Cameron Diaz and Chinese Leader Mao Zedong in Trouble
Cameron Diaz decided to sport an olive green handbag with China's Communist Leader Mao Zedong's most famous political slogan "Serve the People" printed in Chinese along with a Red Star, while she was visiting the city of Machu Picchu in Peru.
To many, the bags are a fashion accessory.
In Peru the slogan evokes memories of when the Maoist Shining Path insurgency fought the government in the 1980s and early 1990s in a conflict that left nearly 70,000 people dead.
Diaz said – "I sincerely apologize to anyone I may have inadvertently offended. The bag was a purchase I made as a tourist in China and I did not realize the potentially hurtful nature of the slogan printed on it… I'm sorry for any people's pain and suffering and it was certainly never my intention to reopen what I now know is a painful wound in this country's history and wish for their continued healing."
Maybe she said all that, maybe not. A Peruvian human rights activist said that the star should have been a little more aware of local history and sensitivities
when picking her accessories.
"Look at that interesting handbag. I wonder if they will mind me carrying it when I visit Kutumbu next year."
I wouldn't have known about Peruvian history. But, then I wouldn't be found carrying a handbag either.
Should celebs have to check out local history before getting dressed in the morning?
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