https://swedenherald.com/article/stinky-removed-from-new-york-moomin-exhibition-after-concernsStinky Removed from New York Moomin Exhibition After Concerns
Moomin character pulled over racism concernThe Brooklyn Public Library in New York has removed the Moomin character Stinky, known in Finnish as Haisuli, from a Tove Jansson exhibition
after a donor found the character potentially racist.
The controversy around Stinky from Moomin being "cancelled" in Brooklyn seems to stem from the character's portrayal and how it was received by certain audiences. Stinky, a recurring character in the Moomin universe, is a mischievous, somewhat villainous figure who loves causing trouble. While his antics are meant to be comedic in the context of the books and shows, some modern audiences might have found his behavior problematic in today’s more sensitive social climate, particularly regarding issues like representation and ethics.
In Brooklyn, where there tends to be a heightened awareness around diversity and social responsibility in media, there may have been concerns about how Stinky’s actions (like deceit and trickery) were framed, or the way he could potentially influence younger viewers. It might not have been a case of outright "cancellation" but more about rethinking his portrayal to align with current values.
If we go down the path of canceling things purely because one person or group finds them offensive, we could end up erasing a vast amount of cultural, historical, and literary works—including things like the Bible. That could open the door to an endless series of cancellations based on personal feelings, which wouldn’t necessarily be productive or fair.
The Bible, for example, has influenced millions of people over thousands of years. It contains a lot of stories, teachings, and perspectives that reflect the values and social norms of its time. Some of those stories may be seen as offensive by modern standards, but it’s also a historical document that’s been interpreted in many ways by different cultures. Cancelling it would disregard the context in which it was created and its profound impact on religious, ethical, and cultural traditions.
the Brooklyn Library is hosting an exhibit in honor of the beloved Finnish fantasy series Moomin, but it has decided to remove references to Stinky - a black, criminal, trickster character - because a patron complained that it was racist
