Dora The Explorer Arizona Immigration Battle

Dora The Explorer| Hayneedle| Sharks| Lost Finale| Fox



CHICAGO — in her police mug shot, the doe-eyed cartoon heroine with the bowl haircut has a black eye, battered lip and bloody nose. The doctored picture, one of several circulating widely in the aftermath of Arizona's controversial new immigration law, may seem harmless, ridiculous or even tasteless.

As a resident of the state of the Arizona, I have been following the recent immigration law passed with some interest. Many have expressed concern over the new law, and many are trying to boycott the state of Arizona. They feel like they can say negative things because she's only a cartoon character.

In Dora's case, especially because her image is so widely available, she's an easy target as discussion ramps up on how lawmakers should address the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants living in the United States

In the late 1990s, Tinky Winky the Teletubby, a purple children's TV character with a triangle antenna – was called out by Christian leaders for being gay. Sesame Street roommates Bert and Ernie are often involved in statements on same-sex marriage. The images have been used on all sides of the immigration reform debate.