Check out this news clip to see how a beloved children's cartoon character was pulled into the debate on illegal immigration last year. It's shocking that no part of popular culture is exempt from this controversial issue--even cartoons. Dora, depicted with a black eye and bloody lip and nose could actually represent either side of the debate. For those against SB1070 (the image was created as a response to the law), Dora appears as a victim of racism, while those in favor could view the image as a deserved punishment given to a character that can't actually be harmed.
I also found Dora on the facebook page "Dora the Explorer is definitely an illegal immigrant": http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dora-the-Explorer-is-definately-an-illegal-immigrant/140242166037787?sk=wall There are some pretty terrible comments on the wall considering she is a friendly cartoon character. There is no evidence Dora would be in the U.S. illegally on the show, so why do you think people feel the need to drag her into the debate? I would argue that it's important to teach kids about other cultures and languages at an early age, and for the kids watching who are Latino, Dora teaches them to celebrate their race and culture.
I was shocked at the end of this video to learn that the artist was actually against the immigration law. Instead, I believe, she made it as a satirical comment on the fact that Dora is so innocent and that it's absurd for people to assume that someone is a criminal/dangerous (implied by the mugshot) because they are latina.
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