find it hilarious and try to one up it with an American themed party full of giant stars and stripes hats, a buffet where everything is deep fat fried, people dressed in cowboy costumes with ridonkulous fake accents, people dressed as Hollywood hogan and people with massive fake party tits.
We would also turn up to the party driving big ass 4x4s and shooting guns into the sky (fake ones, of course)
The only song the DJ would play would be Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA, on repeat
And at the end of the party we would all applause
Jzero
Member
Yep, the majority of people in this thread that find it offensive are non-Mexicans and Mexican Americans while Mexican born people mostly agree that it's not offensive to us.
ZackieChan
Member
What's the conclusion to be drawn from that? I have photos of me in costumes in China that the locals loved and posed for pictures with me in. I'm sure many here would be wagging their fingers at me, though.
Would this party just be a drop in the ocean made up of constant and relentless drops of abuse aimed at a particular group of people that runs the gamut of making fun to the way they talk to limiting their individual rights? Does it run like a stain of shit through the individual, who likes to just poke fun at the group, all the way to national and government level where that group is marginalised and ostracised from society as a whole?
No of course not, because we're English and American and everyone knows we're the fucking best. We've told them enough times.
It pretty much is.
Ok, here it comes. Recognize this guy?
Chances are you do. His name is Speedy Gonzales, the fastest mouse alive. A while ago there was a controversy in the US about how racist he was, and since then its not often you can catch one of his classic cartoons on any US broadcaster.
Meanwhile, here on México, you can easily see him in any cartoon. I'll even argue he an easy Top 5 of most popular Looney Tunes characters.
But here comes the key question. Why? Why is it ok?
Because he is a hero.
The "negative" connotations, like his brown skin, poor accent, modest clothing and small size are never something that is given attention, instead he is constantly and swiftly winning any and all of his matches of wits with the rival they give him per short.
He is lovable, he is fast, he is kind, smart and always helps those in need. All the girls want him and all the guys want to be him. In other words, he is a role model.
So really, its all about THE INTENTION of the way you are going to portray a culture.
The same happens when we are talking about Mexican Parties. I am mexican, we fucking love to party and we love any excuse we can get to party. Charro suits, ponchos, sombreros, you name it, we like to wear them when we are celebrating if they are at hand. Its rare for us to wear in this items every day, but there is no negative stigma attached to them, nor we think a guero/gringo taking one and using it himself is bad. Hell, we have a huge industry dedicated in selling this items for your parties. If we didn't want you to use them, why would we sell them to you?
On the other hand, some mexicans WILL take offense on people appropriating their culture, but that has more to do with people who inherently hate americans, or the idea of sharing. I find this, personally, quite silly, but live and let live, right? Most of the time they will leave you alone because they really don't have an argument other than "this offends me".
I think Mexican-American relations have always been symbiotic. We take from american as much as they do from us. As long as there is no hate or ill when trying to talk or appropriate each other, it should be cool.
Speedy was not a hateful representation of mexicans. Mexican Parties are not a hateful appropriation of mexican culture. That's all there is to it. Its hard to get mad when all we want is to party.
I learned on Gaf that intention means jack shit the minute someone is made uncomfortable or someone's feelings are hurt.
BreezyLimbo
Banned
I imagine it would such dissonant results are from the community a person is part of. For example, born in China or born in Mexico, the majority of people they've met are Mexicans/Chinese, so seeing a white person have a party 'themed' after their culture appears cute. But reasons being is that they're a majority-whilst in the US they might feel like they're being suffocated from people having parties themed around their culture.
Having said that, I'm a Mexican born in the USA, yet I still don't find it offensive.
T
Transhuman
Unconfirmed Member
Is it offensive if someone dresses in Mexican attire for sexual roleplay?
Randy Monk
Member
Not offensive if you're also doing the Mexican Halloween sex position
I'm kind of neutral on this kind of thing.. I guess I'd say it depends more on how the culture is being presented. Is the depiction meant as a way of putting down someone else's culture, or is it meant more as a positive?
I grew up in an area of southern California that is mostly Hispanic, and in my experience the Mexican culture is very laid back, I never knew anyone who is Mexican to be offended by someone wearing a certain hat until I began spending more time on the internet.
I certainly cannot speak for someone else on what they should or should not find offensive, and the people who take offense to such things aren't in the wrong, but in the end we're all our own individuals with our own opinion on things. Whatever your opinion is on what is and is not racist, I think most of us can agree that you shouldn't seek offending other people, and thus if you believe that doing a certain thing will offend other people, you probably should avoid doing that thing
I grew up in an area of southern California that is mostly Hispanic, and in my experience the Mexican culture is very laid back, I never knew anyone who is Mexican to be offended by someone wearing a certain hat until I began spending more time on the internet.
I certainly cannot speak for someone else on what they should or should not find offensive, and the people who take offense to such things aren't in the wrong, but in the end we're all our own individuals with our own opinion on things. Whatever your opinion is on what is and is not racist, I think most of us can agree that you shouldn't seek offending other people, and thus if you believe that doing a certain thing will offend other people, you probably should avoid doing that thing
It is that kind of thread. 2nd and 3rd generation minority americans are usually much more sensitive about their culture being appropriated than natives of their culture are.
Ok, here it comes. Recognize this guy?
Chances are you do. His name is Speedy Gonzales, the fastest mouse alive. A while ago there was a controversy in the US about how racist he was, and since then its not often you can catch one of his classic cartoons on any US broadcaster.
Meanwhile, here on México, you can easily see him in any cartoon. I'll even argue he an easy Top 5 of most popular Looney Tunes characters.
But here comes the key question. Why? Why is it ok?
Because he is a hero.
The "negative" connotations, like his brown skin, poor accent, modest clothing and small size are never something that is given attention, instead he is constantly and swiftly winning any and all of his matches of wits with the rival they give him per short.
He is lovable, he is fast, he is kind, smart and always helps those in need. All the girls want him and all the guys want to be him. In other words, he is a role model.
So really, its all about THE INTENTION of the way you are going to portray a culture.
The same happens when we are talking about Mexican Parties. I am mexican, we fucking love to party and we love any excuse we can get to party. Charro suits, ponchos, sombreros, you name it, we like to wear them when we are celebrating if they are at hand. Its rare for us to wear in this items every day, but there is no negative stigma attached to them, nor we think a guero/gringo taking one and using it himself is bad. Hell, we have a huge industry dedicated in selling this items for your parties. If we didn't want you to use them, why would we sell them to you?
On the other hand, some mexicans WILL take offense on people appropriating their culture, but that has more to do with people who inherently hate americans, or the idea of sharing. I find this, personally, quite silly, but live and let live, right? Most of the time they will leave you alone because they really don't have an argument other than "this offends me".
I think Mexican-American relations have always been symbiotic. We take from american as much as they do from us. As long as there is no hate or ill when trying to talk or appropriate each other, it should be cool.
Speedy was not a hateful representation of mexicans. Mexican Parties are not a hateful appropriation of mexican culture. That's all there is to it. Its hard to get mad when all we want is to party.
I guess the equivalent to Speedy Gonzalez for my heritage would be the Mario brothers. If you take a look at this soundboard you'll see what I'm talking about
http://www.realmofdarkness.net/pc/sb/vg/supermario
Basically everything people complain about with Speedy Gonzalez about having a cartoonish imitation accent, and using stereotypical phrases are all prevalent with Mario.. yet I've never heard anyone make this complaint about Mario. In fact, as a kid when I would play Mario brothers and my dad would say that the Mario brothers are from the same place as my grandparents, I thought "oh cool"
I never found Mario offensive, yet I could make the same complaints people make about Speedy Gonzales with Mario
Silent Chief
Member
What's wrong with Speedy? If anything, it's all the other mice he hangs out with that carry bad stereotypes.
Gordon Shumway
Banned
How long is this fucking party??
Silent Chief
Member
Skunks are only found in Americas. They should have used a European polecat.
Pepe Le Pew is not rapey, he's a romantic. Not an offensive stereotype.
IrishNinja
Member
man, i dunno. it sounds like sketchy territory...i know that if i was going and was even momentarily concerned one of my mexican friends might not dig the idea, that'd be enough for me to pass
i know everyone that crowds into fake pubs for green beer on st paddy's day is a wanker, but there's worse stereotypes i guess
oh man, i'd get so turnt
ehhh he's kinda rapey
i know everyone that crowds into fake pubs for green beer on st paddy's day is a wanker, but there's worse stereotypes i guess
oh man, i'd get so turnt
ehhh he's kinda rapey
Gotdatmoney
Member
People complain about speedy gonzalez? I always thought he was a loved character. The portrayal is very basic because Loony Toons is very basic but the character was always super positively portrayed and they didn't disrespect the culture from what I remember.
As far as this party, I personally generally don't like these things because I feel people do it for the laughs, not because they want to celebrate the culture in a fun way. But I don't think it's inherently racist unless it indulges in obviously racist stereotypes. It would be like throwing a black themed party and everyone comes with fake guns and heavy chainz. OR a Native American party where everyone is dressed as indians in their western portrayal.
As far as this party, I personally generally don't like these things because I feel people do it for the laughs, not because they want to celebrate the culture in a fun way. But I don't think it's inherently racist unless it indulges in obviously racist stereotypes. It would be like throwing a black themed party and everyone comes with fake guns and heavy chainz. OR a Native American party where everyone is dressed as indians in their western portrayal.
Ok, here it comes. Recognize this guy?
Chances are you do. His name is Speedy Gonzales, the fastest mouse alive. A while ago there was a controversy in the US about how racist he was, and since then its not often you can catch one of his classic cartoons on any US broadcaster.
Meanwhile, here on México, you can easily see him in any cartoon. I'll even argue he an easy Top 5 of most popular Looney Tunes characters.
But here comes the key question. Why? Why is it ok?
Because he is a hero.
The "negative" connotations, like his brown skin, poor accent, modest clothing and small size are never something that is given attention, instead he is constantly and swiftly winning any and all of his matches of wits with the rival they give him per short.
He is lovable, he is fast, he is kind, smart and always helps those in need. All the girls want him and all the guys want to be him. In other words, he is a role model.
So really, its all about THE INTENTION of the way you are going to portray a culture.
The same happens when we are talking about Mexican Parties. I am mexican, we fucking love to party and we love any excuse we can get to party. Charro suits, ponchos, sombreros, you name it, we like to wear them when we are celebrating if they are at hand. Its rare for us to wear in this items every day, but there is no negative stigma attached to them, nor we think a guero/gringo taking one and using it himself is bad. Hell, we have a huge industry dedicated in selling this items for your parties. If we didn't want you to use them, why would we sell them to you?
On the other hand, some mexicans WILL take offense on people appropriating their culture, but that has more to do with people who inherently hate americans, or the idea of sharing. I find this, personally, quite silly, but live and let live, right? Most of the time they will leave you alone because they really don't have an argument other than "this offends me".
I think Mexican-American relations have always been symbiotic. We take from american as much as they do from us. As long as there is no hate or ill when trying to talk or appropriate each other, it should be cool.
Speedy was not a hateful representation of mexicans. Mexican Parties are not a hateful appropriation of mexican culture. That's all there is to it. Its hard to get mad when all we want is to party.
You deserve some tacos and a beer for this post my friend. My treat.
Gotdatmoney
Member
The fuck he isn't.
As an adult I could totally understand that its rapey, as a kid, I don't think they really put two and two together. Granted, in this day it obviously would not be considered okay in a cartoon which is fine. More a product of the times.
gutter_trash
Banned
if the theme is done with a positive light putting value on Mexican culture, music and cuisine; then it's fine
if is a fratboy binge drinking cosplay thing where people dress in stereotypical 19th Century ponchos, sombreros, fake stashes, then it's not fine
1940s Daffy Duck was born Daffy, loony, funny and complex. Later with time Daffy started getting multi-faceted, still being Daffy but also gaining attitude. By the 1960s, Daffy Duck lost all that made him quirky, funny and looney, Daffy just became Angry all the time.
In the dawn of TV when theatrical cartoons ended, the declining Looney Tunes made their worst cartoons during the 1960s. Pairing Speedy Gonzalez with Daffy Duck were the worst Looney Tunes duo.
if is a fratboy binge drinking cosplay thing where people dress in stereotypical 19th Century ponchos, sombreros, fake stashes, then it's not fine
I love Looney Tunes, but Speedy is one of the lamest main characters introduced late on the roster and did fit with Sylvester and certainly did not fit with a 1960s angry Daffy Duck.
1940s Daffy Duck was born Daffy, loony, funny and complex. Later with time Daffy started getting multi-faceted, still being Daffy but also gaining attitude. By the 1960s, Daffy Duck lost all that made him quirky, funny and looney, Daffy just became Angry all the time.
In the dawn of TV when theatrical cartoons ended, the declining Looney Tunes made their worst cartoons during the 1960s. Pairing Speedy Gonzalez with Daffy Duck were the worst Looney Tunes duo.
Version 3.0
Member
I keep telling my girlfriend that. She seems to have a problem with Mexicans and Cubans...but she's Costa Rican. When she complains about them and I look at her funny, she says "oh, now you're going to call me racist". And I say "no, neither Mexican nor Cuban is a race. They're both the same race as you. What you're being is ignorant and mean, not racist."
I guess I'd say no on the party, though. Seems positive.
Gotdatmoney
Member
You know your shit. I am not going to pretend I do haha. 90s kid who just watched bugs bunny and tweety show. So that's my only real knowledge of the shows older cartoons (whenever those were developed). But I remember speedy being mostly being a basic shell. But as a kid I liked the character for what it was.
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked