Posted on 08/01/2025 2:46:30 PM PDT by DallasBiff
The Brooklyn Public Library in New York has removed an image of the Moomin character Stinky, known in Finnish as Haisuli, from a Tove Jansson exhibition after a donor found the character potentially racist.
The exhibition, titled Tove Jansson and the Moomins: The Door Is Always Open, is the first major showcase of Jansson’s work in the United States. It presents her legacy as a writer, illustrator, pacifist and queer artist, alongside illustrations, archival materials and immersive events. It will remain open until 30 September.
Roleff Kråkström, CEO of Moomin Characters, which oversees the use and licensing of the Moomin brand, confirmed that Stinky was removed at the library’s request.
“The library informed us that one of their patrons had interpreted Stinky as a potentially racist symbol. Based on their feedback, we agreed to update the visual content,” Kråkström said in an interview with Hufvudstadsbladet.
The decision has sparked confusion among Finnish Moomin representatives. Kråkström said the accusation is unprecedented. “To our knowledge, this is the first time in the 80-year history of the Moomins that anyone has viewed Stinky as racist,” he told Helsingin Sanomat by email.
A spokesperson for the Brooklyn Public Library, Fritzi Bodenheimer, confirmed the image was taken down in response to the complaint. “This was a curatorial decision intended to ensure all visitors feel welcome,” she told Hufvudstadsbladet.
(Excerpt) Read more at helsinkitimes.fi ...
|
Click here: to donate by Credit Card Or here: to donate by PayPal Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794 Thank you very much and God bless you. |
Unrelated I think, but title “The Door is Always Open” is the title of one of Waylon Jennings songs. Any connections?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.