As a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, the hip-swiveling Ricky Martin is touring the Middle East to learn more about Arabic culture and has vowed to combat any negative stereotypes the West may have of Arabic teens.
“I have been a victim of stereotypes. I come from Latin America and to some countries, we are considered `losers,’ drug traffickers, and that is not fair because that is generalizing.”
Then Martin, who was born in Puerto Rico and was victimized by– we mean, enjoyed worldwide fame as part of a latino boy band in the 80’s, draped over his shoulders a traditional Arab kaffiyeh headscarf with the slogan ‘Jerusalem Is Ours’ written in Arabic on it.
We’re guessing Ricky isn’t a particularly smart guy in the first place, but the goodwill he’s spreading smells a little like menudo that’s been left out too long in the sun.
Photo: AP.
Yo, Yenta!
From the edge of the Diaspora rises a new generation of Jewish mother
Open you minds a little please.
God forbid someone exercise free speech. It is offensive that you state Mr. Martin is not intelligent.
Apparently you have not read and understood his point regarding sterotypes, perhaps your stereotype of those wearing a “kaffiyeh headscarf” is misguided to say the least.
I think its a noble effort on Ricky’s part but I also think its kind of cruel that the Arab folks he’s defending didn’t clue him in on the scarf he was wearing. That would be either a betrayal of his trust or real negligence. I’d be pissed if I was wearing some anti-semitic stuff unintentionally. Someone should be held responsible.
never cared for Ricky Martin.
I*
Colgate, I think you’ve misinterpreted the post. It’s very nice for a celebrity like Ricky Martin to fight stereotypes and certainly Arab people suffer from a certain negative image. But by donning a scarf with an anti-Semitic slogan, he only empowers the stereotype of the bungling, do-gooder celebrity who obviously doesn’t know a whole lot about the politics of the country he’s visiting.
So, he’s either dumb, anti-Semitic or desperately needs to fire his publicist.
I think someone should get fired for that one! I still feel like Ricky got duped and used. He’s got good inentions but seriously folks, they could have warned him instead of letting him parade the scarf in pics.