A Tucsonian
I think the picture is perfect. The name should be El Guapo. Why? Because I am El Guapo in my office. (Three Amigos character). And he looks like me, muy chulo.
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El Guapo
I, too, enjoy reading your column, but to echo El Profe from Yuma's comment, your present logo does present our culture in a...somewhat less than attractive form. I'm putting it mildly, because, as a paisano (de Michoacan), I grew up reading some of the typical Mexican comics—Memin Pinguin, Borolas, and such—and I understand what you are trying to convey. But some of your local readers might not relate to it in the same manner, or even see any humor in it—or worse, if viewed by someone with an already discriminatory attitude towards Mexicans. Rather than using your papa's caricature, why don't you just post a photo of yourself, like most columnists do? You most probably look ethnic enough...to achieve the desired effect! (smile)
I enjoy your humor. My suggestion for name the logo is " Tortilla Fats," muy gracias.
Baca Bob
Your column's mascot has my vote. As you stated yourself, being Latino and using it drains its racist power. African Americans strive to do the same thing with the "N" word, and though it is still not wholly benign (and probably never will be), the epithet's many years of circulation in the community has markedly weakened its impact as a racial slur. Of course, no matter how successfully these insults are co-opted by their erstwhile targets, their ugly history must never be forgotten. OK, that's enough sociological analysis! Call me a fake or tell me I am in denial, but my first impression of the cartoon honestly was not "fat, dirty Mexican." I perceived a friendly guy beaming over his love of life—and perhaps a shot or two of mezcal. He embodies the clichéd infectious smile, with the disarming touch of a single gold tooth. To me, he looks like a grandfather or uncle who has just caught a glimpse of children unawares at play. That leads me to my suggestion for your logo's name. I think Tío César (as in Chávez) would be a perfect name. I know this is a caricature of your father, but Padre sounds intimidating, and Papá only works in North America when followed by "Bear"; or, in this case, Oso. Tío is a nice term of endearment for any male elder—blood relative or not—and as you know, César Chávez was a contemporary revolutionary. Good luck!
Aliada Judía de La Raza
This gabacho insists you keep the logo. The contrast between the image and your writing is what caught my eye and made me an immediate fan. As a frequent reader, I think I can speak for other intelligent knowledge-seeking gabachos when I say, "We get it." Any risk of perpetuating a stereotype is certainly worth it, considering how many readers like myself have been attracted to and enlightened by your column. P.S. If it's truly a drawing of your papi, I would think it a dishonor to give him any other name.
El Artista
Got a spicy question about Mexicans? Ask the Mexican at garellano@seattleweekly.com. Those of you who do submit questions: They will be edited for clarity, cabrones. And include a hilarious pseudonym, por favor, or we'll make one up for you! También, a glossary deciphering some of the Mexican's more popular catchphrases can be found at www.seattleweekly.com.
