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Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Hiya--From A Fan In Colorado
I like the Baldo comic strip mostly because of the art. It's very well drawn. Sometimes I do get a laugh out of the jokes, though most of the time the humor is too family-oriented for me. (Just sayin.) I understand where you're coming from with that however--you're trying to take an ethnic subject and make it something everyone can relate to and enjoy instead of making it just for one group of people. That's totally cool.
I want to comment on the latest series about Baldo nearly punching the guy in the fast food joint. I have lived in Denver, CO and environs all my adult life. For the greater portion of that time I lived in neighborhoods that were nearly all hispanic (I'm not hispanic; I'm actually multiracial but I appear to be a white person so that's what I put on job applications). I shopped at hispanic or asian-owned stores, ate at hispanic restaurants, had hispanic people working on my car, and spent a few years working as a waitress at a hispanic-owned restaurant as well.
I have never observed any white person in Denver, or group of white people, acting in a restaurant the way your bigoted character (the one Baldo nearly punches) does. However, on occasions to numerous to detail I've often been the recipient of extremely bigoted and sometimes hateful treatment from hispanic store owners or wait people, and of course hispanic customers in restaurants where I have also been a customer. This doesn't happen every single time--and I tend never to shop or do business again with a place where I'm treated that way--but it has happened so many times that I feel compelled to point out that for whatever reason I've been subjected to more than my fair share of racial and sexual bigotry from hispanics to the point that I finally moved out of the Denver area because I was getting so sick of it--this was less than a year after an illegal Mexican immigrant shot a Denver cop in cold blood about ten blocks from my house.
Let me repeat that this is not always the case--in my old neighborhood in Denver there were several businesses owned by latinos where I was treated with genuine courtesy and where I enjoyed shopping or eating. But one episode of being stared at, razzed, or threatened by someone when one is merely trying to have a nice meal or buy a part for one's car tends to obliterate memories of good experiences; I'm sure you know what I mean.
And again, I know that the comic strip Baldo is not intended to dissect social mores or spark heated social commentary, but to create an impression of decent hispanic people who are just going about their daily lives and not bothering anyone; but in fact, I could not read Baldo when I lived in Denver because it made me feel so resentful--I kept thinking, "Ok, where are these nice hispanic people? How come I never meet them?" I only started reading it again after I moved out here to the sticks.
Anyway, I just thought I would give ya some feedback. I still enjoy the comic and appreciate what you are doing with it.
Take care! xoxo Kristi
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I Applaud Baldo
I have to say that it is good to see the growing variety of ethnic comics such as Baldo that goes beyond cliches and seek the heart of what it means to be a person, no just an African American or a Hispanic American, but to truly be a person. Your most recent story arch dealing with racism toward Hispanics truly found a place in my heart. I think that right now, especially those who are of Hispanic ethnicity, get lost in the political double-speech concerning legal verses illegal aliens. That because of this poorly derived vantage point, people are not seeing the heart and mind and souls of those around them, around us all. So many it seems look at Hispanics when they pass them by and wonder to themselves if this person may be a legal or an illegal alien, instead of trying to "walk in the person’s shoes." I have to applaud your comic Baldo that truly seeks to define what it means to be a person in life, what it means to be a family, with all its insanity and joy. And I must again applaud you by working in the MLK Jr. holiday into the storyarch to give it the right "punch" (so to speak). I just wanted to write to you this letter to thank you for reminding us all that when we are facing another person, whether Hispanic or African or whatnot, we are to look beyond mere skin colour right to the very meaning of the person’s mind, heart, and soul.
FranklinR
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Sunday, January 20, 2008
I Don't Appreciate This In The Funnies
I've noticed for the past week or so you've been writing about how Baldo has been receiving some not so nice racist comics, either in public or in person. I really don't enjoy this. Do you think comics should be about fighting? I think not. A lot of people everyday are racist to every kind, not just Mexicans. You're kind of making it seem like they're the only one who face that kind of hardship when they don't. I just don't enjoy reading Baldo anymore. When i get the paper i want to read the "Funny Pages" not the "Someone who's about to go beat up so and so because he called him a racist name!". Children read your comics. Why have to read about it when you can just walk outside and see that? It's kind of stressful to read that, after i do i'm thinking to myself "Wow what a horrible world". I do not wish to feel that way after reading the comics. Comics are supposed to make you laugh and forget your troubles for a while. Not put on more stress or emphasis how many cruel people are in this world. I understand the message you're trying to make though. I just don't appreciate it how you're trying to do it in the funniest part of the paper.
Concerned,
Rei 13 years old
Hi Rei,
Thanks for taking the time to write your well thought out commentary. It is much appreciated. I assure you our strip is not "about fighting", nor is it a statement that Latinos are the only minority that face racism. Racism and discrimination is felt by everyone to be sure, even within a group of the same race where people are discriminated against based on economic class for example. Yes it's ugly, but it exists.
In any case I don't feel we live in a "horrible world" filled with "cruel people", and neither should you. The world is an extraordinarily beautiful place with many caring and loving people in it. life is what you make it and what you choose to focus on. Ordinarily our strip is pretty lite hearted and not of a heavy topical nature. But we are always looking to add more depth to our characters by adding an occasional layer of real life experiences that readers can relate and connect with. This story line, while it does deal with hate and racism, deals with much more as well. It asks the question: How would Baldo deal with racism? While many people feel comics on the funny pages should just be funny, we feel that comics as an art form are there to entertain, connect and engage with their audience (Yes that includes the use of humor).
The bottom line is, this is a subject many would prefer to sweep under the rug and not discuss because of the strong opinions we all share. But through the strip, we've managed to create a situation where people can speak their minds and share in the discussion with others, an opportunity for dialog and a quest for understanding. And sometimes if we're lucky and listening, we discover something about ourselves in the process.
Take it for what it is, an opportunity for discussion. it never hurts to talk things through.
Thanks for your thoughtful contribution to this discussion.
Carlos |
Finally Something Worth Reading
I'll admit that I've been largely take-it-or-leave-it about the comics page as a whole in the years since Bill Watterson bowed out. (Does this make me a crusty old stick in the mud who's inordinately resistant to change? Probably.) I read the comics from time to time now but almost never two days running, and rare is the occasion that something actually jumps out at me
This week's Baldo strips, though...that's the stuff. I was first grabbed by how visually arresting it was. The comics are a visual medium, and thank god you haven't forgotten that the way so many other strips have. Once my eyes were caught, of course, I saw that wow hey hey! This is really something here!
Finally there's something on the comics page that isn't a cripplingly weak pun, or a strip trotting out the same jokes it's been doing for forty years. It's something risky and exciting and it doesn't suffer from the sickeningly safe-as-mother's-milk quality of all the rest!
I'm not surprised to see that the strips this week have generated their share of complaints. The "I'm gonna cancel my subscription, I swear, you can't do that in George Bush's America!" style of complaint no doubt happens whenever people are confronted with something unexpected or thought-provoking nestled among the high art of Momma and Crock. The comments from the "I'm not racist, but..." school are unsurprising, as well; when someone shows himself to be not only stupid but sadly oblivious as well, I'm never shocked. I can't tell if the fact that I've come to expect stuff like that is comforting or depressing.
But you'll get no such complaint from me. From me you'll get only praise. Job well done, says this observer. And, of course, a hearty and sincere thank you, a thank you for taking your craft seriously enough to make your work rise above its mundane surroundings and be a pleasure to read.
EricJ
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Should Be Used As Teaching Tool In Schools
If I were one of Baldo's mentors I would have to stop him and shout, "Baldo! No, don't! Those kinds of boys are never worth it! Don't lower yourself." Kudos to you guys! I feel like the Bermudez family are
my next door neighbors. I read your storylines and I forget that I am reading a comic. I wish your comic strip was used as a teaching tool in
schools. Thanks for all the fun and inspiration!
BonnieB
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Less Confrontational Please
I have to laugh at the comic strips that seem to have come into vogue in the last decade. It seems people are becoming more and more fanatical as they try to push their personal and private agendas. Comic strips have become more and more racial, political, radical, bigoted, and mean spirited. This sad epitaph is proof positive that every ethnic group from black to white, and all color tones between seem to want all others to respect their ethnic back grounds but will not themselves tolerate any negative undertones when it seem to reflect on the other. This is a reflection of the diterioted education system and how our children have been separated from each other by a system that should be educating them instead of indocterating them. Alas this type of schooling pops its ugly head up in all the places where our most vulnerable young are warehoused while parents work. Day care, Kindergarten, pre-school, elementary, middle, and high-schools. Cartoons, comic strips, and various other media are used in this manner.
I’m not advocating your strip be moved, counseled or in any way punished. Just wanted to make a comment on how you can put a positive, instead of a negative spin on just one sector of our children’s lives, and hopefully adults too. But as you know adults are set in their ways and are beyond saving, changing are improving. This is why are children’s minds are the ones everyone is after. They are not yet evil are mean. They still love us unconditionally,---- until they enter our schools. Children are a product of their environment
Thanks for your time; I can only hope that comic strips will again be funny instead of confrontational. Entertain instead of indoctrinate.
ClarenceB
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What A Waste Of Ink
Even though I'm an avid reader of comics I'm sick of your racist strip. I wish you'd leave the "blue-eyed devils" out, from the love struck Smiley, to the lazy ass Joey, and now the racist diner that you've dreamed up (I'm sure Baldo will teach him his lesson). It's so racist you should publish it in Spanish in order to reach your targeted audience better.
A survey after 9/11 found Mexicans hating Americans the most, overwhelmingly. Your race-baiting strip should be right up their alley... "Ole Baldo, whip whitey's ass!"
I live in a Texas neighborhood that is 40% Latino and I've never seen anything like that in the 15 years I've lived here. Ill be petitioning to get Baldo's racist vitriol removed from my local paper with my email to the editor.
JeffW
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Pizza Parlor Racism
I read your comics everyday for quite a long time. I like the characters and insight into a culture different from mine. However, I am appalled at the reverse racism and stereotypes you create around African Americans. You are affirming the stereotype of blacks as being good for nothing clowns who go along with everything that is stupid, cowardly and racist about America. And, while many "whites" act with with stupidity and racism against people who are NOT white, i think it would behoove you to point out the solidarity between people of color. I'm sadden that you are following this path of divide and conquer which is the way of a system of racism.
And, if you must slant the views about the relations between blacks and Latinos, perhaps you could insert some stuff about gangs because that is where you are leading with this line of comics. You are creating hate with this.
As a Black woman, I am offended by the violence, hate and ignorance you are projecting on the comic screen. I'm sorry you are following the path of ignorance and not the path of peace and healing, truth and reconciliation. I might as well read the news about hate crimes. I don't read the comics to get more depressed. You have bought into the illusion of division. that's the way to go, divide and conquer is the way. and you are a player in the game of hate. Thanks for nothing.
Nadolyn
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Saturday, January 19, 2008
Interesting Series
Interesting series, I am now more excited to read the comics as I want to see what happens to Baldo or Prince Charles. Edge of my seat! I have always appreciated Baldo as it recognizes the difference between racism and stereotypes and it's often quite funy. The veteran series was pretty good. But I was wondering; was there really racism against latinos in the 1940's?
HerrA
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Baldo Should be dropped
Does discrimination exist? Yes. Is there racial hatred? Yes. I can find many stories of discrimation and hate crimes in multiple sections of the newspaper that are dedicated to reporting real life situations. After reading about war, murder, and hate crimes, it is nice to turn to the comics for a few moments of mirth and laughter before returning to the real world. You now have ruined this. Why? You are now a hate filled, let’s stir the racial pot, “cartoon” as is Boondocks. I can think of many more scenarios that would involve your characters that can even further enrage your readers. I for one will now request my local newspaper to remove your strip from the paper.
Anthony
T
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Made Me Think
Ive been reading your comic for a while now, and when it came to this
racial issue i was a little surprised to see this in a comic strip.
although with this kind of issue running rampant nowadays, even though i'm white, i must say that this saga of your comic makes a valid point, and gives me an idea about the Hispanic point of view of the matter. I have seen this kind of discrimination for a while and it seems that most
Hispanics immigrant or citizen alike are being treated this way. This arc of your comic at first i thought to be a little gutsy, in time
has made me think how much people are rascist ( though not to the extreme presented in your comic) whether they initially intended it or not. With this weeks story you, the Baldo creators, have earned my respects for taking this issue and presenting it in a reasonable manner.
best wishes.
Jeff S.
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Real Life Is Painful
Wait, I am confused. People keep writing to say that Baldo should "stick to being funny", that there is a reason that they are called "The Funnies" and "comics", y to let others "deal with troubling social and political issues". First off, quiero saber por que Carlos y Hector are not allowed to draw their own comic the way they see fit (they are rather successful)? And if people want to read a comic that never changes they can go read Family Circus (a bizarre little "comic" that often depicts dead relatives as angelic ghosts- talk about "agenda"!!!) Tambien, comics have never necessarily been only "ja ja" slapstick funny! The true comic relies on finding humour in the saddest y most painful aspects of life! Charlie Chaplin wasn't famous because he told jokes about his suegra! His Little Tramp character was triste y pathetic that people laughed to disguise their own fear of how easily he could have been any one of them! And that is exactly what makes Baldo so important! The issues in Baldo happen to all of us- y NOT only the political issues! Everyone loved that Tia Carmen was maybe hooking up with someone. We cheered her on because we all believe that love is possible in our own lives. Big brothers y little sisters don't always get along, like Baldo y Gracie, but we all try to keep our family ties strong despite conflicts. I am married to un hombre Latino. We have experienced our fair share of nasty racial remarks behind nuestros espaldas y to our faces. Pero that doesn't stop us from laughing at ourselves y enjoying life. And anytime someone wants to help further educate others we are all for it, y humour is always the way to go. What is happening right now with Baldo doesn't offend me as much as the fact that people want to sweep real life under la carpeta y not look at themselves y laugh! I wonder what newspapers people are reading that they have never encountered Boondocks, Doonesbury, Prince Valiant, Mark Trail- all political, diverse, educational y not really "ja ja" funny... Cathy has been regurgitating the same un-funny fat jokes for over 30 años! Beetle Bailey is violent y about guerra- yet people think that's OK pero Baldo isn't? ¡¡¡No entiendo!!! C'mon, people! Wake up! This isn't the 1950's anymore! Baldo is a slice of real life. Aveces real life is painful y ugly, but it is funny.
CatharineE
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Very Sad
I did not find your strip funny. I wonder if you know why. It's just very sad.
Majhuff
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Thursday, January 17, 2008
What A Bunch Of Unfunny Crap
Really, you guys need to start dishing out comics that are actually good and not a bunch of unfunny crap. Now and then I will stumble upon a good comic in your comic series, but most of them are very weak aned aren't even funny. Most of your comics are about Baldo making some stupid overused joke or about Gracie saying/doing some stupid crap that you would only find in Family Circus. Seriously, leave the lame little girl humor out of your comics. Also this week's comic...with Baldo running into the racist white dude, wow...just wow, what were you guys thinking. First, that story is so overused! Lets anaylis you guy's "complex plot"... main character meets jerk kid, main character wants to work things out with jerk kid, jerk kid does something to make main character mad, main character gets angry and summons amazing power to beat up jerk kid, before main character fully hurts jerk kid, someone comes to stop main character, then main character and that someone leaves the jerk kid to cry by himself... wow! HOW ORIGINAL JUST LIKE THE REST OF YOUR GUYS' IDEAS! Also what is the message you guys are trying to make?
You probably think I'm racist, but I'm not, I don't care that you use Hispanic characters in your comic, what annoys me is that you guys are constantly dishing out boring and unoriginal storylines.
EricH
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Not All Whites Are Racists
I have been reading your comic strip for several years and I can honestly say I really enjoy it. I often will retell the joke to my family or, if I'm in a hurry, I'll tell them to read it because the jokes are simply too funny to forget about. This past week, I've been reading the more serious scenario and I am, simply put, rather insulted.
I am a white person and I am thankful to say that I am not racist, nor are many other white people. Besides this though, I find that many, if not all of your white characters, are portrayed as racist slum-like people unless I've missed one or two.
What I do not like about this is that the few whites who are racist towards Latinos are the ones that seem to ruin it for all of us and instead of acknowledging this, you bluntly take out your frustration with the racist whites on all of us and never (or rarely) portray any decent white people. I'm not saying "put in this character" and "take out this character", I'm just saying that there needs to be some acknowledgment of this.
I can understand your anger at racist people, but the point is, by writing these scenarios, you're attacking, the people who were innocent in the first place, just like you.
Again, I'm not angry and I apologize for being redundant and somewhat offensive. I thank you for taking time to read this and I hope to continue enjoying 'Baldo' for years to come :-)
A fan
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Rolling Of Eyes
I enjoy your strip. And I’ve been reading the comments to this week’s strips, and I have to say, hon, I think a lot of your commenters are forgetting something. Racism is ugly. And racism is personal. It’s personal, because it hits you, as a person, in a deep, painful, and very primal way, no matter what your “race” is. And for people who experience this on a regular, daily basis, there is no crying, “That’s not fair!” or, “What if it was you?” Because for the victim, there is no other side of the coin.
Minorities, be it ethnic, religious, sexual, political, or what-have-you, know this experience intimately. I’m sorry. If you are from a “privileged” majority, you don’t understand. Unless you have been pulled over by a cop, not because you were speeding, or not because your car had a body hanging out of the trunk, but because you simply “looked suspicious,” meaning that you are driving through a neighborhood that doesn’t match your skin color, or your nose, or the funny little hat on the back of your head, then you don’t understand. Unless you have stood helplessly by while a friend is being harassed by a cop, or by a group of people that matches your skin color, but not your mind and heart, knowing that anything you do is going to make it worse for your friend, knowing that even calling 911 means that help is at least 15 or more minutes away, then you don’t understand. Unless you have had to intervene when a white school bus driver continually drives off with a Hispanic neighbor’s small child still in the back of the bus, wailing to be let out, even as she chases him, pounding the bus with her fists, shouting at him to let her kid off the bus, while he laughs and ignores her, then no, you don’t understand.
If you are from a majority, enjoying the fruits of being that majority, whether you know it or not, you cannot understand. Of course, I am speaking of the metaphorical you, because I know you, as the author of this strip, do understand. You are presenting one point of view, and it’s a very valid point of view. I wish more of the people who are bothering to comment understood that. I have an icon that I use in my online blog frequently. It says, “I’m tired of the dominant religion acting persecuted.”
Well, I’m also tired of the dominant ethnic group complaining of reverse racism. And the fact that I happen to belong to that ethnic group is irrelevant. I know I’m privileged, and that I didn’t earn it, or work for it, or even, so help me, ask for it. I got it, because I have the right color of skin. Which is sad, because my ethnic make-up is a mixed bag, and as my mom put it, if I wanted to be racist, I’d be biting my own tail.
So, please know that you have my support, and my admiration. You don’t have my approval, because you don’t need it. But you have my respect. And I have to say, I am most curious to see where you are going with this. Wishing you well,
JJandrok
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Power Of Perception
The power of perception. The direct, unflinching approach that this strip is tackling cultural discrimination is worth applause.
The power of perception. How many newspapers will continue to run this strip, even though there will be plenty of European (non-Hispanic) Americans who will complain? Aaron McGruder was yanked for not even the possibility of someone being upset- just the expected "knee jerk" reaction of eliminating the problem.
The power of perception. Something must be made clear right now- Black Americans never ran from a fight of civil injustice. The Black male in the cartoon, shown running away, is not representative...nor is it fair.
NiaA
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Important Issue: Good Work
I realize that this week you are probably getting reams of email, so I will keep this short and to the point.
What you are putting to paper is one of the most important issues facing our society today. Keep up the good work.
As a very non-hispanic caucasian, it troubles me to see and hear others like me (see: Wonderbread) talking down to people that are, or even just look, hispanic. I think that showing that frustration, albeit in an unfortunately violent manner (hey, omelettes are made by breaking eggs) is a good way to hold mirror up to the closet bigots out there. Again, keep up the good work.
NeilS
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Reversing The Ethnic Characters
Gentlemen, I've been following your comic. How would you feel if you came across a "comic" strip that had the ethnic characters the other way around. I do see some racism in your strip, but it's not as you intended. There have been a disproportionate number of hispanics in my community who have been victims of violence, sadly, always at the hands of fellow hispanics.
JohnC
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Rumble City
NoNoNo!! The left hand is for HOLDING, the RIGHT hand is for pushing his face down into his zapatos! ORALE`,BALDO!!! DON'T TAKE NO S*** FROM NOBODY!! That dude was so far out of line, he was almost standing in the next line. And machito almost knocked him into his next life. Good thing that dude wasn't a cat. He would have been down to 8 lives. Thanks for turning my little buddy loose. I knew he had huevos, now let's see his brains. He's too smart to get caught and railroaded. That dude had it coming, anyway. Good thing for his coulo that you don't have a character called Osito in the strip. Rumble City!!
Osito
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What People Say When They
Think We Don't Understand
People talk, it works in all directions and doesn't have to be based on race. I am a dark skinned Chicano from south Texas, but now live in New Mexico A few years ago I was buying a sewingkit in my neighborhood grocery store. In an area of Albuquerque we call Little Juarez, in the South Valley. I was standing there trying to decide which of the many kits to buy when a family shopping walked past me. They turned looked at me and the older lady in the group turned to another and said: Miforafo esfotefo (mira este) and started to carry on a conversation about me, my appearance and sexual orientation. It is form of Spanish pig latin where the syllable "fo" is added between syllables in words. Since my brothers and I were bilingual my parents and grandparents would use it if they didn't want us to know what they were talking about. It was a good feeling when I had to walk past them a few minutes later and said:"Confo perfomisfo-ofo" Those people sure looked awfully embarrassed.
RobertF
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Go Back To Nicer Times
I enjoy Baldo, his sister, his dad and his aunt. I enjoy the family dynamic. Why are you turning your comic into a "hate" venue? Go back to the nice times of the family.
JudiB
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Stop Creating Imaginary Issues
Ok, our hero took some racist rant on his blog. Unfortunately, this happens, and it shouldn't. The wide reach of the internet and its anonymity make "hit & run" hate rants too easy. But, now he is taking physical abuse in a restaurant from a black and white guy because he is hispanic? What decade (or century) do you think this is?
I married a mexican woman, and I speak near fluent spanish. I can assure you that neither she, nor any of her family or our friends have experienced racism, discrimination or violence because they are Mexican. I can also assure you that I have taken verbal abuse in the United States for being white, and I was jumped and beat when I was walking alone in Hawaii for being white ("Houli"). I have family members who couldn't find a job during the days of "affirmative action", and some people still get passed on jobs because they don't speak spanish.
But this? This you see as a problem in America? This is what I am likely to find? This is what my children will likely be victims of? I don't know what your agenda is, but why can't we all calm down, drop this race stuff, and come together as Americans? Maybe you are re-telling a story that you heard from an older generation, from an ere that has passed. It is definitely not the United States of America in 2008.
I might suggest that one of our biggest problems is that too many people allow their race to define who they are. Now, you might counter that skin tone is the first thing people see and how people are instantly judged. I will respond by saying that that is not the case. In this day and age, a person is judged more by their dress, grammar, tattoos, jewelery, etc. Who cares about skin pigmenation? Nobody I know does, and to be honest, if they do I don't care to know them anyway.
I don't think you are "building bridges" with your comic. I think you might now be a part of the problem by creating imaginary issues. I have enjoy your strip in the past. I hope we can move on, together.
Sanxuary
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Racism?
It seems to me that all the "slackers", dummies" and "baddies" in your strip are depicted as Anglo. Is "Baldo" a racist comic strip?
HerschelH
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Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Stick this In Your Comic
Hi, I read your comic strip.
Here is a "real life" senario for you to put in your strip.
A black man's car broke down and he had to ride the bus... as he was driving the spanish speaking people on the bus would talk about him in rather rude and grafic terms (in spanish of course). They thought that he couldn't understand them. This went on for the few weeks that he had to ride the bus and when his car was finally finished right before his stop he asked the driver if he could say something to the people on the bus. He said ok... and the guy in PERFECT spanish told him what he though of them (he was from puerto rico)!
I was in a second hand store and was looking at men's jackets some latinos came up and started making derogitory remarks about me being white and looking through used clothes.
So you might show BOTH sides of the fence on making rude comments!
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Post by Jude at 2:21PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Race tolerance cuts both ways
I really enjoy baldo, but don't forget the other side,
here in central Washington, non-hispanics are the
minority. I had my daughter beaten on by hispanic
girls in school multiple times and was told not to
make a big deal of it, the school didn't want to have
any race problems. by the way, i was raised on the
wrong side of a small town in souther Arizona and ran
with the hispanics and black. And I and my children
speak better Spanish than most of the hispanics here.
Race tolerance cuts both ways.
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Post by Kay at 2:07PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Osito's On A Roll
Osito Aqui, otre beas (once again) --
Number One - tell me that idiot didn't just spit in Baldo's face.
Number Two - H&C have always been good about posting equal views. But lately there's just too many PC crybabies. Come on. Racism is out there, and the only way it's going to change is with people getting to understand each other in intimate settings. Like a one-on one discussion about their most important hopes and dreams; or giving someone a good beat-down for being stupid. My vatos know what I'm saying, my brothers of color know what I'm saying, and the white guys know what I'm saying, too. There are rules of Human Behavior that cannot and should not be transgressed. Come on, you remember how your Abuela (grandmother) taught you what was good and decent. Don't dishonor her memory; or dishonor someone else's right to be a happy camper on this pelota verde. I'm gonna get off of my soap box now, big respect to H&C for giving everybody a voice on this site. Honore` Primero !!!
And I liked that picture from Tejas with H&C and those other two hermanos.
!! Muy Suave !! (Very smooth)
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Post by Osito at 1:19PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Props
To the cartoonists, Hector and Carlos. I admire your courage. Keep it up!!!!
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Post by Bill at 1:15PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Racism Sad But True
Even though I'm a white, 50-something female, I've
enjoyed reading "Baldo" ever since the Washington Post
began printing it.
This weeks' topic of racism is, sadly, very familiar;
I post messages on various news forums across the US,
and it seems that some people, no matter WHAT the
subject matter of the news stories being discussed,
have to make ugly racist remarks about people from
Mexico, South and Central America, etc. My reply to
these posts is that we are ALL people, we all live, we
all die, we all have hopes and dreams. There is good
and bad in every single racial, national, religious
group on this planet. If we would try to see how much
we actually have in common rather than how we are
different, this world would be a better place.
While some people might prefer that you keep the plots
in "Baldo" from becoming too topical, I say "Go for
it." Characters like Baldo and his family and friends
are not like Bugs Bunny or Mickey Mouse, in that they
portray real people in real situations. If they are
to remain real, some of the things they encounter in
life, unfortunately, will not be very nice.
Keep up the good work!
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Post by SueC at 11:15AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Don't Ruin My Fun!
In case you are getting comments about your lastest "Baldo" comic strip topic ... I wanted to add my thoughts.
I am a "half & half". I am Latina on my father's side. He came to this country from Mexico and was deported three times before he gained legal status. My mother is white. Though I was born here in the USA, I did live in Jalisco for six years as a child and didn't return to the United States until I was a teenager. Though I have dark hair and am fluent in Spanish, I am often mistaken for Anglo. My father's side of the family has a lot of Spanish blood, so I have green eyes and medium skin.
To take things further, after my parents divorced, mother married an African American man. I am very proud of the beautiful diversity in my family. But along with the rich heritage and ancestry ...yes came prejudices. I have been treated with prejudice from all the races that are part of who I am.
It was ridiculous really to have Latina girls in school tease me and make fun of me for being white ... when I spoke Spanish better than they did and my father was a Mexican national. If they were to visit Mexico ... especially the larger cities they would find that there are a lot of "white" Mexicans because of the European blood.
Anyway, all that being said ... I just wanted to let you know how I, as a comic reader, feel about what you are doing with the comic strip ... I do NOT like it.
Political cartoons belong on the political pages. Political statements belong on the political pages. Comic pages comics should be entertainment, fun, and make me laugh. Baldo isn't doing that right now. Don't ruin my fun time with life lessons I have already lived. Thanks!
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Post by MarieR at 11:11AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Join The Herd
This is a similar email that you will no doubt continue to receive. I’m white, female, in my 50’s. Started reading Baldo years ago to learn more of the Hispanic and Latino cultures, their adages, their family life. It would be a quick learning tool that would be readily accessible on a daily basis. But lately you are no longer the teacher…you are a part of the HERD. No difference, just defiance. You have lost this readership.
You know, they use to call these the “Funnies” the “Comic Page”, the “Comic Strip”…not your editorial opinion slate. Influence is done by admiration and honor not a repeat of the same ethic storyline. But maybe that is what I was missing…this is the real CULTURE? So Sad…a chance to break from the HERD a chance to be something and someone….Nope,..just a part of the pack.
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Post by TinaB at 9:23AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Disappointed By Your Great Comic
Dear Carlos and Hector, As a white female who is a sophomore in college, I have enjoyed reading your strip in the Washington Post for the past several years.
I have found it to be insightful, touching, and always funny. That is, until this week. The strip this week has done nothing but be offensive. Why are you perpetuating the stereotype that all white people are racists? From the comments on the blog that seemed to be coming from a "typical American" - most likely a Caucasian, to the
behavior of the teenage boy at lunch with Baldo, I am frustrated.
Not all Caucasians are racist, difference-hating, white supremacists, and I am disappointed that such a great comic feels the need to employ this terrible stereotype in their quest to make a statement.
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Post by AnnaF at 9:14AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Overt Acts Of Racism
Señors: I really enjoy your strip. It has led to interesting discussions with my wife as to whether or not Baldo's family is Cuban or not (e.g. their Papi drinking café from small cups). Your story line of Hispanic veterans of WWII was shared with our son's JROTC unit. I had a question about your most recent story lines. Are these a cautionary tale or are you seeing overt acts of racism and intolerance n the rise. I'm curious if others are seeing what I'm seeing and hearing what I'm hearing.
Here is a link to my blog entry that your strip and some local developments inspired:
http://radconpu83.livejournal.com/2008/01/15/
In any case keep up the good work and don't worry about occasionally slipping out of the slapstick or humorous now and then. Sometimes it is only when those that entertain us point at a a pile of canine excrement that the general population realizes that we are about to step in something foul. Yours in service.
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Post by ConradJDU at 4:30AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Stick To Being Funny
Dear Hector and Carlos,
Let me begin by saying i have enjoyed the baldo comic strip ever since i began reading the philadelphia inquirer about 5 or so years ago. It is a clever, unique, and funny strip. However, i have been deeply saddened by the recent changes concerning racism against immigrants. I know that this racism exists and is a terrible thing, however i hardly think the comic page is the area to be discussing it. We see enough sadness and troubles of the world in the rest of the paper, the comics are supposed to be funny, an oasis from these hard to read things. I personally would be very greatful if you would stick to being funny, and let the other writers deal with troubling social and political issues
Thank You.
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Post by LeoK at 11:02PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Food For Thought
I am a regular reader of Baldo comics and while normally I enjoy them very much I have begun to notice a trend that disturbs me. As authors I agree with and appreciate that you have an artistic liberty, but you might want to consider the fact that you will offend some of your readers with your comments concerning racial issues.
I am a Texan born and raised. I live in a predominantly what you would call Hispanic neighborhood and almost all of my friends are what you would call Hispanic. I am what you would call white. I prefer to call myself and my friends Americans. The issue of illegal immigration is something I have often discussed with my friends, for us it has nothing to do with race. It is simply a fact of breaking the law. If Europeans, Asians, or Africans were trying to illegally immigrate to America I would ask them to obey our laws. I have the same opinion on Mexican immigration. I have never encountered racist opinions anywhere I have gone. My family and all of my friends of every skin tone celebrate our cultural diversity. The very difference of skin color is not something we ignore, but rejoice in. The world would be a much duller place if everyone had the same color of skin.
Please take this into consideration when writing. I understand that there is racism in this nation and trust me I am just as upset about it as anyone else, but I have yet to see it be nearly as prevalent as people make it out to be.
If a fellow American has been rude to you because of your skin color I apologize on their behalf. I guess the point of this email is to say please don't make skin color out to be a problem in everyone's eyes, because it's not.
Sincerely,
A fan
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Post by A Fan at 6:09PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Osito's Back...
Osito here again. I'm already halfway across the joint. Anybody gonna have my back? This pendejo is about to get the surprise of his life. He's gonna wish it was last week, so that he never had to deal with what's gonna happen now. If Baldo don't get up & get it done, I'm leavin' Jersey and comin' to Cali; and I'm gonna take him back to Parris Island with me for a refresher course. Me, last time I was there was 1970. Didn't hurt me. 'Nam did, but P.I. didn't. I think my little bro would make a good Marine. He's got brains, heart, an' he don't quit!!
Semper Fi --
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Post by Osito at 10:42AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Let's Stick With The Real Issues
I just wanted to point out an item. It doesn't hurt but in the January 14 comic, Baldo says "A lovely cheese pizza" but he's eating pizza with meat on it. Unless that is mold of course. LOL
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Post by MichaelR at 11:02PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Please No Plagiarism!
Hi, In the baldo strip published on monday january 14 in the washington post, I found an instance of plagarism. The line where baldo says, "Ah.. a lovely cheese pizza.. just for me" is a direct qoute from the movie Home Alone. I think you should acknowledge this. thanks
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Post by AbelV at 1:54PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Time To Dance
Orale!
Es Osito! Is Baldo gonna Baila? I hope he dances on those 2 roto's, and then Cruz can stomp 'em, too. Not that I'm into violencia. But, tell me those 2 don't need a good one?
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Post by Osito at 3:49PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Monday, January 14, 2008
I Was Beat Up For Being Guera
Hector and Carlos, I want to start out by telling you how much I enjoy your comic strip :). I've read Baldo almost every day for the past 8 years or so, or whenever you guys started in the El Paso Times.
I'm a Caucasian female and I grew up on the border. In elementary school, I was never aware of racial tensions. Being beat up by a sixth-grader at the age of 8 because I was "p***** guera" didn't register as racism to me because we were taught only about white people being racist, so my young mind believed that only white people could be racist. Anything else was just that person being mean.
I don't want anything to change about your strip, your views on immigration, deportation, and the actual every-day life of a beautiful culture are in my highest esteem. I just wanted to let you know that your example of racism stung a little. My side of the story isn't allowed to be expressed, because I would be viewed as ignorant, bigoted, and prejudiced.
I know that the characters of Baldo represent the rule for the culture. They are kind, respectful people and would never be derogatory of another race, and who have experienced prejudice and contempt as well. I just wanted to vent, and to share my experiences and opinions. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this email.
Kind Regards,
Kristi
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Post by Krist at 1:59PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Veering Off Once Again
Hey Guys -
I notice you're veering off into issues of discrimination and racial prejudice again. Admirable, BUT....
Once again, my opinion is that you have done more than any strip ever has to improve relationships between Latin and other races. This by simply and gently allowing the reader to gaze through a window into your characters family life and making them real and sympathetic.
By pushing too hard on the race/prejudice thing, you run the risk of alienating and polarizing readers rather than bringing groups closer together.
You can accomplish so much more without the race-baiting in today's strip.
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Post by DavidT at 10:59AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Friday, January 11, 2008
LowRiders and Lowest Denominator
I gotta say, the strip right now is not going in a particularly useful direction with the LowRider blog thread. It is too narrow focused on anti-Hispanic racism. I spend enough time on the internet that I know you will get racist, sexist, and just plain nasty e-mail regardless of your position, your hobby, your race, or anything else. The internet is built on anonymous communication (or at least apparently anonymous) and so a lot of people lose any sense of right, wrong, or anything else. Some people are trolls that just say ugly things to get a rise out of others. On one chat channel I have read, I have run into a lot of anti-Semitic crud. And it turned out a few months ago, that one of the worst offenders was Jewish and was trying to make a point. In the news lately have been “anti-black” nooses that were posted by black people for the same reason. These people are not serious. They are either trying to be *ss hol*s or trying to start something.
In my experience, unless the chat is moderated and has good filters, you will get about 30% “I agree with that” type comments, 40% troll and offensive, about 10% off topic or pushing a product or another blog, and only 20% good mail.
That said, I am sure a low rider blog would get the type comments you printed. Probably a lot of them. Probably some of them from the Latino community from some idiot trying to stir up trouble. I would like to see this made larger to talk about the trolls and other idiots who ruin a lot of things on the web for regular folks.
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Post by JParker 1:00PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
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