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PARIS, Aug 8, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Babar the Elephant, the fictional pachyderm decried by some as a symbol of oppression and imperialism, is being hailed in France for his 75th birthday.
Babar, who lives in a world reminiscent of colonial-era French settlements in Africa, is being celebrated in France with postage stamps, a marketing deal with the Environment Ministry and a new book, "Babar's World Tour," The Times of London reported Tuesday.
The cartoon elephant, which was created by Jean de Brunhoff in 1931 and has been under the supervision of his creator's son, Laurent de Brunhoff, since 1946, has been called a symbol of racism and imperialism by his detractors.
Sociologist Herbert Kohl wrote a famous essay, "Should We Burn Babar?" arguing the elephant's kingdom is one of racism and sexism.
Laurent de Brunhoff acknowledged some of the early works could be construed as racist and said he declined to reissue an early book, "Picnic at Babar's" for that reason.
"It was the past. African-American parents do not seem to hold it against me. I often see them with their children at signing sessions," he said.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
