Constantin and Laurene Boym of Boym Partners have designed a series of painted wood souvenirs that represent New York's multi-ethnic population.
Called Babel Blocks, the five figurines are sold as a set that is described as "a souvenir of New York’s religious and cultural diversity".
The figures are called Mary, Chen, Nafisa, Jose and Moishe, who "all have their own pages on MySpace," according to the Boyms. The set can be bought at Moss, the Shop at Cooper-Hewitt, or at www.boym.com (where it costs $75 plus shipping).
What ?? No Indian Taxi drivers ?
Wow, I have never seen such appropriated stereotypical toys in my life. Are these toys critical of our diverse environment in New York, or are they basic stereotypes and architypes of our surrounding? Has anyone seen the videos that the Boyms created for these?
This has to be a joke, right?
Since you asked. yes, there is a taxidriver.
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Yeah, these seem to cross the line into condescending stereotypes to me.
Especially the names. It was a nice thought, but the execution misses the “respectful” mark to me.