I guess my point was that I don't understand why we are imbuing Japanese toys with American symbolism. I would naturally assume that this toy, being from Japan, contains a reference to something in Japanese history or pop culture. When toys are produced here, do we consider what might be offensive in the context of another market's culture? Looking at all of the pseudo-Asian motifs that pepper designer and vinyl toys, I would think not (remember the three-eyed death Neko?).

In fact, I am surprised that the Cord Viper guy even considered the resemblance to a Klan outfit (which is a credit to his knowledge, I suppose).

Probably because the market for these toys is the USA. If they don't make a white, milky or gid I am sure it won't be a problem. Showing off the GID 1st was probably a mistake.

In the end I doubt they were trying to make an offensive toy but they have made one either way. I wouldn't put this on the shelves at S7. It is not cool enough to risk offending people over.

couple of things,

On the whole american culture being projected on japanese toys by the collector. In today's day and age most history and culture are world history and culture. I mean we americans spend insane amounts of dough on toys that are part of japans history. I'm not the most well traveled person. In fact I'm pretty anti traveled. But I think alot of folks know who and what the clan was and is.

That being said I think I really like this toy. I mean he's supposed to be a villain, And I can't think of a single guy in a pointy hood that I've ever thought was a nice guy. So yeah I would actually LOVE one in Milky white for my unpainted B&W shelf.

Going a bit away from the toy discussion... Reminds me of a time in Hong Kong when a leading fashion brand made a whole line of Nazi symbols on their clothing with army gear. Their display in the stores were pretty full on. They took the whole line down after many people were offended and complained to the Gov and press (mainly from expats and tourists) Just shows how history may seem cool to revive (to market and play) though I really think its just dumb ignnorance more than anything in this case.

i had a project from a fashion magazine (name no names but its from the UK but for the local edition) that wanted me to create models dropped into NY backdrop with buildings blowing up. This was 2 years after 911 occurred. I had to persuade the editor to rethink their idea telling them its a bit too sensitive. I was surprised that they really didn't think so, but later toned everything down.

True enough, as I suppose we are the primary market by all accounts- esp. as this might make it difficult to sell to U.S. retailers. This probably goes back to the question of the intended buyers of these toys.

Kamen Rider baddy

The general ignorance of the horrors of Nazism, and even glorification of the Third Reich in Asia, would shock the hell out of a lot of people here. It's been a while since I've seen a Nazi flag hung in Taiwan, and that may be partly because I'm not one to see one hanging and continue walking idly by.

Young Nigo posing in blackface of Bathing Ape fame.

This whole thread seems a bit odd. Not sure that I really get the connection. I am certain Kyuni of Cord Viper would be shocked to hear all of this.

Holy shit Luke, totally agree.

I'm sure they weren't going for a KKK look when doing it, but at the same time white power money is as green as anyone else... who's to turn down their money if it catches on in that group. Though I guess morals play into things like that. But seriously I think it's cool, just wanna see it in other colors.

I don't actually believe cord viper was going for the "white power" thing. (does anybody???) it's just that the design isn't too far from the robes we know, and--for me at least--it doesn't do anything good. it just accidentally looks like a KKK action figure. GID vinyl probably didn't help much.

No. If they do, shut up and get out you're crazy.

ANYWAY, I assumed the discussion was more like "How odd, a Japanese toy but look at what it looks like. Can we clear up what it's based on?" not "I think this is a KKK toy!"

So why would anyone be shocked? Earlier in the thread it was mentioned that the maker was aware of what it resembled as well, just won't put out whites. Again, I agree, I don't think ANYONE here actually REALLY thinks this has any connections to the Klan, more of an "observe-discuss" topic. But I'll be honest, I haven't paid a whole lot of attention.

Back on to the KKK topic super fast, think they'll see the pink with glitter one of these and say "HEY, GOOD IDEA!" No, I don't either, but it makes me laugh.

here's a little but of cultural differences:
when i read KKK, i don't think klan. i think of my history and the revolution in the Philippines against Spain.
Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng̃ mg̃á Anak ng̃ Bayan
So yeah...when i saw this toy, i never thought klan. i really did think Snuggie and was kinda bummed i didn't pick one up at SF50.

When I read KKK, I think of the Ramones.

I think "Krusty's Komedy Klassics"

Kyuni is a super solid nice dude. I don't think the KKK ever entered his mind when creating this toy. His whole line is Kamen Rider inspired. All those Kamen Rider villains are by far my favorites next to the Barom 1.

I guess this is what I was pointing at. Not so much that he thought "KKK" while making it, but was aware of the possible connection, said "fuck it, get educated on what I'm basing these on" and made them anyway while being sensitive enough NOT to put out a white one.

I think the kamen rider villain based on a klansmen.

ABSOLUTELY!! I posted something earlier but I'll say it again all the early rider baddies were based on Nazi soldiers, Inquisitors, Klansmen, etc.

Remember Hitler Starfish? Maybe this will help:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3SzmfZ6F24

They were taking accepted evil costumes and making them the costumes for their bad guys. It was a way for the baddies to instantly LOOK evil. Nothing new here, we see it in costuming in all sorts of tv shows, and movies. Now we see a toy based on that kind of costuming and we freak? It looks like the klan cause the Klan are evil. This guy is bad and so he looks like a bad guy.

Thats what I meant to say. I think the reference is genius.

And starfish Hitler is an eternal win.

SCORE!!

Starfish Hitler toy would be the shit!!

And no self respecting skin head would own it either, because it makes a joke of everything that they believe about the dumbass. The same with the KKK thing and this Zabel. If anything it trivializes the KKK to the point of absurdity. No way this glorifies the KKK. You think this figure is going to be at your next Klan rally getting the troops all fired up about some hate?? Doubtful.

The image Lamour posted speaks to so much about contemporary Japanese popular culture and the remarkable way that it takes iconography from western cultures, recycling them into something else, be it the uniforms of English school kids, the pompadours of rockabilly, kaiju named "Satan" or "Sarumon," or in the case of the misguided BAPE blackface, something much less palatable given the weight of history and ongoing racial stereotypes.

I'm still not totally comfortable with the "afro dog" character but am the first to recognize that I might be taking it a little too seriously. I doubt if it was intended to be demeaning blaxploitation but as a child of the '70s have a hard time not seeing it that way. Context can get lost in translation in multiple directions.

However that's not necessarily to "forgive" or to dismiss one country's context just because another's is different or ignorant of the original. I respect Pogue's statement that S7 won't carry this toy on principle. That's ethically right IMHO. However if collectors here want it, I wouldn't think them racists for it by any means unless they displayed it in a way that made it a heroic Klansman rather than a fantasy villain whose appearance is based on villainous reality, which I suspect is highly unlikely.

Anyway, this is one of the more thoughtful discussions around here lately and I'm glad nobody has gone ballistic over it.

Are they sending a free tube of "Darkie" toothpaste with these?

There are certain aspects of every culture's underbelly that people would rather sweep under the rug, but what's wrong with a bit of discussion?

I recently received a toy with an accessory with a bright red Swastika painted on it. Came as a pretty big shock to me, as I had no idea it even had accessories. Was it ignorance? Was there something behind it? Was it a quick and easy "reappropriation" of evil iconography? I don't know.

On the one hand, we do need to recognize that Western culture, including groups like the Klan and Nazis, are entirely exotic to people in Asia. There's no emotional, racial, or historical heritage infusing the imagery with deeper meaning. And that makes it easy for people to reuse that imagery. On the other hand, racism is far from absent in Asia.

In my experience, what people in the West tend to assume about Asia is quite often the opposite of the truth.