[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 93 (Tuesday, July 12, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTION CONDEMNING MEXICO'S ISSUANCE OF OFFENSIVE 
                                 STAMPS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 11, 2005

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
express my disappointment in the Mexican Government for their decision 
to issue the Memin Pinguin stamp. This stamp represents the negative 
stereotypes and oppression that millions of African Americans have 
spent so many years fighting against.
  President Fox stated that this is an internal issue for Mexico and 
that Americans cannot understand the cultural representation of this 
character. However, if this is how President Fox chooses to depict the 
black population, this is a sad commentary for Mexico.
  This is the first black representative to be on a Mexican stamp; and 
instead of selecting an actual black Mexican that has had historical 
impact in that country, Mexico chose a cartoon character that's an 
offensive stereotype.
  This move is especially disappointing based on the commitment 
President Fox has given to anti-discrimination. This stamp is the type 
of depiction that sets back that movement and perpetuates racial biases 
that many Mexicans deal with daily. I cannot see how this positively 
benefits any black Mexican.
  The U.S. and Mexico must work together to create mutually beneficial 
policies. I'm afraid that this stamp may set us back in creating an 
open dialogue between our two nations. While we are separate countries 
our paths are intertwined. This stamp is not only insulting to African 
Americans, but to all Americans who find this type of representation 
abhorrent. In the name of diplomatic relations, I respectfully ask 
President Fox to reconsider his decision to distribute these stamps.

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