Nintendo Accused Of Cultural Appropriation With Super Mario Odyssey

The latest Super Mario game is being accused of cultural appropriating the Mexican culture, according to a number of users on social media.

[Eliseo676]

As a Mexican, I would appreciate if white ladies would stop "defending" my culture.

A lot of us believe it's cool for people to learn about traditions we love, sombrero and fiestas at the top of it.

This people have already taken Speedy away from us, they should not take Mario with a Sombrero too.

[letsa_go]

I am also mexican and I hate these damn SJW's getting offended for everyone. I welcome mexican mario and can't wait to play Super Mario Odyssey!

[Eonjay]

I honestly don't know how people have enough spare time to even come up with this stuff.

[Critic4l_Strik3]

Another Mexican here. Yes man, I totally agree with you. As soon as I saw the trailer featuring a Mexican setting and Mario wearing a sombrero/poncho, the first thing that came to my mind was.."Here we go, SJWs are gonna start popping up and make a big deal out of it". Honestly I think its cool that Nintendo took some Mexican themes for the game. It will open up interest, appreciation and curiosity to other people about it

[dcbronco]

You have to understand that people would never know something cultural being used if someone didn't point it out. Like how do expect us to get new racist without the quality people who proudly explain what belongs to who. Picking and choosing what you appreciate on your own makes for a world without controversy. No controversy leads to less peace and exploitation. That would lead to people being happy with life and maybe even themselves. Who the hell wants that world. I mean I'd be cool with it but what if the insecure were suddenly not insecure. There'd be anarchy.

[TacoTaru]

It will soon be the case that when little kids play make believe they can only pretend to be themselves.

[xwabbit]

@Eonjay

These SJW's have no lives or work so thats y they have this much spare time. Btw SJW's are the most racist people on earth, they see racism everywhere.

[FullmetalRoyale]

Interesting take. I'm of the mind that if people are never introduced to things, they'll never care about them, or be interested in them. Part of what makes it great to live where I live is the melding of cultures. I think I get what you mean, maybe, about sombreros being a basic thing about the culture. Something recognizable that doesn't exactly define the greater meaning.

[dedicatedtogamers]

What really gets me is that there are official organizations already in place that can certainly speak up if "cultural appropriation" is such a big deal to them.

And yet, silence! I would think that if Mario's use of a sombrero was offensive to that culture, then one of many, many activist and rights groups for that culture would be fully capable of speaking up and raising concern.

[EddieNX]

The fact they've used Mexican culture is a compliment to its vibrancy and nothing else.

[traumadisaster]

Would you rather the white ladies return to their previous behavior of the 1950s that got them then initial criticism? So now they've grown and changed they're in trouble again, not much of an incentive. Personally I do agree they should stay out of it but at least they're trying to do good unlike the past.

[KakashiHotake]

That's the problem. The best thing they can do is not say anything at all it's not their place to meddle. I'm not Mexican and I'm not racist of any kind, but white people have always been sticking their nose's where it doesn't belong. Gaining trust only to stab people in the back later, then later down the line try an reinvent the wheel and then tell you what is right and wrong. These are all facts not opinions. But the delusion is so strong now that white people do it with good intentions unable to see how other races see it as wrong.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

@kakashiHotake .....this is a truly WTF moment. "The best thing they can do is not say anything at all it's not their place to meddle."?!?!?!? Thankfully most of the world doesn't share your view..

edit: Let me just say, we live in a world where we do absolutely need people to step up and say what is right even when it may not directly affect them. Compassion and empathy to our fellow humans is what makes us strong. That all said...on the topic of Mario in this context I don't see this as being an issue of racism as some seem to imply.

[Eliseo676]

I would not rather see them return to any 1950s behavior. Not my point, not my intended meaning. I apologize if my english is too difficult for you to understand, I do try.

Everyone has their own issues. Mexico has had trouble mantaining the balance between a known culture that we take pride of, and increasing knowledge of our technological and current culture.

Nintendo taking this approach to us makes me very happy, now more than ever since we lost other cultural icons due to SJWs.

[uth11]

@Dlacy - there's a difference between standing up for what is right and being a moral busybody looking for outrage in absolutely everything and trying to force everyone to conform to your views

[rainslacker]

@trauma and DLacy

The problem is is that the people we're talking about today, white or otherwise really, have no focus to actually make any kind of discernable difference in the grander scheme of things. Those women from the 1950's spent decades fighting for what they felt was right, and in some ways, that fight is still going on.

These activist now though have no follow through. They find something to be upset about, rail against it, then move on as soon as they grow bored with it. There is no underlying movement. There is no consistency. There is no real reason for them to be fighting a fight that the group they feel is affected isn't even fighting themselves, because that group doesn't find it offensive.

These activist today are making assumptions based on non-facts and their own feelings about what is right and what is just. They don't understand the cultures or people they're fighting for. They don't even know if what they're fighting against is actually a problem. They fight because it makes them feel better for themselves, because they wrongly assume that they are standing up for the little guy, when in fact they are only degrading the little guy because they think they even need to intervene.

These kinds of activist are more about their own ego and making themselves feel good, and base their outlook of their views based on their own misguided assumptions about the world itself. They base their views by stereotyping that which they claim to want to see be free. They base their arguments on the belief that those they defend are somehow oppressed or misrepresented with no actual proof or constructive reason to actually be able to know it's true other.

So, in this case, yes, they should stay out of it, because they aren't even informed enough to have the conversation, much less rally for a remedy to the perceived injustice at hand. People like this do more harm than good. Trump once called some activist, "professional protesters". While Im not one to readily agree with trump on most issues, he was absolutely right that these kinds of people who protest without actual cause(which wasn't those he was trying to dismiss, but the one's we're talking about), do indeed actually make it much harder for real issues to be heard, because people start to tune this nonsense out, or in some cases, like with female representation in gaming, become very defensive to the topic at hand.

There are indeed times when it's right to stand up against something, even if those affected aren't themselves. Any number of child issues. Any number of sexual crime issues. Times when an issue isn't really seen as an issue, if it can be proven as an issue. And some others. This isn't one of those times though, because it's such a non-issue, that if the people being "appropriated" were offended, they are perfectly capable of voicing their disdain directly, and ultimately, they'd be ignored about as much as this woman will be, because it's such a minor thing, and there is a difference between cultural appropriate and just using themes of a culture to represent an idea or experience.

[BenRage3]

I too am Mexican. And I've never met a Mexican who gets offended over things like this. Hey SJW's, we're not so weak and sensitive that we need people to speak up for us. Thank you.

[davand114]

It's weird that white people are always so mad about culture appropriation when the actual races are happy that their culture is being accepted everywhere. If they hate cultural appropriation then they shouldn't listen to most popular music, since black people invented most of it. It's like saying anyone outside of NY can't listen to hip hop or become a rapper because it's our culture. I thought people wanted different cultures to be put in the spotlight more, so others can become curious, learn more about them, and become more accepting of lifestyles that are different from their own. And white people shouldn't get offended on the behalf of other cultures. It makes it seem as though those people aren't able to comprehend when they should be offended and have to be protected. Which is offensive.

[DanteVFenris666]

No white people invented most probably music?

Please tell me symphonic black metal is popular, if not I shake my head at popularity itself.

[uth11]

@Dante-

Metal is an outgrowth of rock, and rock is an outgrowth of blues and r&b.

So popular music does own a debt to black musicians

[rainslacker]

They're probably mad about it because they don't actually know what it is, or when it's worth getting upset about.

[meganick]

I know right? It's always white people, women especially, who spout nonsense like this, and it's getting really annoying.

[Oschino1907]

Yep always white people... Smh

http://dailycaller.com/2017...

http://redalertpolitics.com...

http://www.dailywire.com/ne...

http://www.dailywire.com/ne...

http://www.dailywire.com/ne...

http://www.dailywire.com/ne...

Should I keep posting links or have I made my point that skin color has nothing to do with being an intolerant hate monger?

[jlove4life]

Viva La Mexico

[CorndogBurglar]

You know, its funny. Speedy Gonzalez was Mexican. He wore a sombrero and talked with a heavy spanish accent.

Are there not people in the world like that? I guess I just don't understand why anyone would find it offensive. No one was saying Speedy is how ALL Mexicans act, dress, or talk. And on top of that, Speedy was the hero of the episodes he was in.

I just don't get it.

[uth11]

Part of the "logic" of these SJWs is that every representation of a culture or gender is somehow making a statement about the entire group.

[fr0sty]

These people don't understand what cultural appropriation is.

[Uken12]

Made my day with this

[rainslacker]

Obviously, you aren't aware that you are incapable of defending yourself and are even more oblivious that you should be outraged by this. /s

Anyhow,

There are so many cool things in so many different cultures. While I likely wouldn't suddenly change my entire lifestyle to be more like them, I find no harm in taking the good things which I feel would be beneficial for myself, my life, or my family. I feel it enriches me, and those around me to always be open to new things.

[NecoTehSergal]

Not only that but Mario has had a Mexican-set of clothing / style in one of the older games. Nintendo is just using nostalgia of old outfits from Mario's history in a 3D game and for the modern time.

[FallenAngel1984]

That's not even Mario's first time wearing a Mexican outfit

But I guess we live in an age where everything can offend anyone

[Veneno]

It's not offensive, but they can do better.

[annoyedgamer]

It will stay as it is.

[Veneno]

Lol the dude with the Swastika is now an SJW?

[Veneno]

Hahaha what happened? You're no longer a Nazi all of the sudden? What a conversion!

[GrubsterBeater]

@Veneno

Let me guess, Trump is a Nazi too because the Washington Post told you?

People like you are why Europe is falling apart, and why Sweden is becoming the rape capital of the world.

Go protest some free speech somewhere with the rest of you Liberals while calling people Nazis because they don't think like you do.

[babadivad]

Leave it to the actual Mexicans to be offended. I don't hear white people arguing against black cultural appropriation. Where are the SJWs on this issue?? No where, because they are the one's doing the appropriation. Don't throw stones in a glass house. Until I hear Mexicans being upset at this, I'll keep it moving.

[-Foxtrot]

As a hat-elite I'm offended of him chucking his around like it's a cummy tissue.

[SoulMikeY]

Often don't agree with your shit, but "cummy tissue" got me. Then my nosey ass co worker over here, "wHaT aRe YoU lAuGhInG aT?" haha

[Critic4l_Strik3]

*insert spongebob meme*

[LoveSpuds]

I don't see any problem with people of different cultures, genders and sexual orientations showing each other respect and being sympathetic to each other. Having said that, how on earth anyone, Mexican or otherwise, could be offended by this Mario title is utterly beyond me. Nobody is viewing Mario in a sombreo as anything other than a positive thing, they are not making a value judgement about the country or its people.

I am a proud Welshman, if Nintendo want to give Mario a suit based on Leeks, sheep, daffodils or any other Welsh stereotypes I would love it. I fell in love with Drippy in Nino Kuni within 10 seconds of hearing him speak! :)

[jlove4life]

I love drippy :)

[frostypants]

The problem with the whole "cultural appropriation" outrage is that it isn't even about respectfully embracing another culture. It's basically about getting outraged if anyone not from that culture dares to do anything reflective of said culture. ANY incorporation of another culture is offensive to these types. It goes so far as to border on unintentional bigotry.

You hung one of those Native American dream catcher things in your car? "OMG CULTURAL APPROPRIATION, you monster!"

[LoveSpuds]

The thing to remember is that the Internet and social media is nothing but a massive echo chamber and the reality is that just one or two people might raise these issues and that in reality, hardly anyone is actually upset by these issues.

Me, personally, I find the vitriol levelled against people who do feel offended just as distasteful. It's unfair to judge someone who feels offended by their heritage, race, sex, gender or anything else misrepresented in some way, just as much as it's unfair for those same people, within reason, to expect others to change their feelings on that same issue.

[babadivad]

People don't even know what "Cultural Appropriation" is. Mario wearing a pancho and sombrero is NOT cultural appropriation. If Mario called the sombrero something other than it is, then it would be cultural appropriation. If you recognize the origins of the culture, you are OK.

When someone wears Bantu Knots and calls it mini-buns. That's cultural appropriation. You are denying the origin of the hair style. Unless this is what Nintendo is doing, then there shouldn't be a problem here.

[LoveSpuds]

Oops, double post.

[Aenea]

What? What about the Italians then! Sjeesh....

[annoyedgamer]

Italians are European, according to the SJW doctrine you can't appropriate "white" culture.

[BrandanT]

An extremely liberal girl at my high school argued with me after I said that white people have there own ethnic food.

[rdgneoz3]

@BrandanT White people can also say phrases that some other groups can't. Like "Good day, officer" and "Hi Dad."

[Seraphim]

the Italians already shot anyone who would say such things about Mario.

[opinionated]

i hate these people with a passion. If you don't add something you're not "representing" them, if you do add something you are "culturally appropriating". You walking contradictions, please get lost.

[TheOtherVitaOwner]

So a bunch of nobodies on social media are pissed off about a non-issue? How did this article get approved?

[uth11]

Because companies tend to freak out and make changes based on these social media outrages

[Robearboy]

the phrase "cultural appropriation" needs banning, bloody middle class white women femtards with nothing to do other than find causes to mo about . I was always taught it was good to embrace other cultures

[Supernintendo85]

Mama Mia!!!!!

[Veneno]

As with all developers, their hearts are in the right place, but their actual cultural awareness amounts to eating at taco bell and then believing they have absorbed the culture .

[Gh05t]

You are part of the problem. There is nothing wrong what so ever about this. Culture is not something that can be "owned".

[Veneno]

Lol wow you sure pulled a lot out of your rear there.

You sound more extreme than the SJWS haha,

[Neonridr]

what exactly is "offensive" about Mario wearing a poncho and a sombrero? I mean are we pretending like the sombrero and poncho aren't part of the mexican culture at all? I mean it's not like he's fighting tacos and speedy gonzales in the level.

[Veneno]

I don't know why is it offensive? Because I wrote in an earlier comment that it wasn't offensive. Are you reading what is being written?

[GrimReaperGamer]

The only good SJW is one buried 6ft deep. We seriously don't have enough mental institutions for these people anymore.

[Tetsujin]

And this is why the younger generation today is the laughing stock of the world, and the fall of mankind. People who aren't even a part of the culture throwing a fit?! What is there to really get offended over if it has 0 to do with you? I'm black, and I get offended when "others" have to speak for me on what's considered appropriate for "my people." I can speak for myself, and the Spanish can also speak for themselves if the situation called for it.

I guess this is the same people who complained about Amigo in Marvel vs Capcom 2? How about the Mexican in Sunset Riders? SJW complains about "white washing;" yet another culture is introduced, and they complain about "appropriation?" Which is it? In fact, some of the comments look like blatant trolling; if someone actually felt this way, they'd be far more vocal about it, and even boycott the new Mario.

You SJW want something to complain about? How about actual, real issues like hunger, race riots, and executions of people outside the US just for speaking their minds? Complaining about video game characters falls under "too much time on you hands."

[hengst2404]

Gotta love our American first world problems. People dying everywhere and we have folks dedicating time to speak out about the injustices of Mario wearing a sombrero.

[uth11]

Some of them may be trolls. But SJW ideology is subject to Poe's Law, where you can't tell the real views apart from parody of those views.

[rainslacker]

I remember when I was young. When I cared about acting like I cared about womens issues, it was usually to impress a woman and get me some.

OK, well, I actually do care about equality for everyone, but I never railed against perceived injustice on such levels like we see now.

Ironic thing is, I married a feminist. Not the crazy extremist type, but a lawyer who specializes in civil liberty issues, in particular those that affect women. She works against real injustice, and hates these new wave feminist almost, if not more, than those she ends up litigating against. She also doesn't care if I don't spend copious amounts of time defending others, because she knows expressing these things on the internet don't really help very often, or go anywhere in the grander scheme of things, because the real problems are more endemic of societal issues which most people just don't comprehend.

[Moonman]

Nobody saw anything negative. It's more of an appreciation for different cultures around the world. So what if they ignored certain cultures? That would be worse.

[Gh05t]

All the comments from the article are calling Mario racist... and its not for leaving cultures out. I get what you are saying but that is not what this article is talking about.

[CaitSith]

Legit laughed when I saw the title with that picture! Thank you for making my morning!

[Nodoze]

HAHAHAHAHAHAAHA. Oh the liberals. What a bunch of over sensitive morons.

[XStation4pio_Pro]

So we can't be inspired by or embrace/celebrate other cultures. Check. We should be a global society and all work together but don't let any of that global stuff rub off on us.

I need to get off the internet today. My head is going to explode - tho if it did that would probably be considered appropriating Michael bays culture of exploding things.

[nicsaysdie]

And there it is. Finally, the sjws are stepping in to video games and making sure every race is segregated and not allowed to intermingle with any other races' culture. You know who else wanted to keep cultures separate? Nazis. Great job nazis. Thanks for staying on the front lines of this war against inclusion, and making sure all races stay where they belong, separated from ever other race and culture. /s

[nicsaysdie]

On a non angry/sarcastic note.

Thanks to those who are speaking out against this. You deserve a slow clap.

Trying to prohibit "Cultural appropriation" is a bullshit form if racism.

[kangolkyle]

Nobody care about this and it'll go away

[BLKxSEPTEMBER]

As a Black man and Mario fan I'm just a little pissed that Mario doesn't have a pimp suit with a afro while asking the nearest gumba where his hoe peach is at. Pre Order cancelled!

[hengst2404]

Yeah, if Mario is not appropriating every culture, isn't his exclusion of other cultures far more of an issue?

[ARESWARLORD]

Lol or White Trash Mario. Drinking beer in front of the trailer with 6 kids and pregnant princess peach at his side

[DanteVFenris666]

And than drinking Mario kills his kids in Mario kart

[Oschino1907]

Lol with a Joe Dirt haircut and facial hair.

[rainslacker]

If they did that they'd have to make Yoshi into an old dinosaur who probably needed to be put down long ago.

[yellowgerbil]

If I can't wear a sombrero they can't wear tennis shoes.

[Auron]

SJWs need to move away from civilization because they can't handle life! Cater to me, cater to me or I'll scream!!! what mental people!

[CrystalFantasy]

I'm of Mexican decency but this is BS. It's a dumb fictional game. Get over it. First with Horizon Zero Dawn and now this. Smh.

[Auron]

Nintendo see how quickly the people you are constantly altering your work for and catering to turn on you?! Just **** those SOBs!!!

[hengst2404]

What is fascinating to me is that in 2017 the folks that seem to be most offended by so-called "cultural appropriation" are usually white people. Often white women. Here is an idea, let's stop "whitesplaining" and allow the different ethnic groups of the world to stand up and speak for themselves. Pretty sure that black, Hispanic, American Indian and Asians in American don't need white people to speak for them. It is actually quite typical for white people to think that they need to be the one's to speak up for the other, "lesser" folks. In a way every bit as condescending as the injustices that they often speak out against, both real and in the case, imagined.

[cruxito]

This is what happens when you let an undisplined-generation....a spoiled-brat-retarted-emo kids who can't MAN UP.
I am Mexican, and I this is the coolest thing Nintendo has ever done for the Mexican culture. The sombrero, poncho, and sandals its a mexican thing and help us to stand up more than all the rest of Latin American countries.

[Majin-vegeta]

Yes I see.nothing wrong with it as a Mexican these idiots need to STFU

[DanteVFenris666]

Calling out and stereotyping essentially is the same thing as being racist.

I'm in my twenties and I'd consider myself and peers very hard workers and not emo.

[cruxito]

DanteVFenris666... you just proved my point!!! thanks!!! People like you are making this world a lot worse than it is instead of making it better than it was.

[DanteVFenris666]

@cruxito dont see how calling out your stereotypes is proving your points. I was just proving that your a bit of an ass.

Also the generation before mine did no good to the world, poisoning the earth, senseless wars. Me personally I also don't care about making the world better as that's not really a realistic goal, but that also nothing to do with my generation but with me

[Gh05t]

You need to learn the difference between a bigot and racist. Neither are good but there is a HUGE difference.

[annoyedgamer]

This is the new racism honestly. Showing sombreros is promoting Mexican culture. The same way showing off other cultures helps people come together peacefully.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Wut.. how... uggh... move along people. The guy @sage_harpuia on twitter slams Nintendo for this yet he posts all kinds of Japanese Anime which if you have seen a fair amount of anime does the exact same thing of numerous ethnicity. The pot truly calling the kettle black

[Cy]

Of course they are. Social justice is cancer.

[defiance187]

Cultural Appropriation is just a made up term to try and further divide this country. America is a "Melting Pot". All of our culture is from other cultures. WTF is wrong with these people.

[addictedtochaos]

It is Mario for crying out loud. Aside from Mickey Mouse it may be the least offensive thing out there.

[lociefer]

i identify as infrared and i actually find it offensive that this generation of consoles chose bluetooth over us, but you dont see me complain.

[BenjaMan64]

Hello. Mexican here. I like Mexican Mario. Screw those puritans who believe they can decide what offends me.

[Edman888]

I'm waiting for the British stereotype costume. Mario should be wearing tweed, a monocle and a bowler hat whilst sipping a cup of tea and carrying an umbrella.

[DanteVFenris666]

Unfortunately these outfits are from past marios and I don't remember Mario having a suit like that, would be funny

[Indigon]

I will be glad when this artificial weirdness blew over and people only read about it in history books.

[kent80082007]

Since when does stupid people saying stupid shit on social media warrant as credible news?

1. A few people say some stupid shit on twitter
2. News outlets pick up the story and give it the usual click bait treatment "NEW GAME ACCUSED OF RACISM BY LITERALLY EVERYONE!!!"
3. Articles pop up taking sides
4. People triggered by sjw issue that's been blown out of proportion
5. Clicks and comments
6. Profit for sites

God I hate this world we live in, what a shit hole

[LoveSpuds]

Exactly my take on it too buddy.

As I stated earlier in this comment section, the Internet and social media is just one giant echo chamber and it only takes one or two people to express an opinion and the whole web looses it's collective mind.

It really is insane and is a shame because I feel like you only hear the extremist opinions on each end of the argument when, in reality, most people on either side of the argument just accept each others opinions and move on.

[frostypants]

I'm a left leaning guy, but the whole "cultural appropriation" thing is absolutely idiotic. Getting bent out of shape for someone being inspired by your culture? Gimme a damn break. How can someone be opposed to that and claim to be open minded? Before long we'll have come full circle and these nuts will be claiming that racial integration is racist.

[LoveSpuds]

I think if a particular culture is being misrepresented or negatively portrayed then there is possibly justification for offence to be taken by those being portrayed.

In this instance, we are talking about Mario and a cute costume which doesn't, in any way, bring to mind any negative connotations of Mexico to the gaming community. In fact it's quite the opposite for me, I am quite envious of their nation being given the Mario treatment, I would love to have a Welsh Mario costume.....although I have no idea what that costume might entail 😁

[TacoTaru]

Every time I hear something like 'cultural appropriation' it cracks me up. Who are the brain deficient wonder flakes that thinks up these new categories of victim hood?

[PiNkFaIrYbOi]

Cultural appropriation is such a joke and stuff.

[TheOttomatic91]

Hey SJWs fuck you

[Harkins1721]

That's it? A custome? FFXV Norris does the same thing. Fucking cry babies

[alstruck]

Its spelled noctis, fix whatever wiki you read at..

[Harkins1721]

Phone auto corrected. Thanks douche

[3-4-5]

* The United States of America literally IS made up entirely of culture appropriation. We all come from different countries with different heritage, customs,languages,style of dress,traditions.....

SJW's don't want us to celebrate any of that unless you are they type of person.

It's literal segregation, and it's ignorant.

Embrace other cultures....just like Nintendo is.

[alstruck]

I want a Mario game where he is an Italian mob mafia boss who only eat pizza and pasta

[madpuppy]

"Cultural Appropriation" what a joke, another ridiculous phrase that needs to be tossed into the garbage with safe spaces, White Privilege and trigger words, as well as all the other Pseudo Social "issues" Thought up by Leftists College Professors with too much time on their hands meant to divide people.

[Apex13]

Fuck me, everyone is so sensitive these days.

[EliteGameKnight]

can we just take a moment to realize that these tweets have barely any likes? this just seems like controversy for controversy's sake.

[Psytrix]

Remember the days you'd only read garbage like this on The Onion? The world really has gone down the shitter. Finger on the pulse though, we're only 5 minutes out from the next viral outrage.