So, it looks like everyone’s favorite Angel has gotten herself in a bit of Peruvian hot water when she wore a bag with Mao’s famous slogan “为人民æœåŠ¡” on it while visiting the lost Inca city – Machu Picchu.
Ya see, Peru had some issues with the commies during the 80s, when the Peruvian Communist Party (more commonly known as ‘Shining Path’ – likely for wanting to avoid confusion with trailerpark cookhouses) attempted to take over the country. The Maoists launched a guerrilla war against the ruling “bourgeois”, and pretty much every other Peruvian that even remotely stood in their way (or didn’t give their 110% support). Communist “for the people” revolutions are funny that way.
Diaz offered the following apology:
“I sincerely apologize to anyone I may have inadvertently offended. The bag was a purchase I made as a tourist in China and I did not realize the potentially hurtful nature of the slogan printed on it… I’m sorry for any people’s pain and suffering and it was certainly never my intention to reopen what I now know is a painful wound in this country’s history and wish for their continued healing.”
Kudos for Cameron for making the apology, but the comments of one prominent Peruvian human rights activist, who said Diaz “should have been a little more aware of local sensitivities when picking her accessories”, irks me.
It’s not that I don’t agree with reducing traveller’s ignorance of local history and customs, but the way this is being played up is that they Peruvian people are shocked and horrified that Diaz would do such a thing. Granted, had she been sporting the latest “Shining Path Tighty Tee – Communism with a Double-C” t-shirt, I’d give it to them.
However, she was wearing a bag bought in China, with a slogan written by a Chinese guy, in Chinese no less (I’m betting most Peruvians aren’t up on their Chinese character studying). A Peruvian faux pas it does not make. Additionally, the slogan is a pretty good one – and one that I wish my government would concern themselves a little more with.
I’ve got this bag. Bought it during my second month in the country at some little tourist shop just of Qianmen Lu. in Beijing. Never having intended to stay in China quite so long, I thought it’d make a nice unique (in so far as every other laowai also bought one) keepsake. I stopped wearing it in China because I was getting that “shirt of the band who’s concert you’re at” feeling, and I was tired of telling people, “yes, I know what it means.”
I’m not saying that negating or marginalizing the tragedy that befell Peru 20 years ago is ok. Of course it isn’t. But sometimes a bag is just a bag. So, everyone, repeat after me: “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but old Maoist slogans written in Chinese and carrying Cameron Diaz’ tampons will never hurt me.”
Ironically, no complaints were raised for the sale of Conquistador hats being made at the famous sightseeing spot.
HT to PanAsianBiz. Check out the full story at the Globe and Mail.
Sounds to me like the US influence has spread to Peru. I despise the overly-sensitive.
well, anyone living outside china could have easily learn a bit about the shine and how peruvian’s might feel unease about, ennn, someone wearing the motto of their spirital godfather