Or you could mention Sunny Salsa.
I think the issue with stereotyping is that society thinks it is not ok to poke fun at minority groups that have been mistreated, but making fun of the British (Rainbow Dash) or the French (Pepe LePew) is ok, because they have not been oppressed as groups for an
extended time for hundreds of years.
I do not consider Fiesta Flair offensive, she just seems like a sad attempt to draw
Dora viewers, but people are more upset about her because Hasbro pitifully drew her name, symbol, accent and possibly coloring all from mexican/latin culture in an attempt for attention. They don't do this with many ponies, so it seems to have stood out more and upset people. It isn't really racist, just in some ways a generalization. Sort of a steriotype, but not really in the negative or traditional sense of the word. I don't really care if they release her, but I like her colors. I prefer ponies to be a little less like people, like with the G1s. I don't think ponies really have different races, or any sexuality to speak of, or enemies, or politics, or enfeeblement and I prefer them to be less complicated than real life, except in fanfics/customs. They are entertainment for children, and an escape from our crazy world for collectors. Although it would be nice to introduce concepts such as embracing differences early on (not mere tolerance) I do not think it is Hasbro's or the ponies place to get into it in depth. To be honest, I am afraid they would not handle it very well, and only increase racism and intolerance by using stereotypes. I have an article here that makes some interesting points on the subject (even though I am not in love with the source) that I will put at the end of my post. I think realistic handlings of the issue should be left to programs like Sesame Street that actually know what they are doing and aren't in it just for the profit.
Or, if Hasbro could subtley incorporate other accents and such it might work, like with Rainbow Dash. Or how Mattel made a big sickeningly sweet deal about Barbie's friend Becky being in a wheelchair, but fortunately, on her re-release, made a bigger deal about her being the school photographer, and gave her packaging like the other barbies (rather than a background that looked like a firstgrader's drawing) and I don't think "disabilities" are mentioned at all on the second box. She is a normal doll that happens to be differently-abled.
Fiesta Flair could be remade with her over the top accent toned down a bit and perhaps a symbol that has to do with an interest, like Becky the Photographer. If Hasbro doesn't know what they are doing it is best not to hit people over the head with something like this, subtlety is key. Kids respond better to that and are less afraid. I remember being fine around people that were different than me, until school and tv made a point to "teach" me about it. Then I was afraid of the kids in wheelchairs. But I suppose not all kids have parents as open-minded as mine.
I think being PC has gotten silly in recent years, but there are still some people who are extremely insensitive to others. It is a delicate balance, which is difficult for cartoons that depend on exaggeration.
ANYWAYS....Here is the article and some definitions. Feel free to skip over my extremely long post. Sometimes I don't know when to stop typing. LOL
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,48872,00.html
ster·e·o·type
A conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image.
One that is regarded as embodying or conforming to a set image or type.
rac·ism
The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
Discrimination or prejudice based on race.
prej·u·dice
The act or state of holding unreasonable preconceived judgments or convictions.
Irrational suspicion or hatred of a particular group, race, or religion
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Apparently Pinkie Pie has magical dandruff. That's the funniest thing I've seen all day.
