Take Action Against Racist and Sexist Television Characters in Peru

Take Action Against Racist and Sexist Television Characters in Peru

Started
May 26, 2010
Petition to
Minister of Social Development and Women’s Affairs and Social Development Dr. Nidia Vilchez Yucra and 1 other
Petition Closed
This petition had 124 supporters

Why this petition matters

Started by International Women's Health Coalition

Recently, Peruvian organization LUNDU has spearheaded a Campaign Against Racism and Sexism in Peru. This campaign challenged the racism ingrained in Peruvian society, where African descendents are a highly discriminated against minority, marginalized on many grounds, including poverty, lack of access to education and cultural stereotypes. These stereotypes are often reinforced by caricatured representations diffused by national media. One of such caricatures has been the "Negro Mama" (literally "sucking negro"), a fictional character with gorilla-like hands and dark-pained face, always looking for ways to take advantage of other people and commit illegal activities. The actor playing the "Negro Mama" character also plays " Paisana Jacinta" (literally, Jacinta the farmer) , the caricature of an ugly, ignorant and rather stupid indigenous woman, who is also constantly making inappropriate sexual jokes. LUNDU has spearheaded protest against these racist TV characters, and now you can take action to join their campaign.  You can read more about this situation here from MADRE and here on Akimbo.

Today, IWHC, American Jewish World Service and MADRE ask you to take action by writing to Mr. Jorge Baca-Alvarez Marroquín (President of the Complaints Committee of the Peruvian National Society of Radio and TV) and to Ms. Nidia Vilchez Yucra (Minister of Social Development and Women's Affairs and Social Development).  Demand that they put an end to these TV portrayals that violate the human rights of the Indigenous and Afro-Peruvian population. Use the text below, or draft your own letter:

 

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This petition had 124 supporters

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Decision Makers

  • Dr. Nidia Vilchez YucraMinister of Social Development and Women’s Affairs and Social Development
  • Dr. Jorge Baca-Alvarez MarroquínPresident of the Complaints Committee of the Peruvian National Society of Radio and TV