In 2021, in the months leading to the release of "Space Jam: A New Legacy," the New York Times published an editorial which said cartoon character Pepé Le Pew "normalized rape culture." In that same piece, the author also wrote that Speedy Gonzales had friends who "helped popularize the corrosive stereotype of the drunk and lethargic Mexicans."
In recent years, "Looney Tunes" stopped featuring rifles in new portrayals of Elmer Fudd, so why couldn't change its portrayal of Pepé Le Pew or Speedy, too? While France did nothing to defend Le Pew, Latinos in the U.S. and across Latin America jumped at the chance to defend Speedy Gonzales from never saying "Ándale! Ándale! Arriba! Arriba!" again. Comedian Gabriel Iglesias, who voiced Speedy in "Space Jam 2," defended the character on social media.
Few would argue that the character isn't racist or an outdated stereotype, but Speedy still engenders passionate love...
In recent years, "Looney Tunes" stopped featuring rifles in new portrayals of Elmer Fudd, so why couldn't change its portrayal of Pepé Le Pew or Speedy, too? While France did nothing to defend Le Pew, Latinos in the U.S. and across Latin America jumped at the chance to defend Speedy Gonzales from never saying "Ándale! Ándale! Arriba! Arriba!" again. Comedian Gabriel Iglesias, who voiced Speedy in "Space Jam 2," defended the character on social media.
Few would argue that the character isn't racist or an outdated stereotype, but Speedy still engenders passionate love...
- 5/12/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
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